Overview
This lecture covers web content development, including the distinction between web, websites, and web pages, as well as the complete lifecycle of creating and managing web content. The session focuses on content management systems, particularly WordPress, and practical steps for building online content.
Web Fundamentals
- Web refers to the worldwide web, a collection of websites and web pages stored on web servers connected through the internet
- Websites contain text pages, digital images, audios, videos, and other media (e.g., google.com, wikipedia.com, facebook.com)
- Web pages are individual pages formatted in HTML and connected by hyperlinks, accessed via HTTP
- A website is a collection of web pages, analogous to pages compiled into a book
- Web browsers allow users to access and view web content
Web Content & Traffic
- Web content encompasses text, sounds, images, videos, and other media published on a website
- Web content represents the actual material displayed on websites (e.g., articles, pictures found after clicking search results)
- Web traffic measures the number of visitors to a website and pages they access
- Traffic metrics determine website popularity and content effectiveness
- Visitor tracking applications show who accesses web content and how frequently
Web Content Lifecycle
The lifecycle consists of five sequential stages from conception to removal:
| Stage | Key Activities | Focus |
|---|
| Planning | Answer five W's and one H (what, where, who, when, why, how) | Define content type, target audience, budget, deadlines, and website objectives |
| Creation | Research, writing, graphic design, photography, video editing | Develop content that captures reader attention and maintains thematic consistency |
| Deployment | Regional adaptation, device compatibility, browser testing, translation | Ensure content accessibility across devices, browsers, regions, and languages |
| Maintenance | Update images, statistics, dates, sources, and articles | Keep content fresh, useful, and aligned with current trends |
| Retirement | Remove outdated or unpopular content | Free memory space and maintain website credibility by focusing on relevant content |
Deployment Considerations
- Content must work across different regions and device types (iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac OS)
- Ensure compatibility with multiple internet browsers
- Include translation features for international audiences to improve accessibility
- Promotion is essential and not automatic despite web accessibility
Promotion Strategies
- Utilize social media platforms to reach potential visitors
- Implement paid advertising campaigns to increase visibility
- Send email advertising to target audiences
- Use web syndication and search engine optimization techniques
- Encourage subscriptions through direct messaging and follow features
Archiving
- Archiving preserves outdated web content as historical reference rather than erasing it completely
- Outdated content transitions from published to unpublished status
- Archived materials can serve as sources of historical data for future use
- Regular updates prevent content from becoming archived or removed
Content Management System
- CMS is software for creating, publishing, and managing online content
- Blogs are online journals (web logs) owned by individuals or groups
- Blog posts are published regularly by bloggers on specific topics
- Vlogs are video-based blogs, while blogs contain written articles
WordPress
- WordPress ranks among the top content management systems available today
- The platform is free and user-friendly for beginners
- Users can select from multiple themes and layouts for content presentation
- Plan options include Free (limited access), Premium (additional features), and Business (full access)
Creating a WordPress Blog
- Visit wordpress.com to begin setup
- Select a category: art/entertainment, family/home, lifestyle, education, health/wellness, or business/services
- Choose a theme and layout that supports readability and visual appeal
- Find and register a domain name (e.g., ict.com, entrep.com)
- Select a plan based on needed features and budget
- Create an account using an email address
- Launch your website after completing setup
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hyperlinks/Hypertext: Connections between web pages that enable navigation through clicking
- HTTP: Protocol used to access web pages
- Domain Name: The unique web address identifying your website
- Web Traffic: Number of visitors and page views indicating site popularity
- Deployment: Making content ready and accessible to readers across platforms