Responding to requests for Wordpress sites

Digital Engagement gets regular requests for standalone sites, including Wordpress. This page is for noting ways we can respond.

Information for staff

Staff can find information about requesting a new site on the staff intranet - https://intranet.wgtn.ac.nz/staff/services-resources/marketing/websites/new-websites

Example emails

When Squiz seems like the better option

Kia ora [name],

I understand the importance of having a professional online presence that represents your [lab/project] and its activities.

The content you mentioned is standard within the University's web channel. Examples of [research labs] and projects on our site include:

• Autobiographical Memory Lab

• Supporting the Political Party Law Reform.

A dedicated section showcasing your work like this can be created for you by your Faculty's website editors - [names]. If you require a short URL pointing to your web content, my team can assist.

Keeping your web content within the University's web channel offers several important benefits, including:

• your content will have a better chance of being found in search engines such as Google

• findable via the University's website search tool

• as a University activity, your [lab's] online content will match the University's other activities

• ease of updating (my team provides full support to the Faculty's web editors)

• secure and backed up

• sometimes, the University's website might have tools or features that are useful for your lab's content. For example, we recently made scholarships embeddable on any web page. Soon, we plan to release a site-wide design refresh that includes te reo page names.
  
  

So, it's possible that keeping your [lab's] content on the University's website helps your [lab] and we'd be proud to feature you.

I'm looking forward to your thoughts.

Ngā mihi

When you don’t have enough information

Sometimes staff ask for Wordpress sites, but don’t say why. If you’re not sure of the requirements, you can send an email like the following:

Kia ora,

It’s great to hear about your exciting new project.

Marsden funding requirements

Can you advise if there are any specific guidelines or obligations from the Marsden Fund regarding the creation of a website, such as branding?

Knowing this will help me understand whether we facilitate a site within the University's web channel (fully supported) or a Wordpress site (not supported).

Benefits of using the University’s main web channel

• Higher traffic and visibility:  The University’s website has over 24 million visits per year, which can significantly increase the visibility of the project.

• Established Google profile: A page within the University’s main website is more likely to rank higher in search results due to the site’s established authority.

• Professional support: The University provides website advice, training, ongoing design, functionality enhancements, and helpdesk support. (You will be able to create and update your own online content.)

Website content strategy

Regardless of the website platform decision, you will need to create a website content strategy. This is a living document that fully details the purpose, audience needs, content ownership, scope, future plans, and regular review schedules. I'll send you a link to a website content strategy template under separate cover.

I'm looking forward to find out more about your website needs.

Ngā mihi

When Wordpress is the option

…

Hosting considerations

We do have a service that hosts WordPress sites, but currently, our capacity is full. Adding your site would incur additional costs to our team. I’m unsure how we would manage these expenses at this stage, but I’m happy to discuss potential options with you.

Website content strategy

Even if you proceed with a WordPress site, you’ll still need a clear content strategy to align your research with University's objectives and meet your audience needs. How do you plan to increase visibility for your research? For example, will there be a news article highlighting your work and directing visitors to your site, or will there be a link to your site on a School page? Establishing a plan for discovery is key.

Featuring your research on the University's website

A dedicated page in the School's website showcasing your work can be created. Your School’s website editor, [name], can assist with this. This option could leverage existing traffic.

Short URL

If you require a short URL pointing to your web content, my team can assist with setting this up for you.

Website address and domain management

Digitial Solutions provide a domain name purchase service at no cost.  This ensures a seamless renewal process each year without having to chase down details tied to specific email accounts in various departments.

Wordpress expertise and costs

Setting up and maintaining a WordPress site involves several technical tasks, including drafting the site, choosing a design and plugins, publishing the site, and ensuring the domain is connected. Ongoing maintenance will also be needed to keep content up-to-date, update plugins, and troubleshoot issues. 

If this is outside your expertise, you may need to consider external support. Avalon Marketing, a local business in Wairarapa, comes highly recommended for these services.

• Karen Cox

• 021 1010 4691

• karen@avalonmarketing.co.nz

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or if you'd like to discuss your options in more detail.

Ngā mihi