Apply Online is a platform dedicated to young Zimbabweans seeking educational opportunities. The website features sections for scholarships, fellowships, and other academic programs targeted at undergraduates and postgraduates. The platform also provides updates on new scholarships and encourages users to contribute by becoming a part of their community.
Project Goals
- Verified Links: Ensure that all listed scholarships and fellowships are legitimate and beneficial for young Zimbabweans.
- Cost-Effective: Design with the understanding that internet data is expensive in Zimbabwe, making speed a crucial factor.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Prioritize mobile responsiveness to cater to the primary audience—youth who predominantly access the internet via mobile devices.
- WhatsApp Integration: Include WhatsApp integration to leverage the affordable data bundles available to users.
- Search Functionality: Provide robust search features to help users quickly find relevant opportunities.
- Domain Choice and SEO: Select an appropriate domain and perform extensive SEO to stand out in a crowded market.
Implementation
We commenced the project by selecting the domain applyonline.co.zw, reflecting the local focus of the platform. Understanding the critical need for speed, we optimized the site for performance, ensuring fast loading times even with limited internet access.
Mobile Responsiveness: A significant portion of our efforts went into ensuring that the website is mobile-friendly. Given that most users would access the site on mobile devices, we designed a responsive interface that works seamlessly on various screen sizes.
WhatsApp Integration: Recognizing the popularity and affordability of WhatsApp data bundles among the youth, we integrated WhatsApp into the platform. This allows users to receive updates and communicate through a platform they are familiar with.
Search Functionality: We incorporated an efficient search feature, enabling users to easily find scholarships and fellowships that match their criteria. This functionality is pivotal in providing a user-friendly experience.
Free Hosting: To support this charitable initiative, we provided free hosting on our servers, ensuring that the platform remains accessible without financial constraints.
SEO Optimization: The online scholarship space is highly competitive, with domains like applynow.com, wemakescholars.com, and applynow.co.zw already established. Therefore, we conducted extensive SEO to enhance visibility and attract more users. We ensured that Apply Online ranks highly in search results, making it easier for youth to discover the platform.
Performance Testing: We conducted comprehensive Lighthouse tests, achieving scores of 96 and above across all four criteria (Performance, Accessibility, Best Practices, and SEO) for both mobile and desktop versions. These impressive scores reflect our commitment to quality and user experience.
Results
The Apply Online platform has become a trusted resource for young Zimbabweans, providing them with access to verified scholarships and fellowships. By focusing on speed, mobile responsiveness, and user-friendly features, we have created a platform that effectively bridges the information gap and empowers youth to seize educational opportunities.
