In working with the College of Notre Dame to redesign their website, idfive used their "informed design" process to recognize and address the specific goals of a higher education institution - increasing enrollment and raising awareness. As students and prospective students become more tech-savvy and internet dependant, marketing to this audience means using this medium as an interactive, attention grabbing tool.

Web marketing and search optimization is not enough anymore, internet dependency has evolved past the simple need for information. These students are turning to the web for opinions, they want to know if a school has the right "vibe" or "personality" to suit them. It's turning the very logical, tangible information of the internet into a more subjective resource. Students need to be able to connect with other students to ask questions, get advice, and see if the school is a good fit.

With the launch of the new College of Notre Dame website in March 2008, idfive implemented an online forum for students to connect with pictures, stories, ideas, and the like. This tool has been a great success to the school in boosting enrollment by 6.5%. The personality of the school is, in effect, being portrayed by the students themselves. The online forum boosts confidence in decision making, and creates a reputation for the school that is student-centered.

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http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/10/06/focus1.html