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Don’t overlook these important details: 1. The title for the HTML document should be named appropriately to reflect the content on the page. Example for the GITA website. Title for the homepage should say “Government Information Technology Agency (GITA)”. Subsequent pages should have a more specific title that reflects the content on that page like “GITA – Policies and Procedures." 2. Use Meta tagging for your homepage and main category pages. Refer to the GITA website for suggested Meta tag use. Using proper Meta tags will improve search results from search engines and drive traffic to your website. 3. Create alternate versions of documents where practical, such as .pdf documents. Provide an html or text version where possible to allow all users to access the document. In addition, inform users what type of document is being accessed prior to their selection to avoid their frustration of having to wait for their .pdf reader to open. 4. Use of Style Sheets is important when keeping consistency in mind. A basic style sheet has been provided along with the template and is available on the GITA website. It may be modified for your agency needs. 5. Design for a minimum of 800 X 600 resolution screen size. On screens with larger resolutions, organize the table structure so the page content fits within 100% of the window. 6. When possible, links should open in the same browser window. 7. When a Web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to the required plug-in or applet required to display or execute your content. (e.g. PDF, Flash, Media player, etc). Refer to the Website Accessibility Policy. 8. Use of the “last modified date” should be considered on documents that are changed frequently. 9. Limit your home/index page to no more than 50,000 bytes or 50K. When possible, limit corresponding pages to no more than 40,000 bytes or 40K. 10. TEST, TEST, TEST. This cannot be stressed enough. Before you launch your website, confirm that your content works, and displays properly in Netscape 4.7 and IE 5.5. Send your site to everyone in your office and have them test the links, look for spelling errors and review the overall function of your new site before it is available to the public. 11. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that all Federal agencies comply with a set of design standards to ensure websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities. We encourage all state agencies to design and develop their websites around these standards. Refer to the Website Accessibility Policy. 12. Finally, before your site is published, submit an NOI (Notice of Intent) to GITA for review. For further assistance, please contact:
Shanna Anderson |
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