Project Launch Guide

Each licensee should use the following roadmap to get from project initiation to project launch.

Initiation

* Your service agreement may include hosting. If not, we recommend Reclaim Hosting.
** If your service agreement includes hosting, we will install/configure Omeka and Curatescape tools.
*** If your service agreement includes hosting, point your domain name(s) to Reclaim Hosting’s name servers: ns1.reclaimhosting.com, ns2.reclaimhosting.com

Design phase

After the above steps have been completed, the project’s visual design elements will be created. Unless you are pursuing Custom logo and theme design [Github wiki], this process will be completed by Curatescape team, who will be in contact as needed. Generally, we require the following information, which will be collected in part via the Basic information checklist:

  • high-resolution vector logos for any sponsoring agencies that must be displayed in the app
  • the colors to use for the logo and app icons
  • the text to use in the logo and app icons

While this step is completed, you may begin creating content.

Content Creation phase

Please review the Content Creation guidelines for specific details about content creation. In order to thoroughly test your app and prepare it for submission and deployment, we ask licensees to meet the following minimum content requirements in addition to completing all the steps listed above:

  • at least 10 public items, including 4 featured items
  • at least 1 public tour with at least 2 public items

You can continue to create content after this point at your leisure. The client apps automatically detect changes to your content and add/remove/modify content as needed.

Deployment

Once the above steps are completed and you give the go-ahead, your apps will be created, tested, and submitted to the app stores. When the apps are available for download (typically within a few days of submission), you will be provided with links and other information that you can use to promote the app on your Omeka website (by entering the information in your “theme settings” area).

Analytics

Website Analytics

Website analytics are available via Google Analytics. To get started, you will need to create (or sign into) a Google Analytics account. Create a new web “property,” then create a new web “stream.” Copy the generated “Measurement ID” into your Curatescape theme settings at Admin > Appearance > Configure Theme > Analytics. After about 24 hours, you will begin to see usage details in your Google Analytics dashboard.

App Analytics

If you would like to see your App Store statistics, please send us a request, including:

  1. The email address you would like to use for Google accounts (for example, the one you use for Gmail). This is the account you will use to log in to the Google Play Developer Console after we add you as a user.
  2. The email address you would like to use for Apple accounts (for example, the one you use for iCloud). This is the account you will use to log in to App Store Connect after we add you as a user.

If you do not already have an email address that is associated with an Apple and/or Google account, you can use any valid email address to create one.

Note that App Store analytics are limited in comparison to Website analytics. While Google Analytics offers a granular view of specific pages, user demographics, and more, the App Stores include only basic information like downloads, impressions, and – for users who have opted in – sessions.

Promoting Your Project

Once your website has been published and your apps have been released, you will need to do additional (and ongoing) work to attract users. There are many ways to promote a project and the details will depend on the nature of your content and desired audience.