After all, the Web is huge. In July, the Internet Software Consortium counted more than 56 million computers hosting information on the Internet. E-mail has become one method of making people aware of an agency's Web site offerings. Some agencies ask people to sign up to receive updates about new features of Web sites. The General Accounting Office, for example, issues daily e-mail updates with links to new reports and decisions.
Some agencies also make sure their Web address is on every document they issue.
Cynthia O'Connor is HUD's director of Web marketing and outreach. O'Connor says her focus is on building relationships with HUD's customers. To that end, she promotes HUD's Web site at conferences, state fairs, home and garden shows, and home-buying fairs. She has also developed brochures and CD-ROMs describing HUD's Web services, which have been distributed around the country. She also arranges focus groups with customers, whose feedback is incorporated into the design of the site.