Top tips

Plan ahead. Allocate enough resources - time, money and people - to build and maintain your website.

Make it easy to get around. Keep the design of your site as simple and intuitive as possible and avoid gimmicks.

Stick to your subject. Don't try to be all things to all people. Stay focused on the objective of the site and your target audiences.

Think about the style. Writing for the web is different from writing for other media. Make sure your content is short and snappy.

First impressions. Don't make the home page too busy – provide a concise description of the website and entice visitors to dig deeper through the use of clear sign-posting.

View your site through the eyes of a stranger. Once you have completed your site outline, view it in other browsers. Does it look like you wanted it to look?

Don't forget to publicise your site. Your website URL should appear on every piece of communication you send out, including business cards, letterhead, newsletters, brochures and posters.

Reciprocal links. Ask partners and stakeholders if they will include a link to your site on theirs, in return for you doing the same.

Keep your site current. Come up with a reason for people to revisit your pages and recommend them to their friends/colleagues.

Feedback. Ask visitors for their feedback using online surveys or polls. Ask the opinion of colleagues and friends, as they will often see things with fresh eyes. Keep looking for ways to improve your website.