Lancaster County Academy Brand & Website Redesign
Full logo and brand design along with a custom brand new website design to match.
Taking an exceptional Lancaster, PA nonprofit whose logo, brand and website were very dated to reflect the exceptional work they do an help propel them into a more successful future of growth.
LCA Full Rebrand and Web Design
When LCA approached me to possibly help them take their current materials to level them up to where they want to be – recognized as just as powerful a nonprofit as all of the others in Lancaster, PA that were doing amazing work, they had a logo that was from the 90’s and a website that felt similar. They didn’t have any branded materials that streamlined their logos and fonts and most of their materials were lacking the strength of messaging to help them achieve the goals they had for their future. LCA is an exceptional program that helps students struggling to achieve their diploma to finish high school successfully. It’s an amazing program that has many success stories. They were ripe for a rebrand and website that could help them be taken seriously and reach their dreams of growing their program.
LCA Logo and Brand Design
First, we needed to create a logo and brand that could carry their program into the future. The first round consisted of many variations along with different concepts – some with just text, some with mountains, trees, and graduation caps. They benefited from the endless round of edits offered and we popped back and forth until the logo, colors, and fonts were exactly a match to what felt like LCA. The navy and gold felt collegic, bright yet grounded. The serif font along with the sans serif gave their brand a flexibility that could be translated into all materials – offering an academic structured feel when employing the serif as a heading and accent and an approachable and legible feel when using the sans serif for body copy and more.
Logo Variations & Flexibility
I custom drew a graduation cap based on the caps in LCA’s own photography so it would be authentic to them. Then I also drew a custom map of Lancaster to drop in the background. Flexibility of use for their brand was key – so having 2 alternate logos was the final decision so they could use the map in every instance it fit, and have the option of using the logo without the map when needed. As with all of my logo design clients, I provide them with all file types needed (Illustrator PDF, JPEG, etc.) as well as create versions they can use in Black and White and reverse out to use on dark backgrounds. When all was finished they had every thing they needed to use their brand and run with it! They also opted to purchase the one-page style guide I offer which gives them the breakdown of fonts, colors in all types, and secondary options.
LCA Website Redesign
The LCA website redesign was a special one. They had a website on WordPress, but it was extremely dated and didn’t have any compelling language along with being slightly confusing as to what they offer, how to participate and why they matter. So it was a perfect fit for me to go in and give a complete redesign!
The One-Day Approach
“Day Rates” are something I’ve kept tucked away, but this was the perfect opportunity to offer for a client I knew it would work for. Prior to our redesign day, I had LCA fill out my intake form I give to all clients that provides me with the information I need to create engaging copy. Part of why LCA hired me was to message their website so it was “Storybranded” which is the way that I work – Storybrand is a researched way of wording marketing materials and websites that uses brain science and is proven to lead to conversions. LCA did an exceptional job of filling out their intake form and I had all I need to create an exceptional website!
Beautiful and Effective Website Design
Jumping right in, I built their theme to match their band and laid out all pages to engage the end user (students, counselors, educators & donors depending on the page and section). Every page is build with conversion and clarity in mind – meaning everyone who visits knows how effective LCA is, what they do and why their work matters. This along with many calls to action and clear messaging of how to get involved leads to higher rates of effectiveness for their goals.
Built to Grow
LCA is an active and growing nonprofit. This new website is one that can grow with them. Endlessly editable, they can add pages, and elements, and do whatever they need and want to adapt their website to reveal the current work they are doing. To launch, we built newsletter and blog pages to have professionally designed pages they can use right away to further the reach of their materials. Currently, there are plans to also expand and have an ExtraGive page in the fall and more. Having a website that can grow with the passions and work of your organization is a HUGE asset!
Mobile & Tablet Optimized
Before the end of the design day, I comb through each and every page and element to make them all mobile-friendly – customizing everything until it looks exceptional on mobile devices. Most visitors visit on their phones – so having a mobile-friendly website is key in this season so every visitor can engage, connect and donate easily when they come to LCA’s website.
Visit the New Lancaster County Academy Website
Visit the new LCA Website to see it in action! Enjoy the professional design, the engaging minor animations, the clear and engaging copy and how effortlessly the menus and structure are laid out to go from page to page! If you’re not familiar with Lancaster County Academy, I hope this introduction leads to an even greater impact as you become aware of its exceptional impact.
If you ever find your organization with a website that feels dated and doesn’t represent the quality or level of expertise you bring to the world, or a website that doesn’t function as highly as you would like it to serve your audiences – It’s never too soon to have a website that helps your work and business grow, expand, and serve more people.
Reach out today to talk through how a website design can help your business flourish today and into the future!
Website Design
You can elevate the success of your work through a modern, functional, and expertly designed website.
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your presence, a nonprofit looking to increase awareness and donations or a solopreneur looking to build a business from the ground up, a strong website with effective design and search engine optimization is key and I’m here for you. Through talking over your desired hopes for your organization’s future, I can work with you to create a website that supports the work you do and helps further your goals for the work that you do in the world.
