School 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 Podcast Episode
On a recent episode, Tara and Aubrey interviewed the Barb Doyle, Director of Marketing and Communications at Renbrook School in West Hartford, Connecticut. As a guest on the podcast, Barb shared her insights and experiences in navigating the complex process of revamping a school website, shedding light on crucial factors such as timing, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. From the importance of professional photo and video shoots to the meticulous planning and research involved, Barb’s journey offers a comprehensive guide for schools navigating the digital landscape. Since Barb worked with us on this exciting project, we’re sharing some key takeaways here to get the perspective from a Design TLC client.
Get to Know Barb Doyle:
Barb’s extensive background in marketing, graphic design, and administration spans over twenty-five years, with a focus on education, healthcare, and publishing. At Renbrook School, she handles a wide range of responsibilities. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Barb provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of school marketing.
Key Insights:
1. Frequency of Website Redesign: Barb emphasized the importance of periodic website refreshes, while suggesting a general timeline of every two to three years for redesigns. However, in independent schools with limited resources, a more realistic timeframe could extend to around five years. Regular content updates and monitoring of user experience are crucial in maintaining an engaging and effective online presence.
2. Signs It’s Time for a Redesign: Barb outlined several indicators that signal the need for a website overhaul, including outdated appearance, poor user experience, and inaccurate targeting of the audience. By closely monitoring analytics and gathering feedback from stakeholders, schools can identify areas for improvement and prioritize website enhancements.
3. Navigating the Redesign Process: Barb shared her strategic approach, from initiating the redesign journey to selecting the right agency. She emphasized the importance of thorough research, collaboration with colleagues, and meticulous planning to ensure a seamless transition. By leveraging her graphic design skills and organizational prowess, Barb effectively managed the redesign process, overcoming challenges and maximizing outcomes.
4. The Role of Mindfulness: Throughout the redesign process, Barb emphasized the significance of mindfulness in maintaining balance and focus. Whether taking moments for mindful walks or practicing focused breathing, she integrates mindfulness practices into her daily routine, fostering clarity and resilience amidst the demands of school marketing.
Barb’s journey through the website redesign process exemplifies the dedication and strategic approach required in school marketing. By blending expertise with mindfulness, she navigated challenges and drove impactful outcomes, ultimately shaping Renbrook School’s digital presence for years to come. As schools continue to evolve in the digital landscape, Barb’s insights serve as a guide for marketers seeking to enhance their online platforms with purpose and creativity. Thank you for sharing your experience, Barb!
Read about the Renbrook School website project here.
Watch the podcast interview below or learn more and listen to the audio version here.