Web Presentation Guide 5.1
Maintenance
Action
Review and maintain Web site content on a regular basis.
Why
Web sites need to contain current information and accurate links. Agencies can ensure that content continues to serve the needs of users by monitoring the site on a regular basis. Prompt removal or update of broken links will ensure that users maintain a high level of confidence of site material.
What/How
Web site maintenance includes the following activities:
- Monitor site content and update as needed.
- Remove outdated content. Review the Records Retention section for archival information.
- Monitor and fix broken links. Consistently check for broken links and fix identified problems to avoid frustrating users.
Use a link checker program that will spider through a site and report any broken links.
- Consistently check for and remove orphan files. Use link checker to identify orphan files.
- Facilitate reporting of problems by users. Provide a convenient means for users to report any problems found on a page/site.
- Prevent and avoid broken links on external sites.
- Be aware that many external entities may link to agency Web sites.
- Avoid unnecessary file renaming and use a redirect page to inform users of a change when a page must be renamed or
removed.
- Notify external sites that link to a site/page that is renamed or removed. External sites that link to a site/page can
be identified through a number of tools including Alta Vista's Webmaster Search.
- Communicate changes via the Washington Web Masters Listserv.
Checklist: Maintenance
Resources
Related guide topics