Developing a Winning School Website Communication Plan

Welcome Back to School Talk!

Hey there, school communication aficionados! Joan Bakker here, your trusty guide to navigating the wild and wonderful world of school websites. Buckle up as we dive into the nuts and bolts of developing a School Website Communication Plan. Ready? Let’s go!

So, you’ve decided your school’s website needs a makeover. Maybe it’s looking a bit like an ancient relic or just hasn’t kept up with the times. Fear not, you’re not alone. In this digital age, a stellar website isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Let’s chat about how to make your school website sparkle and shine.

First up, let’s talk goals. What do you want your website to achieve? Are you aiming to attract new students, keep current ones engaged, or just make sure your newsletters don’t end up in the spam folder? Think about it like this: your website is your digital handshake. Make sure it’s firm and welcoming.

Start with a clean, simple design. Nothing screams “outdated” like a cluttered homepage. Keep it sleek, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Remember, less is often more. If your website looks like a teenager’s bedroom (cluttered and chaotic), visitors might just hit the back button faster than you can say “website redesign.”

Now, onto content. Your website should be packed with useful info, but don’t overdo it. Aim for clear, concise, and engaging content. Think of your visitors as if they’re on a treasure hunt. They’re looking for specific information, so make it easy for them to find it. No one wants to wade through paragraphs of text to find the school’s phone number.

Speaking of information, let’s chat about what should be on your website. Start with the basics: school hours, contact details, and important dates. But don’t stop there. Include sections for upcoming events, news updates, and student achievements. A dynamic calendar is a great way to keep everyone in the loop about what’s happening at school.

One key element that can’t be overlooked is accessibility. Ensure your website is easy to use for everyone, including those with disabilities. Use contrasting colors, readable fonts, and descriptive alt text for images. A well-designed website should be welcoming to all users.

Let’s not forget the power of visuals. High-quality photos of students, teachers, and school events can make your site more engaging. But beware—stock photos of overly cheerful students and teachers can come across as inauthentic. Aim for real, relatable images that reflect your school’s true spirit.

Now, let’s dive into the tech side of things. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly. With everyone glued to their smartphones these days, your site needs to look great on any device. Test it out on different screens to ensure it’s responsive and user-friendly. If your website looks wonky on a smartphone, visitors might just abandon ship.

Updating content regularly is also crucial. A website that’s stuck in the past is a turnoff. Keep your site fresh with regular updates on school news, events, and achievements. A blog section is a great way to share updates and insights. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your school’s personality.

Speaking of showcasing personality, your website should reflect your school’s unique character. Use a tone that resonates with your audience. If your school is known for its fun, innovative approach, let that shine through in your website’s content and design. Conversely, if your school prides itself on tradition and excellence, make sure that comes across as well.

Another essential component is integrating social media. Link to your school’s social media profiles and encourage visitors to follow you. Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your community and keeping them updated on school happenings.

Let’s not forget about SEO. Search Engine Optimization might sound like a fancy term, but it’s pretty simple. Use relevant keywords throughout your content to help your website rank higher in search engine results. This means when someone Googles “best schools in town,” your school’s website should pop up near the top.

Engagement tools are another great addition. Consider adding features like online forms for inquiries or feedback, a live chat option, or even a virtual tour of the school. These tools make it easier for visitors to interact with your school and get the information they need.

Now, let’s talk about security. Ensure your website is secure from cyber threats. Use HTTPS, keep your software up to date, and back up your site regularly. A secure website not only protects your data but also builds trust with visitors.

Finally, test, test, test. Before launching your revamped website, test it thoroughly. Check for broken links, typos, and usability issues. Gather feedback from a small group of users to identify any areas for improvement. Once you’re confident everything’s in tip-top shape, go ahead and launch it!

As you embark on this website revamp journey, remember that communication is key. Your website is a reflection of your school’s values and mission. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about creating an effective tool for engagement and information.

So, get excited about the possibilities! With a bit of planning, creativity, and effort, you can create a school website that’s not only functional but also a true asset to your school community.

Before we wrap up, a quick shout-out: This newsletter is supported by COSCU Changemakers . If you’re passionate about quality education for all and want to make a difference, consider registering your school as a learning partner program with COSCU . Together, we can work towards achieving SDG4 and contribute to a brighter future for all students.

That’s it for today’s deep dive into developing a School Website Communication Plan. I hope you found it helpful, informative, and maybe even a little fun. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy website revamping!

Warm regards,

Joan Bakker Media, Communication, and Outreach Manager COSCU