WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — As part of a multi-prong marketing initiative to advance the image and promote the reputation of West Chicago as a dynamic city in which to live, work, play and invest, the City of West Chicago has launched a new website that provides a fresh, visually appealing design in addition to increasing its functionality through improved navigation and other user friendly features.
City staff worked with web developer Scott Schroeder and his team at Technivista to create a website that reflects the many strong attributes of the diverse western suburb, including its unique history as a railroad town, its niche in the arts, and the tremendous natural resources of its prairie, parks and forest preserve.
Direct feedback from residents during formal workshops in the development of the West Chicago Strategic Plan, and informal gatherings such as the monthly Coffees with the Mayor, also provided staff with guidance and direction.
“The recurring theme of resident input was the need to promote the things of which they felt most proud”, said Rosemary Mackey, West Chicago Marketing and Communications Coordinator. “Many said it was not enough that they understood the value of living in West Chicago, they wanted the website to be an invitation for others to discover the reasons for their community pride and spirit.”
Specifically mentioned as areas of distinction were community diversity, the wide range of housing options, progressive leadership, strategic location and access to recreational outlets including DuPage County’s enviable trail system. Several new web links including Family Destinations, Public Art, Special Events and Walking and Biking trails were added to address these sentiments. A Mapping Portal was also developed to assist residents and visitors with easy navigation of public amenities and special events.
Expanding the home page slideshow to full window width not only modernized the web design, it also provided a larger marquee in which to showcase the striking visuals that often capture the stories which are part of the community’s narrative. As well, an advanced coding structure permits the use of more informational video clips throughout the site, and the continuing series entitled Why I Love West Chicago, in which residents get in front of the camera to share their reasons for living in and loving West Chicago, is now linked prominently on the homepage.
A dedicated focus on marketing will continue through 2017 and beyond with the additional expertise of a marketing consultant to develop a formal Marketing Plan and assist City staff in gaining regional attention for the many benefits and outstanding resources the City has to offer.
Source: City of West Chicago
