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5 School Microsites to Build in 2025

Microsites are like little, easy-to-navigate websites that are perfect for sharing information that matters to your community. They allow districts to highlight student successes, address important questions from families, and keep everyone updated without the overwhelming mess of a big website. Whether you’re celebrating big achievements or just handling everyday stuff, microsites help you concentrate on what truly counts—your people, your priorities, and the experiences you want to create.

“A microsite sharpens your focus. You get more engagement because there’s less distraction from other menus and content. It’s about creating a space with a specific purpose that makes a big splash.”
Joshua Sauer, APR, Director of Solutions Engineering, Finalsite

 

Let 2025 be about intentional and strategic communications. Here are five microsites that can help you:

Microsite Type Benefits Considerations
Graduation Celebration 🎓 Creates a memorable, celebratory experience. Interactive features like live streams and photo galleries connect families. Requires time and resources to curate content and visuals for an engaging experience.
Enrollment & Back-to-School 🏫 Simplifies enrollment and provides year-round resources. Reduces repetitive questions for staff and families. Needs regular updates to remain current and valuable for families throughout the year.
Strategic Plan 📈 Communicates district goals effectively with visuals, relevant updates, and storytelling. Builds transparency and trust. Development time may be extended due to the complexity of interactive and dynamic content.
Referendum & Bond 💰 Focuses on clear messaging to secure community support and confidence. Provides detailed, accessible information. Requires upfront effort to develop accurate, compelling content for stakeholders.
Staff Recruitment 🧑‍🏫 Attracts top talent with job listings, benefits, and work-life balance perks. Highlights district culture and values. Success depends on persuasive storytelling and visuals to stand out in a competitive market.

Graduation Celebration 🎓

Graduation is more than an event; it’s a moment that families and students will hold dear for years. A graduation microsite creates a special place to celebrate milestones, highlight achievements, and unite the school community as well as housing the essentials like date and location. Creating this platform not only ensures everyone can be part of the memorable graduation occasion but also helps to maintain the school’s legacy and history.

“If I were to do a microsite for my district, I’d plan it in a way that could be used for four or five years. Start with a simple structure, like a landing page with a countdown or events, and then archive past years to keep building on it over time.”
—Joshua Sauer, APR

Key Features:

☑️ Class Spotlights: Photo galleries, video tributes, and stories featuring students and their accomplishments.

☑️ Live Streaming: Broadcast ceremonies to families unable to attend in person.

☑️ Interactive Elements: Digital yearbooks, congratulatory messages from staff and parents, and downloadable graduation materials.

Enrollment and Back-to-School Hub 🏫

Families need a reliable place to find the essentials—without frustration—whether it’s the start of a new school year or the middle of a semester. A dedicated enrollment and back-to-school microsite serves as a year-round hub for new and current families, providing resources and pivotal information they need in one easy-to-navigate space.

This microsite streamlines processes by offering resources like enrollment instructions and back-to-school checklists while reducing stress through quick access to essential resources such as school calendars, important forms, and multilingual guides. It becomes a trusted source that sets families up for success—whether enrolling for the first time, navigating schedule changes, or preparing for the start of a new year.

Key Features:

☑️ Step-by-Step Enrollment Guides: Easy-to-follow instructions with clear CTAs.

☑️ Year-Round Essentials: Calendars, forms, and resources for new and returning families.

☑️ Calendar Integration: Important dates for enrollment deadlines, orientations, and the first day of school. *Bonus if you can add filters for school or grade level!

Pro Tip: Include FAQs to address common family concerns and reduce staff inquiries.

Strategic Plan 📈

District strategic plans reflect your vision for the future, but their impact can get lost in long, static PDFs. A microsite turns your plan into an engaging, interactive resource where stakeholders can see your district’s goals come to life. With videos, dynamic updates, and feedback tools, a strategic plan microsite ensures your community stays informed and invested every step of the way.

Key Features:

☑️ Engaging Storytelling: Use video, infographics, and interactive timelines to explain district goals.

☑️ Community Feedback: Embed surveys or feedback forms for ongoing engagement.

☑️ Progress Updates: Track and share successes through dynamic content updates.

Pro Tip: Align visuals with your district’s brand to create consistency and professionalism.

Referendum and Bond 💰

Transparency builds essential trust when your district asks the community for support. A referendum or bond microsite ensures your message is straightforward, accessible, and easy to understand. This microsite builds confidence by sharing project timelines, success stories, and ballot resources. It empowers community members to make informed decisions.

Key Features:

☑️ Project Details and Timelines: Outline specific plans, costs, and expected outcomes.

☑️ Impact Stories: Showcase how the funding will benefit students, schools, and the community.

☑️ Voting Information: Include key dates and links to official polling locations.

Pro Tip: Share success stories from past initiatives to build credibility and support.

Staff Recruitment 🧑‍🏫

Attracting top talent is about more than listing job openings—it’s about showing why your district is the best place to work. A recruitment microsite highlights your district’s unique culture, values, and benefits while offering a streamlined way for candidates to apply. From flexible schedules for paraprofessionals and bus drivers to perks like discounted childcare and family-friendly hours, this microsite type can showcase the support and balance today’s candidates seek.

Key Features:

☑️ Job Listings and Applications: Simplify the process for candidates to find and apply for roles.

☑️ “Why Work Here?” Stories: Feature testimonials, benefits, and staff spotlights highlighting your district’s culture.

☑️ Work-Life Balance Perks: Highlight flexible hours for full or part-time workers, such as morning-only shifts, mid-day availability, or seasonal flexibility.

☑️ Non-Work Benefits: Promote benefits like discounted childcare, close-to-home opportunities, and family-friendly schedules.

☑️ Virtual Campus Tours: Show the work environment through photos or videos.

Pro Tip: Showcase your district’s commitment to equity, inclusion, professional development, and work-life balance perks—because great teams are built on great support systems.

Microsites are an investment in building stronger connections with your community. Whether you’re celebrating graduates, simplifying enrollment, or sharing your district’s vision, microsites offer the tools and creativity to deliver information with focus.

“When designed strategically, microsites don’t just live for a moment—they grow with you. Whether it’s showcasing alumni stories, fundraising, or even reunion announcements, there are so many ways to keep people coming back.”
—Joshua Sauer, APR

 

As you plan for 2025, consider how these microsites can help you achieve your goals and create experiences that resonate with your community.

Published on: December 20, 2024

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