The
objectives behind managing a web site are primarily
to ensure the site is functioning, to identify
possible improvements and options for development
and to keep
relevant content fresh. Not all sites 'need' management.
Some sites will plod along under their own steam
for years. However, in the experience of TWS, there
is always something to do. The chart above shows
a new web site after 4 months. This is actually
typical of most web sites as they bed in. Keeping
an eye
on trends such as the four bars in the lower graph
which represent the last four months allows us
to determine the condition of the site. From data
such
as this we can make decisions, we can monitor the
success of marketing campaigns, and we can share
a common language to describe the mechanics of
the site.
But
the management of a site is more about looking at
numbers. Its about being there when a company relocates
and changing the address details across the internet.
Its about reviewing other web sites and ensuring
that nothing has been missed. Its about building
more meaningful information. Reacting to changes
in the internet landscape and reassuring clients
that their web site is being looked after and is
not a distant object on the other side of the ether.
An
interesting way to look at what web site management
is is to look at what it is not. Its not sitting
there for years wondering where the username and
password to your web site is. Its not being concerned
when telemarketers call up and tell you your web
site is rubbish and your competition have all the
top slots. Its not being oblivious to the fact that
its still playing the House Of The Rising Sun or
has buttons that don't work or says things that don't
make sense. These are all real examples of the state
of play of MANY web sites before TWS took them on
board. When TWS manage your web site you can continue
with your business safe in the knowledge that if
you want anything done, its just an e-mail or a call
away. But perhaps most importantly its about being
able to talk to someone about your concerns.
