For small associations and nonprofits, new website software technology spurs growth

Think of your friends, your family, yourself - do you know anyone who isn't involved in an association or activity in their spare time? Most people are, but there are so many diverse interests and pursuits in our nation of independent thinkers that many of those organizations are small. However, the size of an association or organization has no correlation to the passion of those who make up the group - you might be involved in an association with just 25 members, but you're involved because it means something to you.

The enthusiasm that association members feel is something they want to spread - it's only natural to want to share something you enjoy so much. In the past, getting the word out meant going to or holding events, sending out mailers and relying on in-person communication. While those methods can still be part of an organization's strategy in the 21st century, the opportunities for growth presented by the Web should be front and center.

To put it bluntly, there's no longer any excuse for not having a Web presence. It's simply too valuable a resource for any small organization. If you're struggling, it's a pathway to new growth and revitalization. If you're already enjoying strong support, it's a venue for discussion, connection and even innovation. The myth that only organizations that are flush with cash can afford an effective, up-to-date website is one that will likely soon be dispelled. Website software like Wild Apricot, specifically designed to meet the needs of small organizations, makes website building and maintenance as easy as using a word processing program.

In the past, paying a professional Web developer thousands of much-needed dollars to build a website might have seemed like the only solution. But because times have recently been tough for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, expenditures like that might have been difficult or impossible, leaving the idea of a website languishing on the sidelines. However, even volunteer-driven organizations can now use a website template to cost-effectively build and maintain a site that's both professional-looking and intelligently functional.

While a basic Web page will give newcomers a bit of information about your association and what you do, adding functions that help with the practical management of an organization will encourage people to get involved. For instance, membership software can drive new enrollment and allow existing participants to continue their membership from year to year. With those capabilities, you'll have the benefit of providing a user-friendly service to members new and old, plus a simplified administration process with information collected in one central location.

Because board members and volunteers for small organizations can change from year to year (and even within a year), it's important that your website be easy to maintain and administer. Instead of all maintenance knowledge residing with one person, a user-friendly template and maintenance system like Wild Apricot's gives your organization more flexibility. If your Web volunteer suddenly can't participate on the same level, the task can easily be passed on with no interruption to your website.

For many small organizations, the simplification of website creation could be revolutionary. The simplicity and low cost of website templates and software takes the idea of Web presence from "unaffordable luxury" to "cost-effective necessity." And while the traditional methods of getting the word out will always be there, a website is guaranteed to put your organization on the route to a strong future.