University Web Design Agency
University web design. Increase admissions.
Choose our beautifully bespoke university web design to attract the right students and maximise conversions on your site. We have over 24 years’ experience developing websites and university marketing strategies for the world’s leading institutions, including Oxford University, Cambridge University, and MetFilm School. We get it done.
Got a project in mind? Connect with us today.
Contra are flexible, transparent, and dynamic. It’s easy to work with their team and things get sorted very quickly. We were really happy with the new website and results, with a 145 percent increase in new users and a 20 percent increase in leads.
Trusted by leading universities.
Our university web design and marketing services.
Connect with us.University web design & development.
Showcase your university through cutting-edge website design and development. Attract prospective students with a beautiful design that captures the vibrancy of university life, and provide seamless functionality that enhances the experience of all users.
View our website servicesUniversity branding.
Focus on what makes your institution special. We will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to establish your unique selling points and make them a prominent part of your branding, helping you stand out from the crowd.
Prospectus design.
Prospective students have a wealth of higher education institutions to choose from. Encourage them to make the right decision using stylish, informative, and straightforward prospectus design, offering easy access to everything they need all in one place.
Copywriting.
Great university copywriting doesn't just inform, it inspires. We craft compelling copy that encapsulates your unique brand and tone. We craft copy that creates an emotional connection with your university. We craft copy that provides the "why", so prospective students apply.
Digital advertising.
Attract and engage your audience with scroll-stopping digital ads. Contra’s advertising experts will craft campaigns that reach the right audience on the right channels, at the right time. Our experts ensure you get the very best out of your budget.
View our digital ad servicesAnalytics and optimisation.
Gain deeper insight into your website and audience with our conversion rate optimisation (CRO) services. Monitor every view, click, and query to better understand how your audience interacts with your website and make continuous improvements to enhance user experience and increase applications.
SEO.
University league tables aren’t the only ranking you should be worrying about. First, you need to climb to the top of Google’s search results with a sophisticated SEO strategy. We utilise a blend of keyword research, on-page optimisation, topic clusters, internal linking, and backlinking, setting you on the path to the top spot.
View our SEO servicesContent marketing strategy.
Generate the content your audience values most. We will plan and execute an in-depth marketing strategy consisting of informative, personalised content. Build trust with prospective students, reassuring them that a place at your organisation is what’s best for their future, beyond education.
View our content servicesHubSpot for universities.
Unlock HubSpot’s powerful CRM and marketing automation to enhance student recruitment. Capture early interest using embedded forms and feed contacts into custom lists for nurturing. Integrate with your event management tools to track event impact and market to attendees. Trigger custom email workflows for prospective students who have registered their interest for courses. And streamline your application management process with automation and high-level reporting dashboards. HubSpot is the all-in-one tool for increasing both the volume and quality of applications to your university.
View our HubSpot services
Increase enrolment.
Discuss your needs with our higher education marketing agency experts. Attract prospective students. Build brand awareness. Lead with distinction. Request a callback now.
Our higher ed clients.
25%
increase in applications for Homerton College, Cambridge University
Winner
of Gold Digital Impact Gold Award
Winner
of Silver Vega award
How we drive applications in Higher Ed.
Connect with us.Step 1.
30-minute connect call and marketing review.
We start by getting to know you and your unique goals on a connect call. We’ll dig into your organisation’s activities and challenges.
Step 2.
Proposal.
Based on the connect call, if you feel there’s scope for us to work together we then begin shaping your marketing/website strategy. We will either formulate a web design proposal based on your brief. Or, if you are interested in our marketing services, we will send a proposal for our hugely popular ‘Six steps to success’ consultancy period. In a series of workshops, we’ll get to the core of your brand and marketing, providing a range of deliverables including buyer personas, keyword research, content audit, technical SEO audit, keyword and topic cluster strategy, stakeholder interviews, ad strategy, and ROI reporting metrics.
Step 3.
Website/marketing plan.
We will then present a plan focusing on how we will develop a conversion-driven website. Or, after the marketing consultation period, we will present a plan on how we can drive applications together over the next 6–12 months with a custom marketing retainer, breaking it down into key deliverables and stages.
Step 4.
Website/marketing activation.
Feel empowered by utilising our team of SEO experts, ads experts, content creators, copywriters, web designers and developers to execute your marketing or web design & development strategy. You’ll also be assigned your very own project manager to keep the wheels smoothly turning.
Step 5.
Watch your website traffic and applications grow!
With monthly reports and a true ROI plan, you can be sure we’re hitting the mark. We’re there with you every step of the way. If we're working on your website, we involve you at each stage with clear deliverables, timelines and KPIs. If you choose a marketing retainer, we will review our marketing activities together on fortnightly meetings and monthly reports. This ensures we deliver maximum growth.
University web design and higher ed marketing resources.
We're recognised by...
Frequently asked questions
Burning with questions? Here are our answers to the most common queries we receive regarding university web design and marketing.
- How long will it take to design and develop my university website?
Every university website project varies in complexity and scope. At Contra Agency, we prioritise timely delivery within agreed timelines and budgets. Typically, stakeholder research, reporting, design, and testing phases span one to two months. Opting for our comprehensive package including development, hosting, and launch may extend the process from three to six months. We encourage prompt provision of images, information, and testimonials to streamline the project.
- How much does university website design and development cost?
Our bespoke university websites typically range from £20,000 to £100,000, tailored to meet specific institutional needs. We take pride in our extensive experience as leaders in university web design and development for over 23 years, working with the likes of Oxford University and Cambridge University. Our process integrates thorough research to optimise your website for user engagement and conversions.
- Do you offer higher education marketing and SEO services after launching the university website?
Yes, we provide ongoing marketing and SEO services customised for universities. Our experts conduct SEO audits, perform keyword research, implement technical SEO enhancements, devise backlink strategies, create compelling content, and manage digital advertising across platforms like Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook to enhance your university's online visibility effectively.
- Do I have input in the university website design process?
Absolutely. Collaboration is fundamental to our approach. While we handle technical aspects, we welcome your creative input at every stage. Our team of experts guides you through best practices, ensuring your website not only meets but exceeds your expectations in design and functionality.
- How are revisions to the university website design handled?
We typically include up to three design revisions to maintain clarity and alignment throughout the project, ensuring we hit deadlines and maintain focus on achieving mutual objectives.
- Will I have a dedicated project manager for my university website?
Yes, you will be assigned a dedicated project manager as your primary point of contact. They oversee the project timeline, monitor milestone achievements, and address any queries you may have. Our Managing Director and Head of Marketing are also available to support specific marketing or website-related queries.
- Do you provide a design style guide or branding guidelines for the university website?
Yes, we provide a comprehensive design system that governs visual and functional elements, ensuring consistency in typography, colours, and UI elements for efficient design and development. This system complements existing branding guidelines or can be developed to align with your university’s brand identity. Equally, we can deliver a complete digital rebrand for your university if needed.
- Who is responsible for writing content for the university website?
While we optimise content for SEO with careful consideration of headings and keywords, comprehensive content creation typically falls outside our design scope. Given the complexities of university websites, including diverse academic programs and services, we recommend utilising your internal capabilities or engaging Contra’s specialised copywriting services to maintain project momentum and launch timelines.
- If I go on a marketing retainer, who will manage my higher education marketing strategy?
At Contra Agency, your university benefits from our full spectrum of creative talent and technical expertise. Our team serves as an extension of your institution, comprising SEO specialists, top-tier designers, and seasoned developers. Each member strategically contributes their expertise throughout the project, ensuring comprehensive digital marketing services.
- How will I receive updates on progress with the higher education marketing deliverables?
We prioritise transparency and communication. Your dedicated project manager will provide regular email updates and remain accessible to address any queries. Additionally, we schedule frequent meetings with clear KPIs and actionable points to keep you informed and engaged throughout the marketing process.
- When can I expect to see results?
Results timelines vary based on project scope and the specific marketing services. However, we provide regular progress reports and analytics post-implementation to ensure visibility into your return on investment (ROI) as marketing activities progress.