Lately, I have been hunkered down with my faithful laptop working on a new educational website for a local private school, Amelia Academy. This client agreed to an upgrade to their former website as the need was extremely strong for the school to be portrayed properly to their community.
A lot of times in this digital age, people will choose to look over a website for a business or organization before they even think about calling or making a physical visit. Obviously, I can’t speak for every person, but it gives insight into that particular place and individuals, parents, families, etc. can choose to engage or not.
If a website is poorly designed, not well written, and has more than a few errors or issues (i.e. outdated photos, content, broken web forms, etc.), that person will consciously or unconsciously move on and not give that business or organization their time, money, or investment. This can be problematic when you are relying on new clients, patrons, or what not to keep your business moving forward. It is important to have an attractive website, with updated content (no matter how boring you think it is), and lots of real images showing what goes on there.
Show your visitors what they can expect, make them want to be there and participate.
I’ve actually had people disagree with me that this could potentially drive more revenue to their business, because they just don’t care about their website or their printed material. But you only have a few minutes in-person to get someone to WANT to do business with you. But if they can “revisit” you through your website and beautiful, printed materials even after they have walked away – you stand a better chance of gaining that new patron, or client.
If you believe you have an exceptional business, something unique, and worth someone spending their money on – then prove it. Show it not only when they are standing in front of you and how you interact with them, but put the effort into everything. Your website, your signage, your printed materials, brochures, business cards, novelty gifts, etc. All that extra care may come at a cost, but it is one that is well worth it and will work for you even when you are asleep.
BEFORE (left)
AFTER (right)
On a final note, here is my most recent website upgrade for Amelia Academy. Obviously, they have had a glow-up that is well deserved. Check out the fully responsive website at www.ameliaacademy.com.
