The homepage is the single most important aspect of website design. If you are not giving your audience an intuitive, enjoyable experience, the chances are that they won’t follow up on anything. To help, we have compiled six essentials for your school website’s homepage.
If you feel you are skilled enough to implement these ideas, go for it! For the not-so-tech-savvy readers, obtaining professional help to create websites for schools is the best path for you. You can check out specialists online, such as www.fsedesign.co.uk/websites-for-schools/.
1. Name and logo
We are starting off very simply, but you should ensure these are both prominent. Centre-framing the two is typically the most effective, while introducing small animation work can be especially helpful.
2. Distinguishing features
A very common choice for school websites to display their individuality is, ironically, quite samey – but not without good reason. A line that exemplifies or distinguishes your school, along with an image of the school as the backdrop, can help you stay succinct.
3. Photos
Photography is an entirely separate discipline and can be unexpectedly challenging. Professional services can help, the best of which will recommend candid photos of happy students and a deep, explorative perspective of the school’s space.
4. Videos
These are just moving photos, so how hard can they be? Jokes aside, your videos don’t have to be anything flashy; instead, they should be a brief showcase of the school and its people. You can embed videos to be played or implement videos that automatically play in the background to make everything more eye-catching.
5. News
Most schools know how important it is to keep parents in the loop, but don’t neglect prospective parents and students. Also, think about attracting potential staff members.
6. Easy navigation
The last thing you want after capturing someone’s attention with your website is to scare them off by dropping them in an unnavigable labyrinth. Keep your designs simple and intuitive, allowing website users to gracefully explore; if possible, provide a trail for them to follow.