The Orange County Sheriff’s Office needed a new website. The goal of the updated site was to communicate their services and accomplishments. The agency also wanted to deliver a stronger and more proactive message to the community. Residents often visit the site for information about neighborhood news and visitors who want to know about crime in local tourist areas. While County sheriff websites typically generate high traffic, a better design would definitely enhance its reach.
The Challenge
To effectively highlight the services available to Orange County residents
Our goal was to create a website that would be easy to navigate, appealing, and educational. There was a clear opportunity to highlight services available to Orange County residents. Additionally, we wanted to create an easy way to access information online. After a review of their website, we decided to improve the site navigation and design. We created an improved user experience that reinforced their central message.
The Outcome
User-friendly, easy to navigate website
The Chatter Buzz team provided OCSO with an easy-to-navigate updated site. Their new digital home gives the public access to department services online. Residents can now submit non-emergency reports and request public records online. Contact information for area service providers and local employment opportunities are also accessible. By giving the site a new look and enhancing its functionality, we helped to create an informative online resource. The improved site helped OSCO with their social efforts too. Site visitors can now follow the department on Facebook and see their latest tweets. Smartphone savvy residents can also download the agency’s app.
Our Approach
Our task was to promote the OCSO brand through the new site. We started by doing a Branding Identification Survey before we developed the website. Our research indicated that their target audience included business owners, elected officials, other law enforcement agencies, and current OCSO employees.
The Why Behind
Serving the Community
We worked to enhance images that would “show” and not simply “tell.” The site now speaks to viewers in a simple, conversational language. We created consistent Calls to Action to engage viewers. Our emphasis was on communicating results. We also incorporated a social media wall, an events calendar, Tourist Tips, fraud alerts, and “OCSO In Action” sections to provide the public with updates from the department.
Custom Features
We helped make OCSO an informative and educational online resource. Through improved navigation and design, site visitors can now locate information with ease. Community residents can also now connect with OSCO through social. Site users can follow the sheriff’s office on Facebook, check out their latest tweets, and download the agency’s app with one click.
Award Winner
In 2018, Chatter Buzz won a Communicator Award for redesigning the OCSO website, which is a leading international awards program that honors excellence in digital marketing.
Silver Award for Distinction in Online Advertising
Chatter Buzz won the Silver Award for Distinction in Online Advertising for adding features to the Sheriff’s Office website that enhanced user experience. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office requested a new website that could deliver a strong and proactive message to the local community. The Chatter Buzz team responded by creating a new, user-friendly site that was easy to navigate, appealing, and engaging for Orange County residents.
