Important Information on the Welcome Page to Help Applicants Succeed

A well-structured welcome page is essential for guiding applicants through your program and setting them up for success. Here’s what to include to ensure clarity, engagement, and a smooth application process:

1. Clear Program Overview: A clear overview immediately informs applicants of the program's value and relevance to their needs. Provide an About the Program section that outlines:
   
   1. The purpose of the program.
   2. The key goals and objectives.
   3. The benefits and opportunities it offers to participants.
2.  Application Guidelines: Offer detailed instructions, including-
   1. Program Details: Highlight key features and objectives.
   2. Eligibility Criteria: Define who qualifies for the program.
   3. How to Apply:
      • Step-by-step application instructions.
      • A checklist of required documents.
      • Guidance on notifying references, if applicable.
      • Additional resources to help applicants understand requirements and prepare their applications effectively.
3. Selection and Review Process: Describe the process, including-
   1. How applications will be reviewed.
   2. The criteria for selection.
   3. The timeline for evaluations and announcements.
4. Key Deadlines: Prominently display all important dates, including-
   1. Application start and end dates.
   2. Notification dates.
   3. Program launch dates.
5. FAQs: Answer common questions to save time for both applicants and administrators.
   1. Application requirements and troubleshooting.
   2. Notification process for selection results.
   3. Next steps after selection or receiving an award.
6. Contact Information: Accessible support ensures applicants can get help quickly if they encounter any issues. Provide a dedicated contact point for support, such as-
   1. An email address.
   2. A phone number.
   3. A chat widget (if applicable).

7. Program Policies and Terms: Clearly outline the program’s rules, terms, and conditions. Transparency builds trust and prevents misunderstandings later in the process.

   1. Examples: 

      • Privacy policies for submitted data.
      • Rules for participation or award acceptance.
8. Webinar or Office Hours: Promote any scheduled webinars or office hours for applicants to ask questions and receive live guidance. Direct engagement increases confidence and reduces barriers to application.
9. Mailing List Sign-Up: Include a call-to-action for visitors to join your mailing list. It keeps applicants informed and engaged throughout the process.
10. Success Stories and Testimonials: Showcase inspiring stories from alumni or quotes about their program experience. Success stories demonstrate the program’s impact and motivate applicants to apply.
11. Visual Appeal - Banner, Hero Image, Videos: A visually appealing page enhances credibility and creates a positive first impression. Ensure the page is visually engaging with-
    1. A high-quality hero image or banner.
    2. Sponsor logos (if applicable).
    3. Informative and inspiring videos, such as program introductions, testimonials, or application tips.
    4. A clean, user-friendly design.
12. Social Media and Sharing Links: Encourage applicants to share the program with their network using social sharing buttons and links to your program’s social media pages. Social sharing helps increase the program's visibility and attract a larger, more diverse applicant pool.

Looking to optimize your welcome page for maximum engagement and clarity? Schedule a quick call with our Program Outreach Expert Today!