Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School: a Preschool-8th grade in Chicago, IL
When we redesigned the Akiba-Schechter website, we knew that the new site had to have a couple of things–all on the homepage: spotlights that called attention to major events, a calendar parents could easily see without clicking, a tagline brand, social media at the top, and a narrative of proven success. We wanted people to know the school’s history, track record, and unique mission. For these reasons, we decided to go with a scrolling format. The less clicking, the better. But, we also included some anchor icons on the right to allow viewers to quickly move the part of the page they needed.
Here’s the homepage:
We chose to use close-up shots of specific children to go along with our brand: “I am Akiba.” Each landing page features a similar type of close up shot, and the rotating photos on the homepage all correspond to the header: “I am_____. I am Akiba.” Clicking on that link takes the viewer to an informational film about the school.
One option we toyed with but didn’t use is an infographic like this one on the homepage. Parents looking at private school want to know what makes your product unique, and why they should spend private school tuition on you. So, you need to tell them.
Every subpage includes a “fast fact” or a parent quote on the right or left margin. Real estate is precious, and the more you can tell your unique story from different angles, the better.
Positioning anchors like these at the top of the page helps frame viewers’ experience, gives them a roadmap, and makes information easily accessible. Think of it like topic sentences when writing an essay!It’s what everyone’s thinking: why should I buy your product? So, don’t wait for them to ask! Don’t apologize for your product buy hiding it. You have something worth selling, so go ahead and sell it.The rotating slider here with information about students’ achievements, major statistics you’re proud of, and other noteworthy facts, tells your story and showcases what makes you unique. And, it’s super fast and painless for the viewer. Remember: if your viewer has to click, you’ve lost him!
Rivka’s Yiddish: A Yiddish translator, archivist, and genealogist based out of Brooklyn, NY.
Since Rivka was building her business from scratch and many of her customers live in other cities, her website really had to serve as her business shingle. Rivka tells her viewers about her personal journey to this field and why it’s more than just a profession to her. Through a user-friendly contact form, she makes it easy for clients to choose their required services and even submit files for her review. This makes the appraisal process quick and painless.
Here is her homepage:
It was important that the website offer an action step right at the front, with the “contact me” button in bright pink.
Her translation page:
We showcased Rivka’s diverse portfolio of clients with a catalog-type format.
And her blog:
One of the most effective ways to reach your desired audience is to develop a voice through a blog. This showcases your expertise in your niche, keeps clients engaged throughout the year, and gives them something to forward to their friends–aka, potential customers. Rivka’s blog is active and nuanced, and has been one of the keys to building her business from scratch. Of course, it was important to make the blog an integrated part of her website.
When we redesigned the Akiba-Schechter website, we knew that the new site had to have a couple of things–all on the homepage: spotlights that called attention to major events, a calendar parents could easily see without clicking, a tagline brand, social media at the top, and a narrative of proven success. We wanted people to know the school’s history, track record, and unique mission. For these reasons, we decided to go with a scrolling format. The less clicking, the better. But, we also included some anchor icons on the right to allow viewers to quickly move the part of the page they needed.
Since Rivka was building her business from scratch and many of her customers live in other cities, her website really had to serve as her business shingle. Rivka tells her viewers about her personal journey to this field and why it’s more than just a profession to her. Through a user-friendly contact form, she makes it easy for clients to choose their required services and even submit files for her review. This makes the appraisal process quick and painless. 
Mindy Schiller Design 