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NoelleK (Colorado)
Posts: 2
Posted:
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past fifteen years, you know that the Internet has fundamentally changed the way people do business and the way people do research on virtually any topic imaginable. The topics people research online are extremely varied, from the best toothpaste to the best place to meet eligible singles to information about homeowner association websites.

What Do We Need with a Web Site?

“Homeowner association websites? What could a homeowner’s association need with a web site?” You may ask. Pretty much everything. Think about virtually any organization you join, from the local church to the local Red Cross. They all have web sites. And while the corner hot dog stand may not have a web site yet (though these days many of them do), for an HOA, it’s vital that you have a web site – one that is professionally designed and managed.

A Voluntary Organization

Because a homeowner’s association is a voluntary association, you need to be able to advertise to potential members and potential members need to be able to see what your organization is about and why they should go ahead and join. After all, in a world where the economy is difficult and money is tight, people are cutting back on unnecessary expenses wherever they can and nothing seems less necessary when you’re worried about making ends meet than some esoteric homeowner’s association, especially if they can’t even find out what’s going on without having to call someone.

Web Sites Provide Easy Access

However, with a web site, it’s easy for members to take a quick look on the Internet to find out about the latest events and the benefits they get for joining your group, so think about creating a homeowner association website for your group. Ultimately, you’ll be glad you did.

RobW (California)
Posts: 279
Posted:
I couldn't agree more. I'm a web developer by trade, and I can't imagine an HOA (or any organization, for that matter) without an online presence.

But what is the actual purpose of your post? It's not clear to me. It reads like a marketing piece.

Rob
KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Rob,

Noelle has one post to the account. I'm betting spam.
NoelleK (Colorado)
Posts: 2
Posted:
It is not spam.
JenniferM10 (Illinois)
Posts: 97
Posted:
Maybe not spam.... but sounds like a sales pitch to me. ;)

I agree wholeheartedly, though. My community website could be such a great tool for us, but instead it's an eyesore and is so out of date it's nearly useless.

I'm also a web developer and I think the only way I'm going to get my own board to realize how effective a good site could be is to get another community to hire me, build something sensational, and then say "I told you so".
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JenniferM10 on 03/17/2011 7:21 PM

Maybe not spam.... but sounds like a sales pitch to me. ;)

Well, perhaps a sales pitch to have a site. No different then when others have talked about things Associations should have. I didn't see the name of any company in Noelle's posting. Therefore, I would not classify it as Spam.

BTW: HOAtalk recommends Community123.com

Quote:
Posted By NoelleK on 3/11/2011 12:11:31 PM

for an HOA, it’s vital that you have a web site – one that is professionally designed and managed

I disagree that the site needs to be professionally designed and managed. There are many, many programs out there to assist in designing a web page. Managing one does take time (more than you think). However, that takes a dedicated volunteer vs. paying a professional to do it for you.

I do agree with the need of an HOA to have one. Since I started managing our site a few years ago, I've categorized visitors as follows (in the order they use the page):

Spammers - most of my visitors (mainly due to having a forum)
Board Members - Checking dates of meetings, etc.
Realtors - Usually linking to the site due to sales in the area
New Buyers - checking out a potential site
Members - Various Reasons but mainly checking dates or looking up guidelines
Local merchants - Not that often but you would be surprised how quickly an email shows up in the Presidents box offering services by a local company just moments after the same ip address checks our Board of directors page.

Tim
DianaB4 (Oregon)
Posts: 13
Posted:
you can set up a YAHOO group, no cost. Get a couple of people persmission to manage the calendar etc, and approve members joining. Takes little time and small effort but worth it.
ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244
Posted:
Doesn't sound like a sales pitch at all to me. She wanted to share an article, as the title clearly states. Thanks for sharing and welcome!
ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244
Posted:
Doesn't sound like a sales pitch at all to me. She wanted to share an article, as the title clearly states. Thanks for sharing and welcome!

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