Evolving school websites: engaging communities and future families

In Short:
– School websites have evolved from compliance tools to community engagement hubs, primarily connecting with future families.
– Key elements for success include user-friendly design, diverse visual content, regular updates, and mobile optimisation.

School websites are no longer just about compliance—they’ve become the primary window into a school’s community.

Hosts Ahron Young and Greg Campitelli sit down with Michael Van Ho, founder of Education Web Solutions, to explore how websites now act as hubs for communication, engagement, and future family recruitment.

From streamlining inquiries to showcasing a school’s culture through media and visuals, the panel discusses why nearly 95% of school records come from website forms rather than phone calls. They break down the essential elements of a successful website, including mobile responsiveness, social media integration, and frequent updates.

The conversation also dives into the role of AI, highlighting safe chatbots that answer questions in multiple languages and ensure accurate information. Schools are encouraged to consult front office staff for FAQs, maintain professional backend management, and include features like sticky headers, lead capture forms, and analytics.