On Thursday 28 July, we’ll be deploying new functions into EdWeb: extra homepage flexibility, and a ‘call to action’ button for the central text editor.

We are extremely grateful to Communications and Marketing who provided requirements and funding to make these additions possible.

Homepage flexibility

This deploy will see two changes applied to the “panelizer” function within EdWeb. The panelizer allows you to add or edit existing panes on site homepages. We will introduce extra rows to the panelizer – taking the total from 13 to 21 rows. This will allow greater control of the layout of homepages: more rows allow more possibilities for unique layouts to serve site needs.

We will also make the “Title” field on homepage HTML panes optional. In some cases, this mandatory field has led to duplication of content and provided a poor experience for visitors. This change will now allow EdWeb users to craft these panes more effectively and deliver the content their users need.

How to create an HTML pane for your EdWeb homepage (EASE login required)

Call to action

We will also introduce a new option for links within EdWeb – the ‘call to action’. The ‘call to action’ is a way of highlighting the objective your website visitors should complete when they visit your site/page. A call to action provides a direction on your page, along with a way to measure the page’s success. Examples include:

• filling in a form
• downloading a document
• contacting you

The ‘booking’ call to action should be used to promote booking links

Adding a call to action button – EdWeb support wiki (EASE login required)

The call to action button should be used sparingly on pages. If too many links are calls to action, your users will not know what is important and where to focus attention. As with all EdWeb links, the call to action button should always be a link on a separate line (and never ‘inline’).

Creating good links – Website Support wiki (EASE login required)

Standard changes

Finally, the deployment also introduces a number of bug fixes and security updates – full details of these are available for staff who require them.

Standard changes in EdWeb – EdWeb change advisory board wiki (EASE log in required)