Web Strategy and Development Blog

The latest on academic website redesigns

by

Over the past year, many of Missouri State’s academic websites have undergone redesigns.

Here’s a recap of what we’ve done and what’s ahead.

MCHHS websites

As part of a comprehensive marketing project with the college, many of the redesigns have focused on the McQueary College of Health and Human Services and its departments.

We started with the college site and went from this:

Homepage of former McQueary College of Health and Human Services website.
Previous MCHHS homepage.

To this:

Homepage of McQueary College of Health and Human Services website.
New homepage highlights MCHHS’s degree programs.

The new MCHHS website went live last fall.

By the numbers

The success of the MCHHS redesign is shown in the numbers.

Through Google Analytics, we compared a three-period for the website: pre-redesign and post-redesign.

Highlights include:

  • The removal of outdated pages cutting down on unwanted or misguided traffic.
    • Bounce rate is down from 83% to 28%.
    • Session duration is up from 1:09 to 1:32.
  • Site traffic is more qualified. Our users are more likely to find what they need. Top page views were:
  • Major reduction of bounce rates on all devices. Especially mobile (reduced to 29% from 87%).
  • Pre-redesign, there were top referrers that looked to be internal (Word, Teamwork) and now those referrers are what they should be: Google, search.missouristate, direct, Twitter, Facebook.

Going forward, we plan to continue emphasizing analytics in our redesign strategy.

More on MCHHS

We’ve also completed recent redesigns for two MCHHS departments: the School of Nursing and the new public health and sports medicine department.

These new websites feature the key aspects of our redesign strategies over the past 12 months:

  • Concise, SEO-friendly messaging (using terms like “major” and “degree” more often) on the homepage and program pages. Example: BSN-Completion for nursing.
  • Prominent call-to-action (CTA) buttons.
  • Less clutter overall and a more more-friendly website.

Over the next 18-24 months, all department websites under MCHHS will undergo redesigns.

Other redesigned websites

Key highlights for journalism program on media, journalism and film website.
The journalism section of the redesigned media, journalism and film website. Each degree program on redesigned sites has a “Why earn this degree?” section that uses photography to highlight its unique aspects.

Through the academic website project, several other departments and programs have undergone redesigns over the last year as well.

Defense and strategic studies got a much-needed refresh. The new website highlights DSS’s unique programs and location (Washington, D.C.)

Other redesigns since 2020 include:

What’s ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down our redesign workflow.

In the coming months, we’re hoping to pick up our usual pace and continue these redesigns, which we normally rotate among Missouri State’s eight colleges.

Learn more about the Academic Website Project.

Graduate students: Share the stories of MSU

by

Our team is growing.

The marketing and communications division at Missouri State currently has three open graduate assistantships.

Are you a creative communicator who loves to tell stories? We need you to help recruit students and be a brand ambassador for the university and its programs.

Each position would give you an opportunity to get hands-on experience with marketing, promotion, writing, editing and public relations while having your education paid for.

Find the position that’s right for you.

New design for university websites

by

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

by

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

by

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.