The New Website
The website is outdated and difficult to navigate...I think we can make it better!
The Montana State Fund website had become visually dated and frustrated users with challenging navigation and outdated information. Beyond aesthetics, it no longer aligned with the organization’s new brand. I was thrilled to undertake this critical endeavor and completely revamp the website for an improved user experience.
STRATEGY
As the sole web content manager, I knew modernizing Montana State Fund’s website wouldn’t be a simple refresh. My vision? A complete overhaul, prioritizing user needs and maximizing information flow.
Collaboration is Key
First things first: security and implementation. I teamed up with Montana State Fund’s IT department to solidify those crucial elements. Next, I collaborated with Partners Creative, our external ad agency, on the website’s layout and design.
Understanding Our Audience
Leveraging Google Analytics data, I segmented the website into distinct areas for Montana State Fund’s six key audiences: Agents, General Public, Injured Workers, Medical Professionals, MSF Employees, and Policyholders.
User-Centered Approach
With clear audience personas in mind, my leader and I met with representatives from each department. These sessions were instrumental, not only for understanding their website usage and desired changes, but also for initiating the change management process – after all, a website transformation requires user awareness!
Layout & Design
With a content plan in place, I partnered with our ad agency. They crafted the site design, coded page templates, and implemented a user-friendly contextual navigation system. Big, impactful imagery featuring our policyholders and employees became a key design element.
Solo Content Hero
The website’s content overhaul fell squarely on my shoulders. Over several months, I meticulously migrated everything to the new website while simultaneously maintaining the old one – all during a global pandemic!
Adapting to Change
The website launch, originally planned for March 2020, was delayed due to the pandemic. I prioritized user experience, understanding that website changes during a stressful time could be overwhelming. Managing two websites solo for five months, amidst a rapidly changing landscape, was no easy feat. But fueled by meticulous planning (and lots of coffee!), I successfully navigated the challenges.
User Communication & Launch
A successful launch requires a smooth transition. I partnered with IT to create a test environment, allowing employees to explore the new site before launch. Additionally, I hosted Q&A sessions and created informative video tutorials to prepare users for the big day.
CREATIVE SAMPLES
Homepage Sample
This is a sample of the homepage scrolling.
Interior Page Sample
This is a sample of an interior page.
Interior Page Sample
This is a sample of an interior page.
RESULTS
Thanks to meticulous planning with our and rigorous QA testing, the launch of the new website went smoothly. I published and maintained 673 HTML pages solo, with no errors ensuring a positive user experience for Montana State Fund’s 64,000 monthly visitors.
The user feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with both colleagues and external users praising the website’s modern aesthetic and user-friendly design. The new site’s intuitive mega menu system and search bar made finding information significantly easier. User testimonials specifically highlighted the websites clear organization, making it easy to find needed information.
MY ROLE
Project Management
Collaborated with internal IT department on launch logistics and security. Met with every department to assess site needs and priorities. Worked with external ad agency on site structure and templates.
Web Content Management
Drafted and coded all content for the website. Managed site assets including icons, photos, documents, etc.
Graphic Design
Created assets for the site including icons, photos, etc.
Change Leadership
Partnered with employees and stakeholders in planning the site update. Organized demos and held listening sessions prior to site launch. Created emails & site navigation videos.
SOFTWARE USED
Adobe Dreamweaver
Web Content Management
Adobe Illustrator
Asset Creation
Adobe InDesign
Email & Asset Creation
Adobe Photoshop
Image Editing
Adobe Premiere Pro
Production
Google Analytics
Analyze Web Data
TechSmith Snagit
Screen Recording
Zoom
Meetings & Listening Sessions
SOFT SKILLS USED