Project Overview

Link: mwai.edu

Middle Way Acupuncture Institute (MWAI) partnered with our team to refresh their website, focusing on improving accessibility, mobile responsiveness, and user experience for both prospective students and community members.

One of the primary goals of the project was to ensure the site functions seamlessly across devices. Many prospective students were browsing from their phones, so creating a mobile-optimized experience became a top priority. The updated design now makes it easier for users to explore programs, schedule a visit, and complete the application process on any device.

In addition to visual and functional improvements, we collaborated closely with MWAI to refine the site architecture. We organized content to better support student decision-making and improve search visibility (SEO). For example, we transformed the Admissions section into a series of clear, focused pages, including “Admissions Overview,” “Apply Now,” and “Application Checklist,” designed to gently guide users through each step of the journey.

We also worked together to develop new content that highlights MWAI’s unique approach and deep expertise in Chinese medicine. Informational pages like “Why Choose Middle Way” and “What is Chinese Medicine?” help establish trust with prospective students by answering common questions and emphasizing MWAI’s mission and values.

For the community and clinic visitors, we added and expanded pages that explain treatment options, clinic types, and frequently asked questions, helping users feel more informed and welcomed.Together, these enhancements support MWAI’s long-term goals of increasing enrollment, improving visibility, and creating a more supportive and streamlined experience for every visitor to the site.

Role

As a full-service digital agency, Pixels and Pines led the comprehensive redesign and redevelopment of the Middle Way Acupuncture Institute (MWAI) website, with an emphasis on usability, storytelling, and enrollment growth. Our contributions included:

Strategy & Research
  • Conducted an in-depth competitor analysis of leading acupuncture schools in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Interviewed stakeholders and performed market research to create two detailed user personas representing prospective students.  
  • Structured the website’s information architecture to support user flows and improve content discoverability.
Content & Creative
  • Wrote and edited all website content, focusing on clarity, accessibility, and SEO optimization.
  • Created new strategic pages (e.g., Why Choose Middle Way, What is Chinese Medicine, Clinic FAQs) to answer common questions and build trust with potential students.
  • Produced original on-site photography showcasing the campus, students, and clinic.  
  • Designed and illustrated visual assets to reinforce MMWAI’s nature-based brand.  
Design & Development
  • Designed a mobile-first, responsive website to restore usability for over 50% of users accessing the site from mobile devices.
  • Created streamlined admissions pages and inquiry flows to reduce friction and support conversions.
  • Developed the custom site using WordPress.

Key Achievements

  • Mobile Responsiveness: Restored complete mobile functionality for the majority of the user base.
  • Application Process: Enabled mobile users to complete program inquiries and applications successfully.
  • Competitive Advantage: Superior mobile experience while competitors struggled with mobile optimization.
  • SEO Performance: Improved organic visibility for acupuncture education keywords in the Pacific Northwest.
  • User Experience: Streamlined information architecture based on adult learner research.
  • Visual Identity: Custom photography providing an authentic advantage over stock-heavy competitor sites.

Stats

  • Unique Visits: 35% increase
  • MAc Program Page Visits: 20% increase
  • Home Page Visits: 47% increase
  • Conversion Rate: 4% increase
  • SEO Site Score: 100%

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