Seven mile publishing produces top website

Posted: Thursday, September 19, 2013 6:00 PM ESTUpdated: Thursday, September 19, 2013 6:16 PM EST

In a poll conducted by the Monmouth University Polling Institute and Graduate Program in Public Policy, New Jersey's 540 municipal websites were reviewed here for design, dissemination of information and interaction with the public. Sea Isle City's website ( www.seaislecitynj.us), designed by 7 Mile Publishing & Creative, LLC, was ranked in the top 20 percent for the state, and earned the No. 1 spot for Cape May County.

The state requires that municipalities publish items such as budgets online. It encourages transparency in government with expansive information at the tips of citizens' fingers, creating a website that is an effective tool in informing and engaging the public. In the poll, each municipality earned a certain number of points based on several criteria; this gave each municipality an overall score, which determined its rank.

The four main categories were information, interaction, services and social networking. Sea Isle City's site came through as a clear winner with distinct tabs across the top of the home page containing easy subcategories within drop-down menus, an updated calendar of events and an option to click on other frequently visited links. Important services including Forms, Tax & Utility Payment Center and FEMA Flood info are easily identified. There are also clear links to Twitter and Facebook for those looking for the social-networking aspect.

The site's designer, 7 Mile Publishing & Creative, LLC, also publishes the Seven Mile Times, Sea Isle Times, Beach Party and Shore Weddings. In addition to publishing and web design, the company offers services including graphic design and printing, cohesive marketing plans and event coordination.

Source: Nbc40