Subsites for local governments: using them smarter for more impact
In the increasingly complex world of digital services, subsites are a smart solution for local governments looking to tailor their message to specific audiences. Whether it's sustainability projects, housing developments or recreational facilities, a subsite can help you communicate your message to residents in a more targeted and effective way.
But when is a subsite really an added value, and what are the potential pitfalls? We take you through the pros and cons, and give you examples from other local governments!
What is a subsite and why should you consider one?
A subsite is basically a separate website from the general main website. As a municipality, this allows you to highlight a specific topic or project in a unique way. For example, consider a housing project or sustainability campaign. Subsites can have a completely different look, tone of voice, and even a different corporate identity, which you would be less likely to do on the municipal main page.
A good example of this is www.duurzaamkoggenland.nl. This site, focused on sustainability and municipality of Koggenland, has a completely new corporate identity that better fits the theme. It gives a fresh and more fashionable look, while the municipal main page maintains a more formal tone. This kind of flexibility is an important advantage of a subsite.
Advantages of a subsite
- More creative freedom.
On a subsite, you can be much freer with the design and tone of voice. Government websites are often bound by strict guidelines and have a formal look and feel. But for a topic such as sustainability, or promoting local employment, for example, a subsite allows you to take a more modern, friendly and even playful tone. - Focus on clarity.
Using a subsite keeps your main page clean and organized. Major topics such as housing or sustainability can be given their own spot so that your main website does not become overcrowded with information. This makes it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for. - Application of commercial strategies.
Subsites also allow you to apply marketing strategies, which is not always appropriate on a main website. For example, consider a subsite for a swimming pool, sports center or other commercial services. - Flexibility in management.
Another great advantage is that you can give different people access to certain subsites. For example, the planning department can manage the subsite for housing, and HR can manage the subsite on employment. They then don't need to have access the the main website, which you may want the communications & website department to manage alone.
Disadvantages of a subsite
- Cost and maintenance.
A subsite involves additional costs. Consider hosting, certificates, and maintaining a separate accessibility statement. In addition, the content on the subsite must be updated regularly to remain relevant. For example, if you set up a subsite for job postings, but you only have two open positions, this can be an expensive and time-consuming solution without much return on investment. - Maintaining overview.
Multiple subsites can also create fragmentation within your organization. The more websites you manage, the greater the challenge of maintaining overview and consistency.
Good to know: Shift2 allows you to bundle both your main website and all subsites into one clear CMS. This way you can see in one overview which subsites are all running.
Making smart choices with Shift2! 🎯
When it comes to technical implementation, with Shift2 you are always guaranteed a solution that meets legal accessibility requirements. Our experience in setting up user-friendly and efficient subsites, such as Sustainable Koggenland, helps local governments save time and costs, while ensuring quality.
However, it is always important to carefully consider whether a subsite is the right solution. We are happy to think with you about a strategy that suits your organization and together we will set up a sustainable, future-proof digital solution.
We can help you from A to Z with a subsite. From advice on whether a subsite can be of added value, to implementation, (technical) maintenance, from filling the content to designing the website. Our consultants are also happy to help you with a good SEO strategy for your subsite and provide support where possible.
