Traditionally, higher education institutions would help recruit, admit, enroll, and guide students through their college journey. But with more and more of these responsibilities being put on the shoulders of students, colleges, and universities need to evolve to become more student-centric.
The internet has become vital for universities to attract students and promote their brands. A college website serves as the virtual face of the institution, allowing students to explore the school’s offerings and learn more about its programs.
A student-centric college website should focus on creating a user-friendly experience that prioritizes the needs of students. To succeed in this evolving environment, colleges need to optimize their website for enrollment purposes and learn how to communicate their brand in a way that resonates with today’s prospective students.
In this blog, we will discuss the design, navigation, and content of a student-centric college website.
Design
The design of a college website plays a significant role in attracting students. The website should have a professional look and feel that reflects the institution’s brand. The use of colors, typography, and imagery should be consistent throughout the site. The website should be responsive, meaning it should adjust to the user’s device, whether a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device.
A student-centric college website should also prioritize accessibility. The website should be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that users with disabilities can easily navigate the site. This includes using alternative text for images, video captions, and clear and concise headings.
A website is a critical part of any higher education marketing strategy. Another essential aspect of the design is the use of white space. White space is the area between design elements, such as text, images, and graphics. It allows the content to breathe and makes it easier for users to read and navigate the site. A cluttered website can be overwhelming for students and may cause them to leave the site without exploring further.
Navigation
The navigation of a college website should be intuitive and easy to use. Students should be able to find the information they need quickly and easily. The website should have a clear and concise menu organized into categories that make sense to students. The menu should be visible on every website page so students can access it anytime.
When designing your student-centric college website, you must consider how users will interact with your site. For instance, a user may have an interest in learning more about how to apply to your college or how to pay their tuition. You must ensure they can easily find these pages when using the navigation.
Use drop-down menus on your main navigation so that users can find what they are looking for quickly and easily. This can help them reduce the clicks they need to make, increasing your website’s overall user experience.
You can also organize your site’s content into separate sections so that users don’t have to click through every page on your website. This makes navigating easier for your users and ensures they stay on your website longer.
The website should also have a search function that allows students to search for specific information. The search function should be easy to find and use and provide relevant results quickly. The website should have clear and concise language, and the navigation should be consistent throughout the site.
Content
One of the most important responsibilities of any enrollment team is to produce high-quality content that is both relevant and interesting to prospective students. Developing engaging content is more than just creating a blog or posting an article on LinkedIn; it is about understanding the underlying motivations behind student behavior and then using that knowledge to improve engagement and drive outcomes.
The content of a student-centric college website should focus on providing relevant and useful information to students. The website should answer common questions that students may have about the institution, such as the admissions process, financial aid, and academic programs.
The website should also provide campus student life information, including extracurricular activities, housing, and dining options. The content should be presented in clear and concise language, making it easy for students to understand.
A student-centric college website should also include testimonials and success stories from current and past students. This can help students to visualize themselves at the institution and see the benefits of attending college. The website should also include faculty and staff profiles, highlighting their expertise and experience.
The website should have a blog section that provides insights into student life, academic programs, and campus events. The blog should be updated regularly, providing fresh and relevant content for students.
Benefits of Creating a Student-Centric College Website
Creating a student-centric college website is not only beneficial for your institution, but it also provides an opportunity to engage with students on a more personal level. In a time when students are increasingly becoming more demanding, you must prioritize their needs and create an experience that will help them achieve their academic and career goals.
✅Attracting and Retaining Students
A student-centric college website can attract prospective students to the institution. By providing relevant and valuable information about the admissions process, academic programs, and student life on campus, prospective students can better understand the institution and what it has to offer. This can ultimately lead to an increase in applications and enrollment.
In addition, a student-centric college website can help retain current students. By providing information about extracurricular activities, housing, and dining options, students can feel more connected to the institution and more engaged with campus life. This can ultimately lead to higher student satisfaction and retention rates.
✅Improving the User Experience
A student-centric college website can provide a better user experience for students. By designing the website with accessibility in mind, students with disabilities can easily navigate the site.
The website should also be responsive, adjusting to the user’s device, whether a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device. A well-designed and easy-to-use website can ultimately lead to a better user experience for students.
✅Providing Relevant and Useful Information
A student-centric college website can provide relevant and valuable information to students. By providing information about academic programs, financial aid, and campus resources, students can make informed decisions about their education and feel more supported throughout their college journey. The website can also provide insights into student life on campus, giving students a better understanding of what to expect when they attend the institution.
✅Enhancing the Institution’s Brand
A student-centric college website can enhance the institution’s brand. By presenting a professional and accessible website, prospective students can better understand the institution’s values and mission. The website can also highlight the institution’s unique features and strengths, which can help set it apart from other institutions.
✅Providing a Platform for Student Voices
A student-centric college website can provide a platform for student voices. By including testimonials and success stories from current and past students, the website can showcase the achievements of the institution’s students. The website can also have a blog section that provides insights into student life, academic programs, and campus events, allowing students to share their experiences and perspectives.
Conclusion
A student-centric college website is the best way to show potential students that your institution is a place where they can get the education they need in the time frame they want and with the support they deserve. It is also best to ensure your students receive a personalized experience tailored to their needs.
