Web Strategy and Development Blog

Access the new Missouri State Web Design System

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The Missouri State Web Design System was officially launched August 22, 2022. 

This system provides guidance to those who collectively support Missouri State’s web presence. 

Within this system, you will find:

  • The Missouri State brand toolkit for the web.
  • How to structure your page with templates and grids.  
  • A guide to the elements and patterns available; in what form they are offered in Omni CMS; and how they may be best used. 
  • Guidance for incorporating images, videos, icons and charts within your page layout. 

To further serve you, training is available through the following:

Training is still provided through Web Support — with additional support available by phone, Zoom or in-person (by appointment).

If you have any design questions, contact Valerie Cummings at 417-836-5670 or VCummings@MissouriState.edu.

 

New design for university websites

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We’re excited to announce that Missouri State University websites will soon have a fresh look. The first change comes next week on the homepage.

Our goal: to create an action-oriented experience for future Bears. The new homepage will also showcase bold video, imagery and content elements.

What’s new

All Missouri State University websites hosted in Web Press are moving to new templates.

In late April, we’ll start the transition with the release of a new homepage.

Top portion of new Missouri State University homepage.
A sneak-peak of the new homepage. The modern look includes an expansive “hero” video area.
New Missouri State University homepage on mobile view.
The new homepage on mobile view.

Other highlights on the new homepage include:

  • An admissions-focused layout. We’ve made it easier to apply, visit and donate to Missouri State.
  • A carousel of stories, centered around student success.
  • Upcoming events in an easy-to-read format, with quick links to the full calendar.
  • Bold, impactful stats that detail university accomplishments.

The new templates have other options for design layouts, too.

All MSU Web Press sites will switch to the new templates, and we will release a schedule for this move later in the year.

For questions or concerns

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us.

Recap: Making Your Statement in a Digital World

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Web strategy and development staff members Kai Raymer and Erika Brame delivered a half-day training session Feb. 8 on digital marketing.

Whether you attended or couldn’t make it this time, here’s a recap and a chance to download slides and view video from Making Your Statement in a Digital World.

Key takeaways

Readability

Readability: The ease with witch a person can understand written content.

  • Two keys for readability: Concise text and scannable layout.
    • Use simple words and short sentences. Use headings so people and software can scan your content.
  • Write inverted pyramid style, not chronologically. Put the most important information near the top of your story, content and/or website.
  • Tools like Hemingway App and Yoast SEO can gauge and test the readability of your content.
  • Aim for a 6th-to-8th grade reading level for your content. Most people read at that level.
  • Prioritize what goes on your website. Don’t clutter. The more content and links you have, the less important everything becomes.
  • Know that readable content can help you:
    • Reach more people
    • Increase what they understand
    • Get them to act
    • Save money
  • No one wants to put extra effort into reading. Even smart people (deans, department heads, graduate students etc.).

Download readability slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Social media

  • Share human – don’t be afraid to act like a human and interact with your audience one-on-one.
  • Set up a Facebook business account where people can find your contact information. Be prepared to respond to their questions.
  • Facebook ads can be helpful but use with a strategy for want you want to accomplish.
  • Third party platforms can help teams collaborate and offer insightful analytics.
  • Keep it simple. Not everything goes viral and that’s ok. Keep interacting with the audience.

Download social media slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Accessibility

Accessibility helps people with disabilities or limited abilities better use the web.

  • Think of your website as a public space. Make accommodations for all users.
  • Not following accessibility standards could lead to lawsuits or legal trouble. Higher education websites are often targeted for accessibility issues.
    • Following accessibility standards will make your website better. You’ll improve SEO and reach more people.
  • Three staples of accessibility: alt text, headings and descriptive links.
    • Alt text is the text equivalent of a photo. Imagine you were describing the image to someone via text message or phone call.
    • Headings are vital for screen readers and give all visitors an easy outline of your website.
    • Descriptive links explain what the link offers. You shouldn’t have to read surrounding content for context. Don’t write “click here” for your links.
  • Use tools like WAVE and the Web Press accessibility checker. They’ll find accessibility issues on your website.
  • Follow our ongoing Accessibility blog series for the latest tips and strategies.

Download accessibility slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Video

  • Think visual – when on location for an event share raw photos, but when promoting the event utilize photo services to help boost your presence.
  • Video is king across all platforms. Be sure to add captioning for accessibility and to increase views.
  • Measure your success based on the goals your team sets: more followers, increased engagement, more views, etc. Keep a log of your analytics so you can compare data from previous years.
  • Start thinking of ways you can add video to your workflow. Start slow and make goals for yourself for when and how often you want to post videos.
  • Don’t backlight your subject. Let the natural light work for you, not against you.

Download video slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Watch on Zoom

For the first time, we live streamed the training through Zoom.

Watch the replay

Faculty and staff free portrait days are Feb. 7-8

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Update your MSU employee photo during faculty and staff free portrait days, Feb. 7-8 at Plaster Student Union.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 317, the office of visual media will take your photo, free of charge.

Attending this event ensures you have an appropriate profile photo on university websites. This is a great opportunity for new faculty and staff members to have their pictures taken.

Contact Chuck Busby, office of the provost, at 836-6495 if you have any questions.

Key details: free portrait days

  • Who: Missouri State University faculty and staff
  • When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 7-8
  • Where: Plaster Student Union, Room 317
  • About: Professional or business casual attire preferred. No pre-registration or cost required.

Choose the photo you want

MSU employee posing for photo during free photo days
MSU employees have the opportunity to get a professional headshot taken by the office of visual media during faculty and staff free portrait days. Photos by Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University

You’ll review and select your photo on-site at the event.

Then, web strategy and development uploads your photo to the university directory – with no extra effort on your part.

Within a few days, you can download your photo per instructions provided at the event.

Your photo is free. You can use it for other professional purposes.

Improve your digital content strategies

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You’re invited to Making Your Statement in a Digital World on Feb. 8.  Join us as we cover best practices for websites, blogs and social media.

Please register on My Learning Connection via My Missouri State. You’re welcome to bring a laptop and/or mobile device.

This is a terrific opportunity for MSU faculty, staff and students who haven’t previously attended this training session.

Key details

Attend on Zoom

Can’t attend in person? Join a live stream of the training session via Zoom.

About the session

You’ll learn practical strategies for managing websites, blogs and social media. We’ll answer questions like:

  • How do we repurpose our website and blog content and distribute it on social media?
  • What do users want my website, blog or social media to provide?
  • How do we become better strategic storytellers?
  • What are some tips and tricks we can use to make sure our site accessible and readable for all users?
  • How do we manage messaging on multiple social media channels?
  • What are some advanced strategies to increase our effectiveness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?
  • How can we best leverage photo and video content?

Meet the trainers

Erika Brame, web strategy and development

Kai Raymer, web strategy and development