Introduction
In this modern age, a school's website serves as its virtual front door, leaving a lasting impression on parents, pupils, and the wider school community. Planning a new school website is important to creating an effective online presence. Let's break down the process into five actionable steps for a seamless and successful journey.
5 steps to success
Step 1: Project planning
Gather your project team, including key decision-makers, administrators, IT support, and possibly the school business manager. Define the purpose of your website, identify current pain points, and seek inspiration from other successful school websites.
Step 2: Website brief agreement
Create a comprehensive website brief outlining your requirements and priorities. Consider elements like social media integration, content management, event management, payment facilities, and accessibility. Prioritise a design that emphasises responsiveness and easy navigation.
Step 3: Choosing the right partner
Select a website provider with expertise in the educational environment. Look for examples of their work in a website portfolio and inquire about software ownership, hosting, and post-launch updates. Ensure the website is user-friendly for future maintenance and updates.
Step 4: Contract review
Carefully review the contract with your chosen provider, paying attention to ongoing maintenance and hosting fees. Understand the content management system (CMS) and how updates will be managed to maintain a smooth-running website.
Step 5: Delivery plan
Collaborate with your chosen website provider to create a project plan with key milestones, responsibilities, and a clear timeline. Regular check-ins and testing phases are crucial to staying on track. Ensure a comprehensive training and handover phase for seamless management.
Summary
Embarking on a new school website project requires meticulous planning and execution. From defining your project goals to selecting the right partner, each step plays a crucial role in the success of your online platform. A well-thought-out approach ensures a user-friendly, informative, and engaging website for your school community.
A well-planned and executed school website improves whole-school communication and parent engagement. Take the first step towards a successful online presence by following these five key steps. With Juniper Education by your side, your school's website will not only meet but exceed all expectations.
School website experts that can help
Planning your school website doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Juniper Education's team of school website experts is here to guide you through each step of the process. Our experience in creating effective educational websites allows us to tailor solutions to meet your school's unique needs.
Ready to embark on your website journey?
Book a free demonstration, and let us show you how to shine online.
