Top 10 BBNC Sites – Johnson & Wales University
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We're counting down the top 10 websites built on NetCommunity as bbcon 2016 approaches. The latest installment to our list of Top 10 NetCommunity Sites comes from Johnson & Wales University.
For Shannon Robbins, the value of storytelling is unparalleled. Robbins, the alumni relations communications associate for Johnson & Wales University, is responsible for engaging the institution’s 104,000 living alumni from its four campuses (located across the United States) and its online programs. Although each campus affords a distinct version of student life, she strives to provide all graduates with one shared JWU Alumni experience and sees the new website as an opportunity to forge a common bond.
When it came time to replace their old website, Robbins and her colleagues knew what they needed to create a more stimulating online presence. “Our site needed an updated look and feel, as well as new technical features,” she asserts. “It needed to be more dynamic, more visual, and more mobile-friendly – the types of things that people expect in 2016.”
The new site captures users’ interest with powerful imagery and dynamic content. One particularly strong feature is a slider that recaps recent alumni donations as it scrolls across the screen. Highlighting donors’ first names, class years and gift designations, the ticker serves as a thank you to those who have given as well as a call-to-action to those who may be considering making a gift. “The slider reminds everyone of all the different areas they can give to and the ways in which they can give without us making a specific ask. It’s so much more compelling than a simple page with a giant list on it,” Robbins explains.
The slider is complemented by captivating narratives throughout the page, especially the “Generosity has an impact” section. This area features blog stories about students doing exciting things on- and off-campus, and these stories go a long way to demonstrate the impact donations can have on the lives of Johnson & Wales students. As Robbins says, “Tying philanthropy to outcomes is paramount; we’re always looking for ways to do that.”
While internal stakeholders are quite excited about the new alumni website, the vast majority of Johnson & Wales alumni have yet to lay eyes on it – the university just began marketing it this week.
It won’t be a secret for long, though. “It’s going to be a full-fledged campaign,” Robbins reveals. “We’re planning massive outreach until the holidays.” She and the rest of the team at Johnson & Wales will be communicating with alumni and other members of the university community in a variety of ways. From full-page advertisements in the university magazine to social media, phone calls and emails segmented on past behavior, they expect to reach the majority of their audience four times before the end of the year.
“We’re happy with the site, and think our alumni are going to be as well!”
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ARCHIVED | Blackbaud NetCommunity™ Blog
10/18/2016 10:00am EDT
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Rosie Kirton
Bird Studies Canada