How to create a community-driven local news platform in WeWeb?

Creating a community-driven local news platform using WeWeb involves several steps such as creating a WeWeb account, designing the site layout, determining your site's functionality, and promoting your site in the community. Now, let's break down these steps in detail.

Step 1: Create a WeWeb account

The first step in building your local news platform is to create an account with WeWeb. Visit the WeWeb homepage and click on the ‘Sign Up’ button at the top right corner of the page. Input your email address and password. After you’ve signed up, verify your email address and proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Select a template

WeWeb offers a variety of templates that you can choose from. Go to the main dashboard, click on the ‘Create your website from a template’ link. Browse through the templates available and select one that suits a news website. Once you have selected a template, click on it and it will take you to the WeWeb website builder.

Step 3: Customize your site

Once you're in the site builder, personalize your website according to your needs. Click on different parts of the website and replace the placeholder content with your own. On the left sidebar, you will find options to add new sections, pages, and elements to your site. For a news website, you can create pages for categories like local news, global news, sports, lifestyle, etc.

Step 4: Add necessary components for a news site

For a community-driven news site, several specific components are crucial. You may want to add a submission form where users can submit news stories. To do this, click on the ‘Add elements’ icon on the left sidebar, then select ‘Form’. Place the form on your site where you want it to appear. Customize the form fields to gather necessary information about the news story.

A comment section can also be beneficial for community interaction and engagement. In the ‘Add elements’ tab, select ‘Comments’ and place it under your news stories.

Step 5: Configure your site's functionality

Set up any additional functionalities your website may need. If you want to enable user registrations or subscriptions, you can add the appropriate elements using the left sidebar tools. Also, make sure to integrate your site with social media to bolster community engagement.

Step 6: Optimize your website for search engines

Optimizing your website helps increase its visibility to people who are searching for local news. This can be done by setting your page titles, meta-descriptions, and keywords relevant to your content and location.

Step 7: Publish your website

Once you're done setting up your website, you can go live by clicking on the ‘Publish’ button at the top right corner of the website builder.

Step 8: Promoting your site in the community

Finally, to get the community involved in your news site, it's time to promote it. Share the site on local forums, social media, and invite users to register, submit their own news, and engage through comments.

By following these steps, you will be able to set up a functional community-driven local news platform using WeWeb. It's a solid way to connect your community, share relevant news, encourage discussion and create a stronger community bond.