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Overview of how to prepare for AIR-Interactive

The types of people, skills, and organizations participating in AIR-Interactive varies dramatically, and the specific strategies and experiences will vary as well. On the Technical/Design side we have HTML geeks and Internet programming propeller-heads with little or no MarComm (Marketing Communications) background, graphics-oriented desktop publishing designer types, and other folks with backgrounds and experience in formal Marketing and Communications roles. The Non-Profit participants are just as diverse. So don't worry about how the folks next door are going about it. Just develop a do-able plan that you can work with. And also remember that:

• The Nonprofit Organization -- that would be You -- is the Client.
• The Nonprofit Organization bears primary responsibility for a successful endeavor, including the responsibility of managing expectations.

Review the list below and also feel free to refer to these links for more information:

NPO Training | NPO Checklist | Hosting Options | Web Planning Template | NPO Tips | Tech Terms | Considerations When Planning Your Web Site

1. What is your organization, its basic mission or purpose?
   • Who is your membership and intended audience?
   • What do you hope to accomplish?
   • What is your organization's Unique Selling Proposition?
2. What is your purpose or objective in deciding to participate in AIR-Austin 2009? What do you hope to accomplish?
   • Beat the competition?
   • Win an award?
   • Enhance community/public relations?
   • Get a free, professionally-produced Web site?
   • All of the above? (Remember the part about managing the Client's expectations.) If so, perhaps you should consider prioritizing your AIR-Austin participation objectives.
3. What is the purpose or objective of your Web site? What do you hope to accomplish?
   • Enhance community/public relations?
   • Attract cash donors, other financial aid, or volunteers?
   • Increase membership?
   • Increase meeting attendance?
   • All of the above? (Remember the part about managing the Client's expectations.) If so, be prepared to spend the time in advance or else you may consider prioritizing your Web site objectives.
4. Further references on Internet Marketing, Communications, Promotion:
   • Questions to consider when developing or upgrading your Web site (Australian Business Advisors -- http://www.abaconsulting.com.au)
   • Context: Web vs. Print Writing (Contentious -- http://www.contentious.com)
   • MicroContent: Headlines and Subject Lines (Jakob Nielsen's AlertBox -- http://www.useit.com/alertbox/)
   • Marketing Your Organization's Web Site: http://www.coyotecom.com/webdevo/webmrkt.html
   • WebPromote -- http://www.WebPromote.com