When creating a digital strategy you have to define a path to reach your goals in a sustainable way with collaboration and accountability from everyone. We’ve experienced the silos, the shrinking resources, the lack of defined processes and the growing complexity.
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Introduction
I have also worked at:
• University of Iowa
• Texas A&M University
• Florida International
University
• Creighton University
• Consulted with many
more… Icon by James Keuning
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Introduction
In one way or another I was involved in central or organic
Web leadership at each organization. Both top down and
bottom up.
“Been there,
done that, and
have the scars
to show for it”
Icon by Phillip Green
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Introduction
But I also learned a lot along the way.
“We are all truly
passionate and
genuinely want the best
for our institutions, issues
arise as to the path to get
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State of higher ed Web
• MORE SITES
• MORE
PLATFORMS
– CMS
– SOCIAL
– MOBILE
• MORE
AUDIENCES
• MORE
• MORE
TECHNOLOGIES
• MORE RISKS
• MORE TRAFFIC
• MORE
EXPECTATIONS
• MORE COMPLEXITY
• MORE DEMAND
• AND SO ON…
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What is digital strategy?
A plan as to how to handle
whatever your institution can
throw at you
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What is digital strategy?
A vision for
• How to handle each channel
• How to prioritize
• How to resource each request
• How to put your audience first
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What can it do for you?
A chance to sit down and make an
outline for how things should work
Helps you move from tactics/
production to mature strategic
implementation
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How to use your digital strategy?
• Gather buy-in
• Set a roadmap that will then be
adhered
• No longer chase shiny objects
If you don’t plan to use it, don’t waste the time creating it
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What is Web governance?
A framework to help support and get buy in
to put your digital strategy into action as you
envisioned it
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What can governance do for you?
Governance make sure things are enacted
and resourced from an institutional level.
• Enforce priority
• Find the funds to carry out necessary
projects
• Reduce risk and waste
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How to leverage governance?
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Increase ROI of web initiatives through
efficiencies
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How can this benefit EVERYONE?
Everyone has their interests taken care of
Engaged staff
67% of high school seniors say a college website affects their perception of an institution
SOURCE: 2014 E-Expectations Report
At ease
leadership
Successful
usersIcons by Wilson Joeseph
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What is at play?
People Processes Tools
Resources based on
size and complexity
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Key takeaways
True Web leaders understand their role is greater than leading the Web, but
contributing to the success of the whole organization
“Your website represents your
university 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. It’s the intersection of
marketing and IT, enrollment and
advancement, student life and
alumni relations, and so on.”
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Key takeaways
Websites must be thought of holistically
“Each entity must understand
they are part of a larger Web
presence. In the eyes of our
users it is all one site”
55% of the prospective college student respondents cited difficulty with site
navigation among the greatest challenges encountered with college websites.
SOURCE: 2012 E-Expectations Report
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Key takeaways
Web strategy must be just that, strategic. We must move from a
production focused mindset
“By shifting focus to
strategic objectives. You’ll
be able to plan for the
future instead of putting out
fires in the present.”
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Key takeaways
Many organizations believe their issues can be solved by investment in a
new design.
“An investment in internal
efficiencies makes all future
investments pay off many
times over with increased
chances for success.”
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Follow ups / Next steps
Contact Matt
http://alignedpath.c
om
matt@alignedpath.
com
@alignedpath
Go for it!
alignedpath.com/govkickstarter
How do we begin to get our arms around everything, how to build a strategy
Where you want to be
Where you are currently, Have you been asked to make web strategy, freaking out, asking on listservs etc
The path to get there, NOTE the hand pushing back
Make it flexible and fluid
and it needs to be YOURs and fit YOUR culture and goals
ITS NOT A BIG LIST OF PROJECTS, IT NEED NOT BE OVERLY COMPLICATED
Think of it like, writing a business plan before starting your business
You have a mature framework through which to decide whether “new opportunities” are in harmony with your business
So you are telling me You write a strategy document and everything is “well with the world”. pipe dream.
Governance on face value is simple.
It’s is a framework/ organized committee that oversees and evaluates things
to assure they are in-sync with your digital strategy and more important your business strategy
Balance all these to make sure they align with your strategy
Add value
Build great rewarding experiences
Create a collaborative culture
Tell amazing stories
Contribute to your institution’s bottom line
Identify your champion
Start finding the pattern issues from a central and stakeholder standpoint, what others are doing that you are not
Build relationships
Understand that you may be the issue, accept it, move forward
In tandem digital strategy and web governance make a killer combo