Redesigning your school’s website is a big project, no doubt about it. But it's also an incredible opportunity to create something important for your school and your community.

All the school website design companies will tell you about user-friendly, mobile-first designs and consistent branding and navigation best practices, but the truth is, nobody really talks about the messy, chaotic, and sometimes downright hilarious underbelly of a website redesign.

While every school's redesign journey is different, there are some common challenges and victories that we see again and again. There will be moments that make you laugh, deadlines that make you stress, and conversations that make you want to throw your computer out the window (but please don't).

Creating a new school website is a journey filled with unexpected twists, turns, and moments where you'll question your sanity (and your relationship with coffee), but it's also a rewarding experience that can transform your school's online presence for the better.

But by the end, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any project and come out a winner (and maybe even a little bit wiser).

Nobody tells you...

1. It's Not All About Looking Pretty (But it Helps)

Sure, a sleek design is great, but it's what's inside that counts. Can parents find the bus schedule without needing psychic powers? Is your inquiry process intuitive and mobile-friendly? A website that's all looks and no brains is like a fancy sports car with no engine, it's not going anywhere.

Here's some advice: Focus on user experience (UX) and accessibility as much as the latest design elements. A beautiful website serves no purpose if parents and students struggle to find information or if it excludes people with disabilities. Make sure your website is easy to navigate and accessible to everyone.

“Honestly, I’m proud of every aspect of this project,” sharedCarrie Carlson of Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance. “The new site better reflects our current program offerings, the culture and values of our school, and—most importantly—it’s simply beautiful.”

2. Your Team is Your Secret Weapon (and Your Biggest Challenge)

Collaboration is key. Get input from teachers, administrators, parents, and even students, but be prepared to manage conflicting opinions. It's like herding cats but with slightly higher stakes. (Pro tip: snacks and coffee help.)

Keep Reading: Help! There Are Too Many People Involved in My School Website's Redesign

Here's some advice: Gather input from different stakeholders and be ready to handle differing opinions. Focus on constructive feedback, communication, and collaboration to make sure everyone feels heard and that the website meets the needs of your school community.

“People have opinions,” noted Allison Kaufman about Francis Parker School's redesign. “Sometimes really strong ones. But by inviting them in early and explaining our reasoning, we got much more constructive input.”

3. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help (You're Not Alone)

Website redesigns can be overwhelming. Don't be afraid to reach out to professionals for help. Whether it's design, development, or content creation, there are experts who can make your life easier and the experience so much smoother. Think of them as your partners.

Here's some advice: Don't be afraid to ask for help from professionals. Website redesigns can be complex, but experts in design, messaging, and content can offer assistance and save you time and stress. For Finalsite clients and the extended Finalist Family, there are so many ways to get assistance, whether that’s through Finalsite University, Workshops, the Knowledge Base and Learning Center, or all the amazing people on the Client Success and Support teams.

4. Prepare for the Unexpected (Because the Unexpected Will Happen)

Just when you think everything is perfect, you’re on track, and your timeline is locked in, something will inevitably go wrong. A colleague quits or starts their parental leave, the administration wants to rebrand, or a global pandemic happens (IYKYK), and suddenly, your world turns upside down.

There are things you can and can’t control, but take some deep breaths, have a sense of humor, and remember that a good support team is your best ally.

COVID hit during The International School of Berne’s redesign, but nevertheless, the site went live, and it’s beautiful. “I am so amazed we were able to do this new site quickly and smoothly,” the school shared. “Thank you for your absolute professionalism and flawless execution of this project!"

Here's some advice: Expect the unexpected. It’s important to have a realistic timeframe for a launch date and, whenever possible, be flexible. Having a reliable project manager to bounce ideas around or work through any challenges can make a big difference.

Keep Reading: Back on Schedule: Navigating Turnover During a School Website Redesign

5. The "Old Website’s" Ghost Will Haunt You

If you think you've migrated everything, think again. Old PDFs, broken links from past events, and outdated staff bios? Like the ghost of websites past, they'll pop up when you least expect it.

You'll be chasing them for months. Make a thorough content audit your best friend before launch, and prepare for the stragglers.

Here's some advice: Pay close attention to content migration. Outdated or broken content can negatively affect user experience and SEO, so conduct a thorough content audit and cleanup before launch to avoid these issues.

6. Your Website Is a Never-Ending Training Session

You've launched. It's beautiful, but now everyone needs to know how to use it. Teachers, admin, and even the PTA. Be prepared for a constant stream of 'How do I change this?' and 'Where do I find that?' Create clear user guides and offer ongoing support because, whether you like it or not, you're now the resident website expert.

Here's some advice: Provide training and support after launch to help everyone update and manage the website content. Create clear documentation and offer assistance to empower users and maintain the website effectively.

7. The Launch Party Ends, But the Data Dance Begins

Think you're done when the confetti settles after the launch? Not a chance! The work does not stop. Get ready to put on your scientist hat because your website is about to become your biggest ongoing experiment.

You'll track clicks like a hawk, obsess over bounce rates, and A/B test everything but the lunch menu. But who doesn't love a good experiment? (Especially when it means a better website.)

Here's some advice: Launching a website is the first step. Use data analysis and experimentation to improve your website. Monitor website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates to optimize its effectiveness, and if just the thought of that is overwhelming, there’s no reason to worry. There are many resources that can help you make sense of your data and start making more informed decisions.

8. The "Perfect" Design Doesn’t Exist

That design you agonized over for months? It'll start feeling a little dated sooner than you think. Trends change, user expectations shift, and you'll find things you want to tweak constantly.

Embrace the idea of continuous improvement. Your website is a living document, not a museum piece.

Here's some advice: Website design is an ongoing process. Adapt and evolve the design to keep up with changing trends, technologies, and user expectations to keep your site fresh and engaging.

9. You Will Become a Master of Juggling Priorities (and Expectations)

Everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks their request is a top priority. "Can we add a live stream of the hamster cage?" "'We need a scrolling marquee of upcoming bake sales!"

You'll learn to say "yes" (strategically), "no" (politely), and "let's put that in the backlog" (indefinitely). Prioritization is your superpower now.

Here's some advice: Learn to manage stakeholder expectations and prioritize website updates. Develop a process for evaluating requests, balancing competing needs, and communicating decisions transparently.

10. You'll Develop a Strange Love for 404 Pages

Broken links happen. You'll learn to craft witty and helpful 404 pages that turn a frustrating search into a lighter moment that enhances the user experience. You might even start collecting them. It's a weird quirk of website management, but hey, embrace the oddities.

Here's some advice: Use 404 pages as an opportunity to engage visitors with humor and helpful navigation with a call to action, like All Saints’ Episcopal School. A well-designed 404 page can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive, branded one that reflects your school.

Keep Reading: 9 Great Examples of Custom 404 Pages on School Websites

11. The Feedback Never Ends (and That's a Good Thing)

You'll get feedback from everyone – parents, teachers, students, even that one alum who's still obsessed with the old-school mascot. Learn to filter the noise but also embrace constructive criticism. User feedback is invaluable for identifying areas for improvement and making sure your website meets the needs of your community.

Here's some advice: Ask and use the feedback to improve your website. Feedback from various sources can help you identify areas that need attention and make your website even more effective.

Key Takeaway

With all the ups and downs, redesigning your school's website can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. But remember that you're not alone on this journey. There are resources, experts, and a community of peers ready to support you. So, take a deep breath, embrace the adventure, and get ready to create a website that will make you proud!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connor has spent the last decade within the field of marketing and communications, working with independent schools and colleges throughout New England. At Finalsite, Connor plans and executes marketing strategies and digital content across the web. A former photojournalist, he has a passion for digital media, storytelling, coffee, and creating content that connects.