They got me. I sat through several brain-numbing ads only to find out that it was a bat, or maybe just one of their other buddies bumping around in the dark. But they got me to hang on for more...

 

Now, I'm not suggesting that we build cliffhangers into our Relay site (although that IS and interesting idea...), but we do need to give visitors a good reason to come back. And we need to do that every time they visit.

 

I noted earlier that to get people to return, we must provide something new and interesting for them to see. So, as I began to build our site I realized that I needed a steady stream of fresh, interesting content. We've come to the right place: a Relay For Life progresses from early efforts at formation all the way to the big event and beyond, producing an endless supply of interesting happenings. I've tried to leverage that right on the Greeting page by featuring information about what was going to happen, what just happened, and by providing useful tools for our Relayers.

 

Some ideas:

 

• Meeting notes - in pdf format, if possible. When each of these become available, email an announcement with a link to the site, rather than emailing the notes file itself.
   
• Forms or other tools for team captains, team members, or the public
   
• Fundraisers (future) - a link to the flyer or page of every upcoming fundraiser
   
• Fundraisers (past) - a celebratory note, giving the team name, date, description, and how much was raised. An inter-team fundraiser might warrant a special section on the Greeting page. Whenever possible, include a link to the "FUNdraiser Gallery," which includes photos from the event.
   
• Photos - everyone loves to see their own picture... whether they'll admit it or not. Use a free service for embedded slide shows (such as Photobucket), or build your own static page (just be sure to downsize the photos first). HTML tables are great for static photo pages. Include pics of meetings, the committee, fundraisers, events (Paint the Town Purple), etc. These also give the public an idea of what's going on.
   
• Upcoming events - meetings, celebrations, fundraisers, etc.
   
• The Calendar - Google Calendar, embedded on its own page & linked from the Navigation Bar
   
• New sponsor - gaining a new sponsor is cause for celebration
   
• Newspaper article, radio story - link to the article, or if you use actual the text, be sure to get permission from the publisher first
   
• A billboard going up
   
• New teams joining the Relay - announce it and provide a link to their Team Page
   
• Deadlines, special messages, etc. for team captains, members, or the public
   
• A special recognition or award received by a team, a member, or the Relay
   
• A team or individual hitting a goal
   
• Announcements from the ACS, or info relating to Mission Delivery