Sharing Some TLC
What Is Google Tag Manager and Why Do We Recommend It?
You’re starting an advertising campaign, and your marketing agency sends you a block of code with a request: “Please add this to your website.” Or perhaps you’re setting up your own ads, and Facebook or Google asks you to install a “pixel” or “tracking tag.” This is a common request…
Google Search Console Warning Emails
An email from Google? Don’t panic. An email saying your website has “errors” or “critical issues” can sound worrying. But it does not automatically mean your website is broken or people cannot find your business. Many of these messages concern small improvements, optional information, or normal changes to your website….
Does Your Homepage Messaging Say The Same Thing as Every Other School?
Before we begin designing a new website, we ask every client to complete a marketing questionnaire. It helps us understand the school, its goals, its audience, and what makes it special. One of the most important questions is also one of the simplest: What sets your school apart from other…
Stepping Away from the Mindful School Marketing Podcast
The name of the podcast I co-hosted says it all: Mindful School Marketing. So it feels right that my decision to step away from it is rooted in the same mindfulness that the show was built on. A little background I started podcasting in 2017 as a co-host of Hallway…
Design TLC Wins Silver at the 2025 InspirED Brilliance Awards for Website Homepage
We are thrilled to announce that Design TLC has been honored with a Silver Award in the Website Homepage (Enrollment 350 or Fewer) category for our website for Beacon Academy in Evanston, Illinois at the 2025 InspirED Brilliance Awards hosted by InspirED School Marketers. The InspirED Brilliance Awards celebrate exceptional…
How AI-Driven Search and Mobile-First Behavior Are Changing How Families Find and Evaluate Private Schools
The way families discover, research, and choose private schools is evolving fast. With the rise of AI-driven search tools like Google’s AI Overviews (SGE) and the dominance of mobile-first browsing, your school’s visibility online depends on more than just traditional SEO rankings. Today, it’s not only about showing up in…
Our School and Nonprofit 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…
How to Optimize a Silent Background Video for Your Website’s Hero Area
A silent background video in your website’s hero section can make a strong visual impact and set the tone for your brand. But without proper optimization, it can hurt load times and SEO. The key is balancing quality and performance. Here’s how to do it right. Ideal Size and Length…
Reaffirming Our Mission
Design TLC works with mission-driven schools and nonprofit organizations that care deeply about community, access, and impact.
Our values shape how we approach our work, from accessibility and usability to the partnerships we choose and the causes we support. Through pro bono services, donations, and ongoing learning, we aim to contribute positively beyond individual projects.
We believe the best work happens when values and goals are aligned.
Design 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…
The 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,…
Sitemaps: 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…