If you’re an iMIS user, you already know you have a powerful tool at your disposal.
But are you taking full advantage of its robust capabilities to create the best experience for your visitors and constituents? As your organization’s face to the world, your iMIS website has tremendous influence in presenting your mission in an appealing, compelling way that inspires action.
Follow these six tips to enhance your web presence and support your mission to its fullest.
- Start by considering the goal of your site as well as your overall objectives.
Before committing to a web overhaul, take some time to determine what you want it to accomplish. Do you want to increase member engagement? Drive awareness for a cause? What you decide will affect the design and components. It’s also important to assess how your new site may affect other organizational goals like event revenue and membership growth. You want your website to support your goals across the board, not be an unintended detractor.
- Share your message.
People want to get behind causes that feel important to them. What problem is your organization seeking to solve? Including your mission (or some variation of it) on the homepage of your website is worth considering. If your mission statement is focused on some ideal vision that’s far off in the future, try adapting it to make it more present, clear, and specific.
- Create a personal, welcoming vibe.
When guests arrive at a party, they expect a warm welcome from the host. Your iMIS website should offer this same sense of hospitality with a friendly reception for every visitor. Ideally, each person’s experience should mirror their level of engagement with your association. For example, new visitors might see a list of ways they can connect with your organization while existing members could be greeted with details about the upcoming annual conference.
- Take a donor-friendly approach.
For most non-profits and associations, fundraising is critical to success. Make it as easy as possible for patrons to donate from your iMIS website. Strategically place a highly visible donation button on your homepage and keep the donation form as simple as possible. Make sure supporters are always just a mere click away from your gift form as they travel throughout your site.
- Boost social sharing.
Whether it’s raising money for disaster relief or championing an ongoing cause, social media makes it easy for critical issues to gain traction. Some simple design adjustments can help your organization make the most of these platforms. Give visitors easy access to your Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and any other applicable channels by prominently displaying them on your homepage. It’s also important that any images you post are appealing and shareable on social networks.
- Create persuasive calls to action.
Too often, organizations rely on uninspiring messaging and yet they wonder why people aren’t taking action. Instead, put yourself in the place of your visitors and create a compelling narrative. What do you want people to do once they land on your website? Do you want them to donate? Schedule an appointment? Once you’ve decided that, craft a title that’s inviting and inclusive, such as “Become part of our community” with some interesting descriptors explaining why that’s a good idea. It’s always wise to include a clearly marked button that stands out with a simple message such as “Join Today” or “Donate Now”. Whatever call to action best reflects your organization’s priorities, it should always be present and noticeable on the home page.
Whether you choose from RiSE’s gallery of configurable, responsive site templates or opt to integrate your existing web Content Management System (CMS), iMIS makes it easy to effectively manage your web presence and express your brand in a way that resonates with everyone who visits.
For more than 20 years, IBC has worked with membership organizations of all types and sizes. We understand your business needs and we know iMIS inside and out. When you choose us as your technology partner, you’re assured a website that’s beautiful on the outside and functional on the inside. Please contact us today to get started.
About IBC: At IBC, we have a deep understanding of the critical business needs and processes specific to associations, non-profits, and unions. We ‘get’ your culture, your goals, and what drives you, too. Focused exclusively on and dedicated to delivering the most effective AMS, LMS, and Cloud Financial Software for our clients, we’re well-versed in identifying and applying the integration techniques that will save you time and money. Since 2001, our cutting-edge products, unparalleled responsiveness, and award-winning services have helped organizations like yours increase their operational and financial performance by leveraging best practices and proven solutions. For more information about IBC, please visit the website at www.ibconcepts.com or call 443.603.0215.
