Posts by Tara Claeys
Tips for Maximizing your Investment in Professional Photography
We’re excited to share this guest post from Rebecca Drobis of Rebecca Drobis Photography. Rebecca is a Washington DC-based photographer whose images tell human stories. Her photojournalism training instilled in her a keen sense of observation and the ability to capture impactful moments. She is especially adept at building genuine connections, putting subjects at ease,…
Read MoreMaximizing School Efficiency: A Comprehensive Guide to Blackbaud API Integration with WordPress by Design TLC
The need for seamless integration of technology is increasingly important in the ever-evolving digital landscape of education. Schools can be challenged by managing of vast amounts of data while striving to enhance communication and engagement with students, parents, alumni, and donors. Recognizing these challenges, Design TLC offers innovative solutions to empower schools through the integration…
Read MoreSchool Website Redesign Process: Podcast Episode with Barb Doyle
Fun fact: Tara Claeys co-hosts the Mindful School Marketing podcast with Aubrey Bursch of Easy School Marketing. The podcast brings in guests to discuss a wide variety of topics related to independent school marketing, admissions and enrollment, as well as strategies for mindfulness to make work and life more healthy, effective, and enjoyable. Website Redesign…
Read MoreNavigating Color Contrast for Improved Accessibility in Web Design
In the realm of web design, aesthetics often take center stage. Designers meticulously craft layouts, choose fonts, and select colors to create visually stunning websites. However, amidst the pursuit of visual appeal, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked: accessibility. Web accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with websites effectively.…
Read MoreInclusive Design Practices: Making Websites Welcoming to Everyone
Inclusive design practices are the key to making websites welcoming to everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of inclusive design, its benefits, and practical tips for creating accessible websites. Understanding Inclusive Design Inclusive design, also known as universal design or accessible design, is an approach that aims to create products and environments…
Read MoreWhat Should a School Sitemap Include and What Should be Removed?
A school’s website serves as a vital gateway to information for prospective students, parents, faculty, and the community. An intelligently structured and easily navigable website is pivotal in conveying a school’s identity, offerings, and values effectively. A crucial component of website organization is the sitemap, a hierarchical list of pages that aids users in understanding…
Read MoreThe Benefits of WordPress for School and Nonprofit Websites
For schools and nonprofit organizations to effectively communicate, engage with their communities, and achieve their missions, a professional online presence is essential. WordPress, a popular content management system (CMS), is a versatile and cost-effective solution for building and maintaining websites which offers many benefits to both schools and nonprofit organizations. User-Friendly and Easy to Manage…
Read MoreConnecting Through Time: Engaging with Alumni and Sharing Their Stories on Your School Website
School websites serve as the virtual gateway to a community’s educational journey. Beyond current students and faculty, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the connection with alumni. Alumni are the living embodiment of a school’s legacy, and their stories can be powerful tools for inspiring current students and fostering a sense of pride and community.…
Read MoreEquity in Websites: A Heartfelt Approach by Design TLC
Hey there, I’m Tara, and today I’m here to chat about something that’s both a passion and a priority for us at Design TLC: equity in websites. In a world where our digital presence is as crucial as our physical one, it’s vital to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and included. This isn’t just…
Read MoreStreamlining Operations: Harnessing Zapier for Enhanced Efficiency in Independent Schools
In the dynamic landscape of independent schools, efficiency and productivity play pivotal roles in ensuring smooth operations and fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth. Small schools have small teams, and staff will often wear many hats. Zapier, a powerful automation tool, offers a plethora of possibilities for independent schools seeking to streamline their…
Read MoreNavigating Success: The Impact of Website Structure on User Experience for Schools and Nonprofits
When it comes to shaping user experience, the structure of a website plays a pivotal role, especially for schools and nonprofits. A well-designed website not only captures attention but also guides users seamlessly through content and fosters engagement. In this blog post, we’ll explore how website structure significantly influences user experience and why it’s a…
Read MoreThe Crucial Role of Keywords in Your School’s Content Strategy
Schools know that an effective online presence is critical to attracting, informing and communicating with prospective families. A key component of and online marketing strategy involves understanding and implementing relevant keywords on the school’s website. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why keywords matter to your school’s content strategy and how they can significantly…
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