If you're building a new website for your primary school, or you're working with a design agency to create one, there's lots of stuff you'll need to think about. It can be a daunting task, but here are some top tips we've learned over the years.

1. Make it ‘mobile friendly’

If your primary school website has not been designed to work on mobile devices, i.e. tablets and smartphones it needs redeveloping.

A ‘responsive’ website is the best option - a technology which enables all the content to ‘respond’ to the type of web browser the visitor is using. If you have one visitor checking your site on an iPhone for example, the content on your website will automatically show in a format that works for the device. Having a responsive website means that whatever device your visitor is using (a PC, a tablet, a phablet, etc.) they will have an easy experience. It’s great for all involved if a busy parent can access a quick bit of information as they’re getting their kids ready for school.

A responsive website also has other benefits which include being found more easily in mobile searches (Google has recently decided to de-rank websites that are not mobile friendly) and there are other benefits as well which a good development agency can lead you through.

2. Think about results.

Don’t be worried about how you are going to achieve results, that’s a website development agency’s job. Instead, think about the challenges you have at present with your primary school website and even the challenges you have communicating to your audience.

Write them down, and if possible place priorities next to them. Even if they are all priority #1’s this will help set the scene for your new website and experienced website developers with knowledge of primary school websites should be able to help you from there.

3. Be social

Obviously, the social aspects of your school are critical. A school constantly works hard to engage face to face with parents, children and other stakeholders daily, managing relationships as they arrive in class, through to out of school events, etc.

The older children in primary schools often have some experience of ‘social media’, and to many of the parents Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are an ever increasing part of their social lives.

Therefore you need to consider a strategy for this, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or particularly time-consuming. Modern website technology can automate elements of social media and if you have the right strategic help from a website development company it can easily be integrated into both the website and therefore a regular administration routine.

We've helped lots of primary schools launch exciting new websites to engage both kids and parents. You can add these tips in anywhere in your project and you'll be able to launch a smashing website that everyone loves.

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