Homeowner’s Associations are authoritative sources for communities, setting rules, enforcing them, and collecting dues. HOAs often realize that community members need a hub to access information. A website is one of the most effective tools for bringing the community together, making it easy for the HOA to provide information and streamline collecting dues. These tips can make setting up an HOA website much less challenging.
Determine the Purpose
Before launching websites for homeowners association members, HOA leaders must determine the website’s purpose. Most HOAs consider the following goals:
- Improve communication
- Share essential documents
- Offer community updates
Clearly defining the objectives allows HOA leaders to build a website more effectively. Leaders should come together and vote on goals to ensure the website will meet their objectives.
Select the Right Platform
Selecting the best platform is essential for HOAs. There are many providers, and it is vital to research each and learn as much as possible about their offerings. Consider ease of use, scalability, and customizability. The platform should quickly grow with your community and offer customization options for organizations to make the website their own.
Research Features
HOA website providers must offer essential tools that make website drafting more effective. The following are some key features you should consider when looking for a platform:
- Announcements and news updates
- Event calendar
- Document center
- Contact information
- Online payment processing
- Residential portal
Design a User-Friendly Website
An adequately designed HOA website should be user-friendly and mobile responsive. Many community residents will access the website via their smartphones, so optimizing the website for mobile users will help prevent frustrations for your community members.
It is essential to use simple menus that make navigation straightforward and approachable. Simple menus and categorization will help users find what they need without lengthy searches. You should test the website through various media devices to ensure it loads and works properly. Testing each feature before launch ensures a successful one that will entice community members to use the website regularly.
HOAs must also ensure their websites are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Vision impairments can make accessing a website challenging. Use contrasting colors, more prominent and bolder fonts, and alternative text for all images. Many HOAs consider getting professional guidance to help them make the right color, font, and layout selections.
Make Security Most Important
Security is essential for any HOA website. The following are best practices HOAs should consider when developing a community website:
- Secure hosting
- HTTPS protocol
- Regular updates
- Data privacy
To ensure website security, you should choose a reputable host. Your website should use the HTTPS protocol to encrypt all data and communicate securely. Keep your website updated regularly and collect as little data from users as possible.
Build a Reliable Resource for Your Community
An HOA website is an investment in your community, and care must be taken to ensure it operates effectively and provides the services users need. Focus on drafting clear goals and the most practical features. A well-organized HOA website will become the foundation for your organization to build and create a better sense of community.
