Updates to RochesterArtCollectors.org

   When RochesterArtCollectors.org launched its website unofficially in December, 2017 we set goals around what we wanted to accomplish and then took a shot in the dark designing the site.

   Before the organization's launch on April 1, 2018 we tweaked the website layout and much of the content adding pages describing the organization's mission and vision; plugging in a reservation system for our programs and adding a members only section.

   Over the past couple of months we have evaluated our results, considered feedback from members (as well as non-member users) and started to edit and update the site to better match our goals and the expressed needs/interests.  This process will be ongoing.

Here are some of the most recent updates:
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HOME:

• Goal: Offer a quick introduction to the group, provide some examples of art work owned by collector-members, offer links to our social media and make it easy for first time visitors to navigate the site.

 

• Problem:  Too much clutter/information on our "HOME" page made it confusing for first time visitors.

 

• Solution:  We reduced the content on our landing page to the barest minimum; just enough to accomplish our goals. Everything else was either removed from the site entirely, moved to another page on the site or moved to a footer that can be found on every page 

SOURCES:

• Goal: Provide an easy to use list of sources to buy art in our area with some guidance around the types of venues that sell art and what collectors can expect when they walk in the door.

 

• Problem:  We could not easily update and re-sort the list to accommodate new sources or new information;
• Problem:  We initially listed sources by the type of venue (commercial gallery, non-profit, etc.). Users wanted to see a comprehensive listing of sources sorted alphabetically; and
• Problem:  Our members and non-member visitors want to see sources to buy art outside of Monroe County.
• Problem: Members and visitors wanted to see links to art-related events.

 

• Solution:  New technology was applied making it easier to identify the various sub-categories (using colors and an accordion-style drop down layout) as well as update and sort the information;
• Solution:  We added a master list of sources in the metro-Rochester area sorted alphabetically;
• Solution:  We have begun to add sources to buy art outside of Monroe County including the entire six county metro-Rochester area. In addition we have targeted an additional 15 counties outside the metro-Rochester region. Since our base of users and members focuses on the metro-Rochester area we separated out the metro-Rochester sources from sources outside of the metro-Rochester area;
• Solution: We added three sources for art-related events: First Friday Rochester, City Newspaper's event listings page and, a new online source, ArtShow.org.

RESOURCES:

• Goal:  To provide members and visitors with links to relevant resources and background information to support collecting art in our area.

 

• Problem:  We could not easily update and rearrange the list to accommodate new information;
• Problem:  Members & visitors wanted to see businesses like framers listed and business services like art appraisers, curators, etc.;
• Problem:  Members & visitors wanted to see at least one paragraph of description about businesses and business services; and
• Problem:  We were missing information about all the arts councils in our region.

 

• Solution:  New technology was applied making it easier to identify the various sub-categories as well as update and sort the lists;
• Solution: We added new sections to list businesses like framers, consultants like art appraisers, art curators, etc. and arts councils.
• Solution: We added one paragraph of description to the art services section to help members and visitors better understand the services provided by the various consultants.

EVENTS:

• Goal:  To provide members and visitors with a simple way to learn about our upcoming programs/events and then sign up to participate.

 

• Problem: We were missing information about our past programs and events. We want to give visitors information about the kinds of programs and events we like to do.

 

• Solution: We added a list of all the programs we have offered since the organization was launched

NEWS:

• Goal:  To provide members and visitors with stories about topics related to collecting art in our area and the organization.  NO SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES.

ABOUT:

• Goal:  To provide members and visitors with all the background information about the organization necessary to understand who we are, what we want to do/accomplish and where we are going.  NO SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES.

#ROCTHEART:

• Goal:  This page was created to connect our social media campaign (#ROCtheArt on Instagram) to the website and to the organization as a whole.

 

• Problem: The volume of participation was outstripping the our server's capacity to display all the qualified postings.

 

• Solution:  We edited down the number of postings on this page. Now we more carefully curate the posts featured. We try to include a greater number of participants and a wider sampling of works rather than trying to include all postings from all participants.

CONTACT:

• Goal:  Provide a very simple tool for members and visitors to reach us. NO SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES.

   We are still working on revisions and upgrades in our "members only" section. More on this in a future post.

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