OVERVIEW
Founded in October 2017, the Tarbolton Community Council has been a cornerstone in promoting community engagement, local development, and social cohesion in the Tarbolton area. Comprised of volunteers who serve the community’s best interests, the council’s mission is to provide a platform for local decision-making, address local issues, and create initiatives that improve the quality of life for all residents.
Recognising the need for a digital presence that reflected their commitment to community, transparency, and accessibility, the council partnered with DevelopX to create a cohesive brand, an accessible website, and a comprehensive social media strategy that would connect them with residents and keep everyone informed and involved.
THE CHALLENGE
Tarbolton Community Council needed a fresh digital identity that communicated their mission clearly, while also adhering to strict public sector accessibility standards. Their existing online presence was minimal, with no centralised platform for information, updates, or community engagement. Furthermore, they required branding for multiple events and projects to help promote community involvement and keep everyone informed about upcoming initiatives.
The challenge was to create a website and digital assets that aligned with public sector guidelines, were user-friendly for all ages and abilities, and could be easily managed by a team of volunteers with varying levels of technical expertise.
THE CHALLENGE
1. Branding Development
We started by designing a strong, consistent brand identity for Tarbolton Community Council, including logo design, typography, and a colour palette that reflected the council’s connection to the local community and environment. This cohesive branding was carried through to all digital and print materials, ensuring the council’s message was clear and recognisable across all touchpoints.
2. Website Design & Development
The website was built with a focus on accessibility, making sure it complied with the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations. We implemented high-contrast colour schemes, text resizing options, and ensured all multimedia elements were accessible to users with disabilities. The site also features a user-friendly content management system, making it easy for the council to update news, event information, and meeting minutes without the need for technical skills.
Key features of the website included:
- A responsive design that works across all devices
- A news and events section to keep the community updated
- Public meeting agendas, minutes, and consultation documents
- Easy access to contact information and ways for residents to get involved
3. Social Media Strategy
DevelopX created and implemented a comprehensive social media strategy that helped the council increase engagement with residents, promote events, and share important local updates. We designed social media templates that aligned with the council’s branding, making it easy for volunteers to create visually appealing posts. Regularly scheduled content included event promotions, community updates, and interactive posts that encouraged community involvement.
4. Event Branding
To support the council’s various community events, we developed unique event branding that could be adapted to different formats—such as flyers, posters, and banners—while still adhering to the council’s overarching identity. This allowed Tarbolton Community Council to effectively promote and engage residents in local events, from community clean-up days to town hall meetings.
RESULTS
Since the launch of the new website and branding, Tarbolton Community Council has seen significant improvements in community engagement and overall communication:
- Increased Website Traffic: More residents are now visiting the website to stay up-to-date on local initiatives and access public documents.
- Enhanced Social Media Engagement: The council’s social media following grew, and community interactions increased, as residents could now easily interact and engage with updates, events, and posts.
- Improved Community Involvement: The accessible design and clear calls to action on the website made it easier for residents to get involved in consultations, provide feedback, and attend events, helping the council build a stronger relationship with the community.