Tips to Consider for your Community Website
Designing a community website requires careful consideration of the content to ensure it meets the needs of your target audience and provides value to your community members. Here's a breakdown of the content you might want to include on your community website:
Home Page:
Welcome message: A warm and inviting message to greet visitors.
Community mission and vision: Clearly state the purpose and goals of your community.
Featured content: Highlight popular discussions, events, or important announcements.
About Us:
Overview: Provide a detailed explanation of your community, its history, and its values.
Leadership team: Introduce the people responsible for running the community.
Testimonials: Share positive feedback and experiences from community members.
Membership:
Registration and login options: Create a straightforward process for joining the community.
Membership benefits: Explain what members can gain from being part of your community.
Membership levels: If applicable, describe different membership tiers and their perks.
Forums or Discussion Boards:
Organized categories: Create forums for various topics or interests.
Posting guidelines: Clearly state the rules and guidelines for participation.
Moderation policies: Explain how content is monitored and moderated.
Events Calendar:
Upcoming events: Display a calendar with dates and details of community events, both online and offline.
RSVP and registration: Allow members to register for events directly on the website.
Blog or News Section:
Regular updates: Share news, articles, and posts related to your community's niche.
Member contributions: Encourage community members to contribute their articles or blog posts.
Resources:
Helpful links: Curate a list of useful websites and resources related to your community's interests.
Downloadable content: Offer ebooks, guides, or templates that members can access.
Member Profiles:
Member directory: Create profiles with user-generated content, like bios and avatars.
Privacy settings: Allow members to control the visibility of their profiles.
Contact Information:
Contact form: Provide an easy way for visitors to get in touch with your community.
Support email: Offer a dedicated email address for inquiries or assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Answer common questions about your community and how it operates.
Search Functionality: Include a robust search feature to help users find specific content or discussions.
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service: Ensure your website complies with legal requirements and user data protection.
Community Guidelines: Clearly outline the rules and expected behaviour within the community.
Testimonials and Success Stories: Showcase stories of how your community has positively impacted its members.
Donations or Support: If your community relies on donations, provide a way for members to contribute.
Social Media Integration: Link to your community's social media profiles for easy sharing and engagement.
Newsletters: Allow visitors to subscribe to community newsletters for updates and announcements.
Accessibility: Ensure your website is accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
Remember that the content and structure of your community website should align with your community's goals and the preferences of your members. Regularly update and maintain your content to keep your website engaging and informative.
Looking for websites for your local community? Talk to us!
