Posts by Tara Claeys
Google Is Removing School Reviews: What It Means for Your School (And What You Should Do About It)
As of April 30, 2025, Google removed all reviews and star ratings from Business Profiles for K–12 schools. This marks a major shift for schools managing their digital reputation. While Google had quietly stopped allowing new reviews for most schools around 2019, existing reviews and star ratings remained visible. Now, Google is going a step…
Read MoreDesign TLC is Awarded Multiple Gold Medals at the Hermes Creative Awards in 2025
Design TLC is excited to announce that we received two Gold Awards and one Honorable Mention from the 2025 Hermes Creative Awards! We design every website with love and care in order to help small schools and nonprofit organizations better represent themselves online, and we’re proud of each and every one. It’s truly icing on…
Read MoreOur School Website Pricing
Recently, a prospective client asked me why our websites are priced lower than other website agencies. They had quotes from companies charging twice as much and assumed that meant better quality. This conversation made me realize that it would be helpful to explain how we price our website projects and why our costs are what…
Read MoreHow to Optimize a Silent Background Video for Your Website’s Hero Area
Adding a silent background video to your website’s hero area can elevate the user experience, providing a dynamic and visually engaging introduction to your site. However, optimizing the video is crucial to ensure it enhances your website without negatively impacting performance. In this post, we’ll cover the ideal video size and length, key settings for…
Read MoreReaffirming Our Mission
At Design TLC, we stand for social justice, equality, inclusion, and human rights. We are committed to action beyond words. Through pro bono services, donations, and partnerships with organizations promoting social justice, we strive to support systemic change. Listening, learning, and taking meaningful action are central to who we are.
Read MoreDesign TLC Joins Blackbaud Partner Ecosystem: A Game-Changer for Schools Seeking Affordable, Custom Solutions
We’re thrilled to announce that Design TLC is now an official Blackbaud Partner! This exciting collaboration brings a powerful, affordable solution to schools and educational institutions using Blackbaud to manage their internal data. With Design TLC’s expertise in creating custom, high-performing websites and our commitment to responsive support, we’re here to help schools get more…
Read More2024 School and Nonprofit Websites: A Year in Review
We always enjoy looking back on Design TLC’s school and nonprofit websites from the past year, and 2024 is no exception. With the launch of 4 new school websites (plus a microsite) and 2 non-profit websites, our dedicated team is proud of the variety of beautiful and functional websites which fulfilled the needs and desires…
Read MoreThe Role of Social Media Integration in School Website Design
An effective school website is a dynamic hub for engagement, information, and community building. Social media has transformed the way educational institutions interact with their audiences, from students and parents to alumni and the broader community. Integrating social media into school websites can be a powerful strategy that enhances communication, fosters connections, and showcases the…
Read MoreSitemaps: Simplifying Website Navigation for Nonprofits
In today’s digital world, a nonprofit’s website is its front door. It’s where potential donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries first interact with the organization’s mission and values. Yet, even the most compelling website can lose its effectiveness if visitors struggle to navigate it. This is where sitemaps come into play. They serve as a crucial tool…
Read MoreWebsite Redesign Checklist: A Guide for Independent Schools
A well-designed website is crucial for independent schools, serving as both a digital front door and important communication hub. Whether you’re aiming to improve user experience, reflect updated branding, or better engage prospective families, a successful website redesign involves careful planning and execution. This comprehensive checklist will guide independent schools through the key steps of…
Read MoreUnderstanding WCAG Guidelines: Creating Accessible Websites for All
The internet is an essential part of everyday life, providing access to information, communication, education, and services. However, for many individuals with disabilities, navigating the web can be challenging, if not impossible, without accessible design. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer a comprehensive framework for creating websites that are inclusive and usable for all.…
Read MoreStreamlining Enrollment Management through Website Integration with CRMs
In the competitive landscape of education, effectively managing student enrollment processes can make all the difference for schools looking to attract and retain students. Traditional enrollment methods often involve paper forms, extensive email chains, and manual data entry, which can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. This is where integrating your school’s website with a…
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