Blog

Information to help your organization make a difference.

Our blog delves into the technical, tactical, and inspirational ways to tell your stories beautifully and successfully.

Join our list to get periodic updates and inspirations sent directly to your inbox.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
Women looking at laptop screen with site design on white board behind them

5 Essential Elements Every Nonprofit Website Should Have

Creating an effective website for a nonprofit organization is crucial to its success. A well-designed website can help build credibility, engage supporters, attract donors, and clearly communicate the mission and values of the organization. In order to accomplish these important goals, there are five essential elements we believe that every…

Read More...about this topic
Overhead view of woman writing on paper near open laptop

Independent Schools: What is the Process for Updating Your Website?

An independent school’s website is its primary interface with students, parents, and the broader community. It’s a vital tool for communication, recruitment, and engagement. Regularly updating an independent school website is essential for enhancing communication, reflecting the school’s image, improving user experience, and supporting engagement and recruitment. It ensures the…

Read More...about this topic
Screenshot of Chat GPT with dark blue background

How Schools Can Use AI to Generate Website Content and Improve SEO

From attracting prospective students and engaging parents to keeping the community informed, a school’s website plays a pivotal role. However, maintaining a dynamic, content-rich site that ranks well in search engine results can be challenging. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes into play. AI offers innovative solutions to streamline…

Read More...about this topic

The Importance of User Experience: Key Statistics for 2024

User experience (UX) is a necessity for organizations and businesses striving to succeed. With users expecting seamless, efficient, and engaging interactions, companies must prioritize UX to stay competitive. In this summary, we delve into the critical statistics from TechJury‘s insights on user experience for 2024, highlighting the profound impact of…

Read More...about this topic
Overhead view of woman at computer workstation with two monitors and laptop

A Guide to Successful Website Content Migration During Redesigns

Redesigning a website can be a monumental task, often filled with excitement and anxiety. One of the most critical aspects of this process is content migration-the act of transferring existing website content to a new design or platform. Whether you’re updating your site’s look, improving its functionality, or migrating to…

Read More...about this topic
Woman showing off tablet at business meeting

Educating Staff and Teams: Promoting Awareness of Accessibility in Web Design

In the world of web design, accessibility is not just a trend; it is a necessity. As digital landscapes become increasingly integral to daily life, ensuring that websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is paramount. This blog post aims to shed light on the importance of…

Read More...about this topic
Man gesturing with hands in front of laptop screen

How Should You Select an Agency to Redesign Your School or Nonprofit Website?

A website serves as the virtual gateway to your organization, often forming the first impression for potential donors, volunteers, and stakeholders. A well-designed website not only serves as a virtual front door but also acts as a powerful tool for communication, outreach, and fundraising. However, redesigning a website can be…

Read More...about this topic
Girl with headphones on staring at laptop screen

Ensuring Accessibility: A Guide to Creating an Inclusive Private School Website

In today’s digital age, a school’s website serves as its virtual front door, offering vital information to prospective parents and students. However, to truly welcome and engage all visitors, including those with disabilities, the website must be accessible. Accessibility isn’t just about complying with regulations; it’s about fostering inclusivity and…

Read More...about this topic
Customer Relationship Management in scrabble tiles

What is a CRM and How Should a School Select a CRM?

Managing relationships with students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders has become increasingly vital for the success of schools. This is where Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems come into play. But what exactly is a CRM, and how should schools select the right one to meet their unique needs? In this…

Read More...about this topic
Man looking at Google Analytics on laptop Photo by Myriam Jessier

How Should a School Use GA4 Information to Help Improve Their Website?

A school’s website is often the first point of contact for students, parents, and stakeholders, serving as a gateway to information, resources, and the overall school experience. With such potential value, it’s essential for schools to continuously improve and optimize their online platforms to better serve their community. A powerful…

Read More...about this topic
two women at a school reviewing a website design Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash

Navigating the Cost of a Good Private School or Nonprofit Website in 2024

In 2024, the cost of a well-designed and functional website for a private school or nonprofit organization can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you navigate the pricing landscape and make informed decisions about your website investment. Here are some key considerations when evaluating the…

Read More...about this topic
Boys at school smiling Photo by Rebecca Drobis

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…

Read More...about this topic
Blackbaud Wordpress and Design TLC Logos

Maximizing 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…

Read More...about this topic
image of Mindful School Marketing podcast episode artwork with Barb Doyle

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,…

Read More...about this topic
Color Spectrum Photo by Magda Ehlers

Navigating 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,…

Read More...about this topic
photo of blind woman with her daughter

Inclusive 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…

Read More...about this topic
Web designer working on website sitemap Photo by carmenmsaa

What 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…

Read More...about this topic
Wordpress App on Screen

The 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….

Read More...about this topic
Graduates tossing caps Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Connecting 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…

Read More...about this topic
Equity text quote typography sign with people hands raised up together

Equity 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,…

Read More...about this topic