Resources

Clients often ask about having a “Resources” page on their web site.  Other names for a “Resources” page can be “Our Friends”, “Favorite Links”, or “Links.”  For purposes of this discussion, we will simply use the word “Resources.” Merriam-Webster offers several definitions for the word “resource”: i.e., a source of supply or support, a source of information or expertise.  With these definitions in mind, having a “resources” page on your web site can serve several purposes for your web site visitor:

• Web site visitors may check out your resources page and determine that your links are helpful to them for a variety of reasons.  For example, a New England Inn may have links on their “Resources” page that deal only with places of interest in their local area, such as the local chamber of commerce, favorite restaurants, antique stores, art museums, general tourist attractions.  This allows their guests to easily find local area information.  Indeed the “resources” page serves as source of information!
  
  
• Web site visitors to your site may be doing research on a particular topic. In this case the “Resources” page can serve as support or offer links to experts in the particular field.  For example, a drug and alcohol treatment center may have a “resources” page that offers links to other treatment centers in other parts of the United States, or links to therapists, interventionists, legal assistance, Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.  The goal would be to have links to other web sites that you know and trust. 

There is usually a place on most web sites for both in-bound and outbound links; however, resource links should be relevant.  For example, if you are in the business of selling boats, the search engines might question your site having resource links sites about gardening.   Here are a few basic rules to follow:

• If a company contacts you about exchanging links, that is, they offer to put a link to your site on their site only if you will reciprocate, you should make sure that a link to their site is relevant to your line of business.  This is ultimately your decision.  Review their site carefully before agreeing to any exchange of links.
  
  
• Another aspect to consider is site “Reputation.”. Whenever possible, resources should be from authoritative sources. If you request another business to link to your site you should think about having them link to a page on your site that is not your “homepage”.  For example, if your business is a theatre company and the Chamber of Commerce wants to put a link to the theatre company on the Chamber’s site, you might want to consider having the Chamber link to your “Current Season” page, as opposed to your home page.
  
• Take the time to check the links on your “Resources” page.  Links can become outdated and broken.  Having broken links on your site can penalize you with the search engines.
  
  
• Ensure that any out-bound links on your site open in a new browser, so that your site visitor never leaves your site.

If you don’t currently have a “resources” page, Webconsuls will be happy to work with you. We can assist you in the following ways:

• Design and create the “Resources” page
  
  
• Create an administration access program for you to add your own links
  
  
• Perform broken link checks on your website
  
  
• Fix broken links

In the meantime, you are welcome to visit our own “Resources” page.