Education institutions, colleges, universities, and schools are pillars of our society that provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life. In today’s digital age, having a well-designed website is essential for these institutions to attract and engage prospective students and stakeholders. However, having a website is not just about having an online presence; it’s about having a website that meets specific criteria and standards to ensure the security of the website and the information it holds.
In this article, we will discuss the important things required in a website of an education institution, college, university, or school, based on information and security. We will also highlight the negative impact and the risk of not having these things on the website, and provide statistics and examples of other websites that have experienced these risks.
Mobile Responsiveness
The first essential feature of a website is mobile responsiveness. A website that is not optimized for mobile devices can lead to a high bounce rate, negatively affecting the website’s search engine ranking. In today’s world, where the majority of people access the internet through their smartphones, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial. According to Statista, mobile devices accounted for over 54% of internet traffic worldwide in 2021.
Clear Navigation
The second important feature of a website is clear navigation. A confusing navigation structure can frustrate users and result in a negative user experience, leading to a decrease in engagement and conversion rates. It’s crucial to have a clear and easy-to-use navigation system that guides users to the information they need. A study conducted by Nielsen Norman Group found that 76% of users said that the most important factor in website design is ease of use.
About Us Page
The third essential feature of a website is an About Us page. This page provides visitors with information about the institution’s background, values, and mission. It’s important to have an About Us page as it adds credibility and trustworthiness to the institution. According to a study by KoMarketing, 52% of users said that they want to see an About Us page on a website.
Academic Programs Page
The fourth important feature of a website is an Academic Programs page. This page provides prospective students with information about the institution’s academic offerings. It’s crucial to have a well-designed academic programs page that clearly lists all the programs the institution offers. A study by HubSpot found that 64% of users want to see a list of services on a website.
Admissions Page
The fifth essential feature of a website is an Admissions page. This page provides information about the admission process, requirements, and deadlines. It’s important to have a well-designed admissions page as it can impact the institution’s ability to attract qualified applicants. A study by Inside Higher Ed found that 79% of admissions directors said that the website is the most important marketing tool for attracting students.
Faculty Page
The sixth important feature of a website is a Faculty page. This page provides information about the institution’s faculty members, their expertise, and qualifications. It’s crucial to have a well-designed faculty page as it can impact the institution’s ability to attract and retain talented faculty members. According to a study by Chegg, 65% of college students said that they look up their professors online before taking their classes.
Student Life Page
The seventh essential feature of a website is a Student Life page. This page provides information about the institution’s campus life, extracurricular activities, and student organizations. It’s important to have a well-designed student life page as it can impact the institution’s ability to attract prospective students and keep them engaged on campus. According to a survey by Ruffalo Noel Levitz, 73% of college-bound students said that they want to be involved in student organizations and activities.
Not having these essential features on the website of an education institution, college, university, or school can have a negative impact on the institution’s ability to attract and engage prospective students and stakeholders. The risk of not having a mobile-friendly website can lead to a high bounce rate and negatively affect the website’s search engine ranking. A confusing navigation structure can frustrate users and result in a negative user experience, leading to a decrease in engagement and conversion rates. Not having an About Us page can make it difficult for users to learn about the institution’s background, values, and mission, negatively impacting the institution’s credibility and trustworthiness.
If an institution does not have a well-designed academic programs page, prospective students may not have enough information about the programs offered, which can impact the institution’s ability to attract and retain qualified applicants. Similarly, not having a well-designed admissions page can lead to confusion among prospective students about the admission process, requirements, and deadlines.
A poorly designed faculty page can also impact the institution’s ability to attract and retain talented faculty members. If faculty members’ qualifications and expertise are not well-highlighted, it can impact the institution’s academic reputation. Not having a well-designed student life page can make it difficult for prospective students to learn about the institution’s campus life, extracurricular activities, and student organizations, impacting the institution’s ability to attract and engage prospective students.
Furthermore, not having appropriate security measures in place can lead to the risk of a website hack or data breach. A compromised website can lead to the loss of sensitive information, damage to the institution’s reputation, and loss of trust among stakeholders. According to a report by Verizon, 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses, and education institutions are among the most targeted industries.
In conclusion, having a well-designed website is essential for education institutions, colleges, universities, and schools to attract and engage prospective students and stakeholders. A mobile-friendly website with clear navigation, an About Us page, academic programs page, admissions page, faculty page, and student life page is crucial for providing users with the information they need. Additionally, having appropriate security measures in place is important for protecting the institution’s sensitive information and maintaining trust among stakeholders. Not having these essential features can lead to a negative impact on the institution’s ability to attract and engage prospective students and stakeholders, and the risk of a website hack or data breach. Therefore, education institutions, colleges, universities, and schools must prioritize website design and security to remain competitive and maintain trust among stakeholders.
