Making Your Website Work for Families and Students

Is your school spending too much time answering questions that could be solved online?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in All Business

How often does your school office get called or emailed with questions that are already answered on your website? Parents and guardians might not know the site exists, struggle to find the information they need, or simply haven’t been guided to check there first. Encouraging families to use your website isn’t about brushing them off – it’s about freeing up staff time to focus on important tasks and supporting students. Here are three ways to make your school website more accessible, user-friendly, and effective:

Conduct a Google Performance Audit

User access begins with visibility. Google’s “Core Web Vitals” now determine how websites rank in search results, based on key factors such as:

• Loading speed: Main content should appear within 2.5 seconds.
• Responsiveness: Pages should react quickly when families interact with them.
• Visual stability: Minimise unexpected layout shifts that can confuse users.

Schools can benefit from a professional website audit, many of which are free and assess Core Web Vitals, SEO performance, and site security. A comprehensive audit provides actionable, data-backed steps to increase traffic and improve usability.

Add Short-Form Video Content

Short-form video content is booming and can be an excellent way to answer common student questions. Tutorials, guides and demonstrations can be created from existing written content or crafted as quick explainers.

Videos of one to four minutes can simplify complex topics, walk families through application processes and drive engagement. Once published on your website, share them across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) with direct links back to your site. This not only increases traffic but also reinforces your school’s online presence.

Optimise Your Website for Mobile

With more than half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure your site delivers a smooth mobile experience. Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites in search results, so poor mobile performance can limit visibility.

Focus on performance, usability and speed. Using a content management system (CMS) that prioritises mobile design ensures your site is fast, easy to navigate and built for repeat visits. A modern, mobile-first website enhances user experience and makes it easier for families to find the information they need.

Don’t Forget to Promote Your Website!

Even with a well-designed website, families need to be reminded to use it. Share your online resources through newsletters, social media and notices around the school. Encourage parents and guardians to check the site for information on school policies, term dates, lunch menus, or extracurricular activities. Highlighting that answers are just a click away not only saves staff time but also empowers families to stay informed and engaged with school life.