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Grassroots information sites at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group a

magnify image Figure A6.1The Leukemia Links grassroots information site is one of the best resources on the Web for information about leukemia, consistently ranking in the top ten on Google in searches on leukemia. Although a modest site, it is valuable because it provides not only basic information about leukemia, but also a well-organized, comprehensive, prequalified list of links to the best leukemia sites on the Web.

Background

This pattern forms the core of all information reference sites. You can integrate other site genre patterns to build a resource site, including VALUABLE COMPANY SITES (A7), COMMUNITY CONFERENCES (A3), BLOGS (A12), and EDUCATIONAL FORUMS (A8).

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PROBLEM

Sorting through hundreds of search results about a particular topic is time consuming. Without a guide, visitors become discouraged and give up, or possibly act on only partial information.

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SOLUTION

magnify image FigureA6.4 Grassroots information sites provide background or specialized information on a topic and organize other valuable resources by offering links to external sites..

Establish value by answering potential questions, either by providing content that you author yourself or by directing people to Web sites that can answer their questions. On your homepage, create a topic directory of up to twenty categories or external links. Provide contact information if customers have new questions or suggestions, or if they find new sources of information.

Other Patterns to Consider

Set up your homepage with BROWSABLE CONTENT (B2). Provide EXTERNAL LINKS (K8) so that customers know when they’re leaving your site. If you have many links, try using a HIERARCHICAL ORGANIZATION (B3) to break them into categories. Use the WRITING FOR SEARCH ENGINES (D6) pattern, and tell your story and research methodology using the INVERTED-PYRAMID WRITING STYLE (D7) if that matches the style of your site.

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