HOA web sites

We are in the process of building an association web site. Anyone had experience with these sites that they would like to share ? Any ideas on how to make it a site that owners will want to use or how to get owners to use it?

The site contains all of our documents, forms (downloadable and on line), contact info, feedback forms, current happenings, info on many aspects of our association and much more but we have been told that often owners don't use these sites.

I would not put individual's contact information other than the board members on your site. If you do put members information make sure they are aware of it and give you permission. Yes, the addresses are pretty much public information as all you have to do is walk down the street or use a phone book. However, that does not mean that member would like to be contacted by the general membership. I have seen a few irrate members want a list of members so they can have them join their "Cause". It's best to publish only those who want to participate and are okay with it.

Plus do NOT publish your collection list online. That is private information just for the board and the person involved in collections. Let's not create a shaming board or vigilantism. Each situation is different on why someone owes. Instead insitute a policy of a cut off date before your HOA liens. We use a 6 month behind policy without payment arrangements an automatic lien. That way the members know we the board are taking action and the situation is not being ignored.

There are several older post on here regarding this area. I'd suggest reading them but not posting to them. We don't want to regnenerate older threads too often. Thank you!

We've had a site online for several years. Our owners like the transparency, but our Board is always trying to restrict what goes on it. Many management companies offer that service for free. If you're a do-it-yourself kind of person and have basic computer skills you can get us a very low cost hosting account with companies like , click a button to install and get to work.

We do not post any confidential information, no member lists, meeting minutes, etc, but we do post announcements and agendas.

Leave us not forget our host Community123.com, link on the left.

To promote it mention it at your meetings, put it on your letterheads, your signature block of you email, and just post it somewhere. I made up my own business cards as President and handed them out. Another thing I did is made up a small "sales brochure". It gave the basic information about the HOA like meeting dates/times, what the dues paid for, where to find the rules, who to contact, and just general information for those who are interested in purchasing would like to know. I would contact the realtors with homes for sale in your area to promote the site as well. However, have a separate members only page that potential buyers can't access.

Great ideas ... thanks

Thanks Jazz. I will add that.