Every week we talk to Associations about the key functions that they want to have for their website and online marketing communications. Here is a quick round up of what we hear:

Content Management

What: Ability to quickly and easily change all website content, add new pages etc.

Why: Cuts web development / maintenance costs and allows instant publishing of news and information.

Integrated Databases

What: Having active databases working in conjunction with the website, e.g. online forms, logins, subscribes etc…

Why: Immediately increases the websites usefulness to members and facilitates many time saving activities.

E mail broadcasts

What: Using databases and nicely designed emails to send targeted communications to member segments

Why: Saves on hard copy printing and sending costs, makes communications more specific to members and stakeholders

Events bookings

What: Allows the booking of events via the website

Why: Automates bookings, invoicing, payments, seating and more…

Payment systems

What: Links online transactions into your bank.

Why: Gets money into your bank account fast! Automates invoicing and payment processing

Follow the link for more useful features of Association Websites.

We can help either in a consultative way in which you dictate the activities or by delivering tailored services, for example:

• Evaluations and Recommendations
• Finding Efficiency and Savings
• Growing Revenue Streams
• Improving Communications
• Search Engine Assistance
• Technology selection and evaluation
• Project or Vendor  Management
• Design and Usability
• Full production of exceptional association websites

Strategic View

If you are a board member or a project sponsor our “Associations and the Web – A Love Story” paper will help you think about the strategic considerations of web adoption.

Tactical Tips

If you are already considering a web project (or the build of a website) and are putting together a requirements list the our “10 Essential Features of an Association Website” will come in handy.

You are obviously keen, finding this site before it is ready. Now that you are here there are some useful resources that are already available.

Currently we have to offer:

• Strategic Guide to Web for Associations, and
• Key features of an Associations Website (a how and why style guide), and
• We have produced a Key Associations Metrics Calculator.

The remaining work on the foundations for this site will be complete over the next few weeks, and the blog will kick off shortly after that. Please add us to you social book marks and pass on our details to your colleagues – we have some great (free) content and advise to provide!