A simple plan to develop an association website

A simple plan to develop an association website Developing a website for an association can be a daunting task, especially…

Developing a website for an association can be a daunting task, especially when you want to engage both your members and external audiences without becoming overly bureaucratic or time-consuming. However, with a simple process in place, it is possible to create a website that will engage your stakeholders while receiving the buy-in of staff and board members. In this article, we will outline a step-by-step process that can be used to create a website that meets these goals.

Internal stakeholder interviews

The first step in creating a website for an association is to conduct internal stakeholder interviews. This is an opportunity to speak to key members of the association, such as board members, staff, and volunteers. The purpose of these interviews is to gather insights on what the association hopes to achieve with the website, as well as any challenges or concerns that need to be addressed.

Identify User Journeys

Once you have gathered insights from internal stakeholders, the next step is to identify the user journeys for your website. A user journey is a path that a user takes on your website, from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave. By understanding the different user journeys, you can design a website that meets the needs of your stakeholders.To map out the user journeys, start by identifying the different entry points to your website, such as the homepage, a landing page, or a blog post.

Then, identify the different actions that users can take on each page, such as clicking a button, filling out a form, or watching a video. Finally, map out the different paths that users can take on your website, based on their goals and needs. To ensure that your user journeys are accurate, it’s important to analyze user behavior. This can be done through tools such as Google Analytics, which allows you to track user behavior on your website. By analyzing user behavior, you can identify any pain points in the user journey and make adjustments to improve the user experience.

External stakeholder interviews

After identifying the user journeys, the next step is to conduct external stakeholder interviews. This could include members of the public, potential members of the association, or other stakeholders that the association wants to reach. The purpose of these interviews is to gain a better understanding of the needs and expectations of external stakeholders.

Prioritized list of actions

With the insights from the internal and external stakeholder interviews, it is time to create a prioritized list of actions. This list should include the key changes that need to be made to the website, as well as any new features or functionality that should be added. By prioritizing the list of actions, you can ensure that the most important changes are made first.

Linking research findings to overall digital strategy

The final step in creating a website for an association is to link the research findings to the overall digital strategy. This involves identifying the key goals of the association and ensuring that the website supports those goals. For example, if the association’s goal is to increase membership, the website should be designed to make it easy for potential members to join.

In conclusion, developing a website for an association can be a straightforward process if you follow these steps. By conducting internal and external stakeholder interviews, identifying user journeys, creating a prioritized list of actions, and linking research findings to the overall digital strategy, you can create a website that engages your members and external audiences while receiving buy-in from staff and board members. With a user-friendly and engaging website, your association can reach new heights and achieve its goals.