The Burlington County website has a new look that’s easier for residents to navigate when searching for information about county programs, resources and news.
The redesigned website (www.co.burlington.nj.us) launched June 8 and features a cleaner look, enhanced search ability and improved navigation so that the most sought-after information is at someone’s fingertips.
During the last year, the county website had nearly 1 million visitors.
“Transparency is important to our board, and we want our residents to be able to access information quickly and easily,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dan O’Connell. “The new website design puts the search function front and center along with other important information, like county news and the most popular services. The improvements make the site much more user friendly.”
The redesign began almost a year ago and was led by the Commissioners’ Public Information Office and the Department of Information of Technology, plus representatives from CivicPlus, the county’s website provider. It reflects analysis of data and analytics from the website, along with input from the commissioners, county administrator, department leaders and residents.
Key changes and website features include:
- The number one place visitors to the website clicked upon was the search feature on the old site. Moving the search bar to the top center of the homepage was a priority so residents could quickly and easily find specific information they are seeking, such as the dates or agendas for upcoming meetings, election information or recycling schedules. The website also features a “How Do I” tab listing frequently asked questions and services.
- The most searched for and visited departments and services are featured in button blocks toward the top of the homepage on the website. While the tabs for Government, County Department, Services, Businesses and Community remain at the top of the page for easy access, the county wanted to make those most sought-after departments and services prominently featured. Those include the County Clerk’s page, the County Parks page, COVID resources, Business Resources, Recycling and the Animal Shelter.
- County news continues to be toward the top of the homepage with a carousel that allows for additional news items to be added. There is also an expanded calendar of events, with room for more featured activities.
- A new Spotlight section showcases major events, announcements and important information.
The website also features a more aesthetically pleasing color scheme and larger photos that highlight many of Burlington County’s most scenic locations, including the Bass River Fishing Pier, Riverton Yacht Club, Willingboro Lakes, Smithville Park, Laurel Acres Park in Mount Laurel, Boundary Creek Park in Moorestown and the Burlington County Agricultural Center.
“At over 800 square miles stretching from the Delaware River to the Atlantic’s Great Bay, Burlington County has some of the most eye-catching and spectacular scenery anywhere, and we want to share as much of our county’s beauty as possible on our website,” said O’Connell. “If you know of a beautiful and scenic location in Burlington County, please let us know so we can feature it on the website. Send recommendations to [email protected].”
Other prominent tabs and items on the site include an employment tab. Not only does the county list job openings, but businesses who have vacancies can complete an online form so that their positions can be included in our Jobs Section. The Business Resources portal contains information about how to start a business, obtain permits and licenses and get a business listed for promotions and special events. The page also has information about workforce development and training programs.
The website has links to social media sites, including the official county Twitter and Facebook pages. Residents are encouraged to follow the county on their favorite platform for the latest county news and announcements, as well as local business spotlights and animal shelter videos.
“Our board represents each of Burlington County’s more than 460,000 residents and our website and social media pages are important ways we communicate how our government is operating and what resources are available,” O’Connell said. “The website is a critical tool for communication, and we believe the redesign will help us continue to keep our residents informed and updated.”
