Website

Norfolk Economic Development Website


Submitted ByNorfolk County Economic Development

Link: www.norfolkbusiness.ca

The Norfolk County Economic Development team launched a completely new refreshed website in April 2024, working with the web development team at Redding Designs. While the previous website had valuable content and information, much of it was dated. It had a fixed-width web design and was not mobile responsive. In addition, the WordPress theme and site design had not received a substantial update or refresh for almost a decade.

With a focus on providing a single location for local economic development and tourism information.  Leveraging dynamic statistical tools provided by Local Intel, the new website presents a compelling case for choosing Norfolk as a destination of choice – providing up-to-date statistics on local population segments, workforce, household incomes and more (https://norfolkbusiness.ca/norfolk-advantages/).

The site and content are updated by our internal team on an as-needed basis. The dynamic tools help ensure that the information most relevant to site selectors is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant.

User Interface and Intuitive Design

In designing the new website, user interface (UI) was a key consideration. The goal was to ensure that website would provide a user-friendly, intuitive experience for the visitor. Its success in meeting this objective can be attributed to several key factors:

  1. Navigation:
    • Clear Menu Structure: The website features a straightforward menu structure, allowing users to quickly find information on business services, resources, news, and community information. Main categories are well-defined and accessible from the homepage.
    • Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to help users keep track of their locations within the site, enhancing ease of navigation and reducing the likelihood of getting lost.
  2. Design and Layout:
    • Clean Design: The site employs a clean, uncluttered design with ample white space, which makes it easy to read and navigate. Key information is highlighted, and the visual hierarchy is well-maintained.
    • Responsive Design: The website is responsive, meaning it adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices. This ensures a consistent user experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
  3. Content Accessibility:
    • Well-Organized Content: Information is logically grouped and clearly labeled, making it easier for visitors to find what they need without excessive scrolling or searching.
    • Search Functionality: A robust search function allows users to quickly locate specific content or resources, enhancing the overall user experience.
    • Translation Tool: A translation tool is included at the top of the page, ensuring the language can be changed according to the user’s needs or preferences.
  4. Interactive Elements:
    • Calls to Action (CTAs): Effective CTAs guide users towards key actions, such as signing up for newsletters, attending reading news items, or contacting the team. These are prominently placed and easy to identify.
    • Forms and Feedback: User-friendly forms enable visitors to easily submit inquiries, apply for grants, or provide feedback.
  5. Visual Appeal:
    • Professional Aesthetic: The website maintains a professional aesthetic that reflects Norfolk Economic Development’s brand identity and instills confidence in visitors. High-quality images and graphics are used to enhance visual appeal.
    • Consistency: Consistent use of fonts, colors, and styles throughout the site helps create a cohesive and polished look. By adhering to our Branding Guidelines and underlying style sheet, we can ensure that new content continues to be displayed “on-brand”, reflecting a fresh, progressive, and energetic image for the County.

The new website plays a crucial role in enhancing the visibility, attractiveness, and efficiency of Norfolk County’s local economic development efforts – providing opportunities to stimulate growth, while supporting local businesses and visitors.

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