Leeds Beckett University: content design training
We had already laid the foundations...
In 2019 we worked intensively with Leeds Beckett University to develop a comprehensive content strategy ahead of the redevelopment of their new website (which launched in Summer 2020).
Our content strategy set a vision for a whole new approach to content creation at the University. But the success of this strategy would depend greatly on content creators from across the whole organisation to raise their game in creating powerful and compelling web content.
Identifying a support need
At part of our content strategy work, we had already led and developed a number of in-person content design training sessions. These were well received. So much so, that the University wanted even more, to cater for even more people.
And to support the full manifestation of the vision in our content strategy, we would need to train on much more than just writing great website copy.
And so we began to develop a much more comprehensive training package.
Designing the training
We wanted to design training materials that could used anywhere and anytime. And we wanted to create a programme that catered for the very beginners, all the way through to advanced practitioners.
And so, we designed a programme that had four different "levels" of study, and within each level it had five modules.
The structure was as follows:
Level 1: Starting
Module 1: understanding user needs
Module 2: defining the content
Module 3: planning the structure of your content
Module 4: writing for the web
Module 5: accessibility and inclusivity.
Level 2: Growing
Module 1: Pair writing and editing
Module 2: On-page search engine optimisation
Module 3: Thinking beyond “pages”
Module 4: Keeping audiences interested
Module 5: Voice and tone
Level 3: Mastering
Module 1: Beyond the page or site
Module 2: Creating great stories
Module 3: Working with video
Module 4: Working with audio
Module 5: Interactive features and functionality
Level 4: Excelling
Module 1: Really understanding our audiences
Module 2: Testing and evaluating content
Module 3: Standing out
Module 4: Working with social media part 1
Module 5: Working with social media part 2
Creating the content
We then produced the training materials for every module, providing them all as recorded videos, fully captioned for accessibility. For many modules we also designed tasks and exercises for participants to follow to cement their learning.
The content was created within the University's brand and style guidelines, and using the style and tone that we set out in the content strategy so as to remain consistent with our own advice.
Ultimately, the training programme was uploaded to the University's staff training system so that staff could access the content at their pace and in a system they're familiar with.
If you are interested in developing a content strategy for your institution, get in touch!
