It’s always nice to check something off your list, isn’t it? Buy groceries, check. Pay bills, check. Get the car washed, check. Build a website… hang on a minute! As nice as it is to consider something over and done with, a website needs frequent updates, attention, and care beyond that initial build. They are often a prospective member’s gateway into your organization, and frequently the main place that current members access tools, resources, content, and even engage with other members.

Warning Signs

Consider the following. If you answer any of these questions in the affirmative, it may be time to rethink things.

• Does my team avoid touching the site because it’s too frustrating to update?
• Does my homepage look cluttered and outdated?
• Do the right people have access to the backend of my site? And once access is granted, is navigating it prohibitively complex?
• Does the site have too many plugins (i.e., a small piece of software that adds functionality lacking in your main site builder)? Are the plugins so old that the many updates have weakened the site’s integrity?

Why Does That Stuff Matter?

A website that is cluttered or outdated can undermine credibility and frustrate your end users. If the backend is too complex or locked down, staff can’t make updates in a timely fashion, which slows down communication—one of the biggest reasons your members come to you in the first place.

Getting It Right

A good website doesn’t need to do everything—but it should do the basics well and support your current association strategy. Modern websites don’t need to be flashy or expensive—but they do need to be functional, focused, and built with the people who use them in mind. Good design and user experience make it easier for both members and prospective members to engage with your association on several levels.

So, take some time, poke around in your association’s website that possibly hasn’t been touched in over a decade, and decide whether it might be time for an upgrade. We’re ready when you are.

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