A 'sticky' site is one where users can find regularly updated fresh content with all the background information, resources and tools relevant to the subject matter available within the site (that doesn't mean you shouldn't include any external links though - a carefully selected listing of useful sites can add real value).

Try to anticipate a user's needs: if you're using technical jargon, link to a glossary and if calculating tools are need - such as a currency conversion applet - provide one.

Competitions, games and freebies can also add to a 'site's stickiness' - but make sure you can deliver on your promises and keep it updated!

The more depth of content a site provides, the more 'sticky' it will become, so it's worth keeping old content accessible through a search engine and adding links from current stories to relevant archives. Be sure to clearly mark these pages as archived and update their links to point to newer material.

Constantly invite users for their opinions on stories and put in links to user comments at the end of articles. Pepper the sites with calls to action - 'your vote!', 'do you agree?' - and make it easy for them to register their opinions via a HTML form, poll or bulletin board.

Once again, archive all this material - it may well end up being rarely visited, but it will add credibility and depth to your site and increase its chances of being flagged up by search engines.

Remember that content is the single most precious thing on your site, and so long as you keep it relevant, consistent, updated and easy to find, you really can't get enough of the stuff