How to Create Family Tree Website
The Internet provides a popular forum for sharing family history. Creating a family tree website is an excellent way to exchange information, find long-lost cousins and connect with kin. Family websites can either be public--where anyone can view the information--or private and password-protected. You can create your website from scratch, or choose an online service offering a standardized format or pre-designed templates where you simply invite members, and upload your data, photographs, and other documents. You'll need to determine the type of site to create based on your computer skills and familiarity technology, and the desired purpose.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- High-speed Internet connection
- Website creation software or online content provider
- Domain name, if starting from scratch
- Fees for website hosting, domain, etc.
- Scanner and photo editing software for family photographs
- Names and email addresses of people to invite to the site
- Photos, family tree files, documents
Instructions
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Site Format
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1
Decide whether to make your website public or private and password-protected. View some sample websites to get an idea of how you would like your site to look. Use your favorite search engine to search for "Family websites." Look at examples of free sites hosted by RootsWeb, or take a virtual tour of sample sites available on MyFamily.com, MyGreatBigFamily.com, MyHeritage.com and others.
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2
Choose an administrator. All sites will need an administrator--perhaps you--to oversee the regular operations, monitor the site and upload, edit, and update content. You should also choose a back-up or co-administrator to ensure smooth operation of the site in the event the administrator is unavailable.
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3
Choose a family site name and register your domain name. Purchase website creation and editing software. Popular programs include Microsoft Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, or Apple I-Web, among others. If opting for an online service such as those noted in Step 1, or other similar ones, complete the sign-up process following the provider's instructions to get your site up and running. Most providers offer a basic free site which gives you a restricted amount of file storage space--usually 5 MB, or number of members--for example 250, and a premium--fee-based charged per month or per year--service with unlimited storage space, and fewer restrictions.
Site Content
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4
Sketch out the information you want to include. For example, family news, photographs, family trees and genealogy, calendar items, announcements, down loadable files or documents, recipes, and other items.
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5
Build your site. Upload initial content such as a pedigree or ancestral chart, some favorite family photographs. Invite members to view and use the site. Encourage participation by asking for feedback on ease of use, content, appearance, etc.
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6
Publicize your site. Invite family members to view and participate in the site. Ask for content and suggestions. If you're going the private, password-protected route, you'll need to contact family members with login information and instructions. The commercial site providers typically require all members to have a valid email address.
Site Maintenance
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7
Proofread your site for accuracy. Avoid typos and posting incorrect data. Consider asking another family member to help with this task.
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8
Keep the website current. Frequent updates and fresh content will keep everyone interested and coming back for more.
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9
Set goals for your updates. For example, how often will you plan to update the site: Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Keep track of time-sensitive items--for example, a deadline for a family reunion RSVP, or other event.
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Tips & Warnings
When you discover new cousins, be sure to invite them to participate in the site.
Have fun. The more you put into the site, the more you'll get out of it.
Keep a backup of your family website on an external hard drive or using an online storage service such as Mozy.com
Always consult with family members before posting their photographs or other information--especially if the site is in the public domain.
