A local government’s website is often the primary touchpoint for residents, businesses, and visitors to connect with services and resources. For clerks and IT staff, designing a website that is user-friendly is key to improving resident satisfaction, enhancing engagement, and streamlining workflows. Here are five tips to create the best city websites to meet the needs of your community.
1. Prioritize User-Friendly Navigation
Your website’s usability is one of the most important factors in creating a positive user experience. A clear, intuitive navigation structure helps users find information quickly, minimizing frustration and encouraging further engagement. Many visitors to a city website are looking for specific services, such as paying a bill, applying for permits, or accessing public records. Group these popular services into easily identifiable categories, ensuring that essential functions are no more than a few clicks away from the homepage.
Consider implementing a search bar that is easy to locate and optimized for common search terms. This feature can be especially helpful for residents unfamiliar with government terms, enabling them to find what they need without navigating multiple pages. Additionally, keeping a mobile-friendly layout in mind ensures that visitors can easily navigate your site, whether they’re accessing it from a desktop or a mobile device.
2. Focus on Community Engagement Features
Websites are powerful tools for building community and encouraging resident involvement. Consider integrating features that make it easy for residents to connect with city officials, participate in surveys, or engage in local events. Features like community calendars, news updates, and event announcements can effectively keep residents informed and involved.
Another great option is to provide feedback tools, like forms and citizen request features, that allow residents to voice their opinions or ask questions. In addition to boosting transparency, these tools give valuable insights into what residents want and need, helping local governments better serve their communities.
3. Simplify Access to Forms and Services
One of the most significant frustrations residents often face is accessing important website forms and services. The best city websites make this as simple and streamlined as possible. Many local governments have adopted a “service-first” approach, where the most frequently requested services are prominently displayed on the homepage.
Online forms, such as permit applications, should be easy to fill out and submit online. Offering digital forms can significantly reduce the need for in-person visits, saving time for both residents and staff. Implementing a resident portal where users can track their form submissions, payments, and other interactions can further enhance the site’s value. Some offerings, like GovSites, allow visitors to log into a citizen portal directly on the local government website.
4. Keep Content Up-to-Date and Relevant
A website is only as good as the information it provides. Residents rely on local government websites for timely information, such as service changes, emergency alerts, and upcoming events. Regularly update your site’s content to keep it current, relevant, and valuable for users.
Assign specific team members to manage content updates and establish a process for regularly reviewing and refreshing information. Outdated information, broken links, or missing pages can damage credibility and create frustration. When emergency situations arise, such as severe weather or public health alerts, having a process in place for quickly posting critical updates can make a significant difference in community trust and safety.
5. Optimize for Mobile Devices
Mobile traffic has become a significant portion of website visits in recent years. Ensure that your website is fully optimized for mobile devices by using responsive design principles. This approach allows the site to adapt automatically to different screen sizes, providing a seamless experience on phones and tablets.
Mobile optimization is essential for residents needing quick access to information while on the go, such as viewing announcements or locating services. Testing your website on various mobile devices can help catch any issues, ensuring a smooth, user-friendly experience across all platforms.
About GovSites
A well-designed website bridges the gap between local governments and their communities. Implementing these tips can help your website become a cornerstone of local government transparency and resident satisfaction, ensuring a seamless online experience for all visitors.
Want to learn more about how you can create the best city website? Click here to schedule a 15-minute consultation with one of our local government web admins to learn how to level up your website.