For Immediate Release
April 21, 2016
Contact: Susan Norton
Communications and Marketing Director479.575.8330
snorton@fayetteville-ar.gov
City Launches Integrated, Responsive Web and Social Media Platforms
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Frequent visitors to the City’s website may have noticed that the site at www.fayetteville-ar.gov has had several changes over the past few months. Because the system allows editors in each City department to add and modify content, the result is much more timely, current, and reliable content at the public’s fingertips. Since its launch last year, the Communications Department has streamlined organization, made design enhancements, increased focus on the readability of content by reducing technical jargon, and is improving accessibility and Section 508 compliance. The site also features an intuitive interface that works well on a variety of devices. The responsive design allows users to easily browse on a small smartphone screen or a large desktop – an important element for the City’s website, which has nearly 50 percent of its users browsing from a handheld device. Other significant additions include:
• News flashes on the home page that mirror the City’s media releases and social media posts • A Your Tax Dollars at Work section that features the City’s current projects
• An events calendar on the home page next to the public meetings calendar • An effective search tool as a result of keyword tagged pages
• Overhauled department pages, including the Parking and Recycling and Trash Departments • A new Master Plans button for information about the City’s smart growth design principles
An emphasis on streamlined content across the site and all social media channels has resulted in a communications system that allows users to choose how they receive information. The City has made substantial changes, all while using website analytics to determine how frequently items are viewed. The analytics reveal our most popular services: online bill pay, job applications, Geographic Information System (GIS) maps, Recycling and Trash, and Parks and Recreation department pages, all of which are now accessible through quick buttons on the City’s home page.
The City recently added the CivicSend system to its set of web modules, which will serve as the primary source for all non-emergency notifications. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for push notifications of the same information that is available on the City’s website and social media. Emergency and weather notifications will continue to be sent through its emergency notification system. Visit the City’s website to learn more about how to sign up for notifications.
As technology continues to improve and the City gauges its citizens’ needs, the City will continue to improve its digital infrastructure. New systems are constantly being evaluated to provide convenient access for citizens to stay engaged in the City’s civic process.
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