Why Your School’s Website MUST Be Responsively Designed

With so many trends and fads out there, it is really hard to decide what is just that, a “fad” and what is here to stay. Within the category of “here to stay” is the responsively designed website, especially within schools. These functional and user-friendly websites are what schools need to get moving towards staying up to date and delivering current information to constituents, whether they’re public, private or intermediate.

Let’s break it down:

1. Usability – the main purpose of a school website is communication, whether it be with prospective students, current students, parents, alumni, boards, community members, or other stakeholders. A responsively designed website actually senses the type of device that the person is using (laptop, mobile, etc.) and reworks itself to fit well within that space. It makes it easier to read, navigate, and communicate your school’s message.

2. Google – Given the fact that it’s the #1 search engine and the dictator of how SEO (search engine optimization) works, schools need to make sure they will rank within it. In the Google algorithm’s, responsively designed websites will automatically be favored over sites that are not.

3. Mobile Usage Is On The Rise – Mobile usage of the internet has overcome the tipping point and is now significantly higher at 51% compared to desktops at 42%. The number one rule in marketing is and always will be to go where your customers are. A schools customers are their stakeholders, their students, parents, staff and the community. These customers are on their mobile devices more and more each year, so make it your number one priority to make your school’s website as easy as possible for them to access.

There are many “fads” out there that schools can try in an effort to leap ahead of the pack, but a mobile responsive website is not a choice for schools; it is a necessity. The website is a first look into the school and what sets it apart, so make sure the first look at your school’s website won’t be the last for your customers and stakeholders!

Published on: September 19, 2015