Upper Iowa University

A website that supports all prospects

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is based in Fayette, Iowa, but its footprint expands way beyond the state. In addition to their main campus, UIU offers courses at 21 locations in eight states, online, and in Hong Kong.

UIU needed to address the needs of these diverse audiences while marketing programs spanning from undergraduate to graduate and certificate options. To do this, their website needed two things: an aesthetic redesign and better functionality to make the site more accessible to all users.

Improved design, improved functionality

To address the first, we gave the entire website a facelift to introduce a more modern design that was also mobile-friendly.

To improve functionality, we took a few approaches. We improved the search optimization with specific content type schema, adding quality content and restructuring the sitemap. This makes it easier for students and prospects to find the information they’re looking for.

We then expanded opportunities for online self-service through a program search tool that allows prospects and current students to explore their ideal learning experiences. This tool lets users filter not only by degree type or academic interest, but location and learning type. This helps users find exactly what program they’re looking for, no matter where in the world they’re based.

Each location also includes a dynamic scheduling tool for the academic year, letting users see what courses are available at their local campus.

Finally, we made it easier for prospects to request more information and, ultimately, apply. Inquiry forms appear on all program detail and location pages, helping users find next steps without having to navigate throughout the site.