Website

Started by EllenS1 • 8 replies • 1120 views

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EllenS1 (Florida)
Posts: 1,148

Posted:

Our hoa started a website in January but except for a few is not being utilized by most. It seemed to be a great idea. It would prevent emails flying back and forth accidently excluding some who would like to know what's going on. If it were used it would keep all members, not just the board, advised of current happenings, etc. and give everyone a forum to express their concerns and questions. It is user friendly so..my question is how can we encourage more owners to at least visit the site so they can see what they are missing?

I'm on the newly formed landscaping committee. We have been very active and I just sent my first email to the committee that I have posted a message on the site. I thought that might make them curious enough to go to the site. When I am out and around the community when I'm asked what's up with the landscaping committee I will tell them (in a nice way) it's all on our community website..you should check it out. Do you think this is the way to go? Or, any other suggestions?

JosephW (Michigan)
Posts: 882

Posted:

Well, I guess the surest way to attract the owners is send someone out at night with a camera and post the 'R' or 'X' rated photos on the site

Did you do any type of survey beforehand to see what the owners may actually want? I've built a number of sites for people and I always have to walk a fine line between what the person(s) who are building the site want, and what to place on the site that would actually attract the visitors that are important to the site owner.

Here are some things that have worked on other sites that you might want to consider (they worked on some sites, didn't work on others):

Local resource center: links to local government, schools, businesses,

Photos of approved architectural modifications - if you have a standard fence that you'll approve, a photo and description would be helpful to people looking for information

Simple descriptions of the rules and documents - people would rather find the easy answer than read the docs themselves

Hepful hints about living in your community - what grows well, what doesn't; conservation tips; tree and shrub care;

Surveys to help the board keep up with owners' opinions

All service-related forms should be available

A "Craig's List" type of place wher people can advertise

Safety and security issues (general - not specific)

What you really want to be is a resource for whatever they might be interested in locally and about the association - you just need to ask them.

Joe

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EllenS1 (Florida)
Posts: 1,148

Posted:

Wow! A lot to think about. Thanks for your input.

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

It's hard to believe in this day and age, but there are still plenty of people who do NOT regularly use the internet as their main, or even adjunct, source of information.

In our 300+ community, we know of only 10 active internet users.

Many who use the internet at work, use it only from work or sites like forums and such are blocked by firewalls.

Those who use the computer at home, do it for purely entertainment and are not interested in getting their HOA info online.

The ONLY time it is regularly used is if someone (a handful of the 10 who use the site) wants to send a complaint about a neighbor.

EllenS1 (Florida)
Posts: 1,148

Posted:

I find it hard to understand but I guess it's all about education. Our hoa has lots of info for our owners but...i.e., if they want to gain entry to our secured parking, if they want to get a key for the lake, our docs, contacting the management company, etc. but most prefer to go by word of mouth which is often not correct. At least you have had complaints..we are not even there yet. LOL

BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

I would say education...if an email comes across refer them to the website if the answer is there. Get them used to the idea of going there. Announce it at every meeting, put it in every newsletter...you won't get everyone to use it, but you can get a majority if it becomes the easy way to get information.

hoatalk (California)
Posts: 603

Posted:

As you may know, community websites are our main business. Brad is correct, in that you must promote the site every chance you get (newsletter, every mailing to owners including bills, flyers, bulletin board at the pool, community exit signs, etc).

Our customers find it useful to push info from the site to the owners via email. We have a feature called Email Announcements where the Board can post announcements on the website that are automatically sent to all registered owners (each owner has control to opt out of these emails if desired). This makes them aware of goings on and reminds them that the site exists.

Another great way to use the site is for surveys. We recommend our customers to post an online survey and then announce it via our email announcements. We've had great results getting feedback this way.

Lastly, have realistic expectations: Community websites are not high traffic sites and don't need to be to provide value. Community sites are very valuable if members simply use them occasionally to get an ARC form, look up the address for payments, read the rules, find the HOA meeting schedule, etc. Don't expect members to regularly visit to look for new news on the site, etc.

Think of your website more as a 24x7 HOA reference library and less like a little MySpace or EBay for your community.

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MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

Excellent assessment, HOATalk.

That's pretty much how our HOA homeowners use our site.

MagdaS (Florida)
Posts: 32

Posted:

Our HOA does not have a website and their "newsletter" is for entertainment info only.
We have a voluntary Residents Group besides the mandatory HOA and started a website in January 2007 with information on items of interest (non-entertainment) to all residents. I e-mail when I have a new post to the website and we have good response.
Since, as one respondent pointed out, not everyone has internet access we decided
to start a newsletter for every resident, member of the Group or not. Our editor is a former newspaper man who went out to solicit local merchants (banks, restaurants, etc) to advertise in our paper. Who doesn't like inexpensive advertisement to alomost 600 households?
We are a roaring success and the newsletter pays for itself.
Maybe you can start something like it?
MagdaS

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