Top Features To Make Your Community Website Even Better
A website is a convenient and engaging way to promote your community to potential homebuyers, share important updates with current residents, and keep people connected. However, an unorganized or uninformative website can have the opposite effect.
Read on to learn what should be on a community website and how to make the most of this essential form of communication.
Why Should You Have a Community Website?
A well-managed website has many uses to help your community thrive. The site is a hub of information where residents can find meeting details, key dates, policies, and contact information. Some websites also allow residents to make payments through a homeowner portal.
In addition to improving communication between leadership and residents, your website gives prospective buyers their first glimpse into your community.
What Should Be on Your Community Website?
Although a website should be comprehensive, leaders must be selective about what they include. You’ll want to confirm the information on your website—and its accessibility—comply with laws and rules. If you have any questions about legalities, check with your attorney.
Aim to provide value while being concise and approachable. Here are the top features that will make your website even better:
Homepage
Your homepage should provide a solid introduction to your community and allow users to easily navigate the site. A well-designed page will have important information broken into short, digestible sections with inviting images and graphics to make content more scannable.
When thinking about what should be on a website homepage, looking at other community websites may be helpful. Successful homepages typically include:
- A brief background about the community
- An organized navigation bar
- An online payment portal
- A communication form
- Calls to action to encourage participation
- Links to your welcome packet and other resources
Community News and Announcements
Keep residents updated with announcements and beneficial content. Examples of news you may want to share include upcoming projects, reminders about scheduled maintenance, calls for volunteers, and community safety tips. The more regularly you post, the more engagement you can generate on your website.
Community Rules
If permitted, add a dedicated page where residents can access and review community rules and regulations. Homeowners are more likely to comply with guidelines when they have the information readily available.
Meeting Minutes and Agendas
You may be able to help homeowners prepare for upcoming meetings by posting the agenda on your website. This gives members time to review the discussion points before the meeting.
Likewise, sharing the minutes after a meeting promotes transparency and keeps residents in the loop. Informed community members can guide decisions and boost homeowner satisfaction. Just check your rules for any guidance on posting or password-protecting this information.
Calendar of Events
Many communities are very active, making it difficult for residents to stay on top of everything. Adding a simple calendar of events to your website can help homeowners balance their schedules and encourage participation. Include details, such as:
- Purpose of the event
- Date and time
- Location
- Who is invited
Amenities Page
Amenities are a big reason why people choose community living. Providing an online guide to your amenities can attract qualified homebuyers looking for what you offer.
An amenities page means homeowners can find hours, instructions, rules, and safety guidelines quickly and easily, too. Not only does this keep amenities in good shape, but it also avoids confusion over how and when they are used.
Governing Documents
Your governing documents contain crucial details about your community, including the covenants, conditions & restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, and policies. While all homeowners usually receive a physical copy of these documents when they become members, it may be required to have digital documents on the website as well.
Community Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you notice similar questions coming up, you can save time, energy, and frustration by offering quick answers on your website. An FAQ page gives residents and buyers the information they need without having to wait for an answer.
Contacts
When questions are complex or people need more information than is provided on the website, they should be able to reach the appropriate leader. Sharing public contact information on your website shows that leadership is open to communication and ready to help.
Plus, let website users know the best way to contact you. If it’s easier to respond to emails than answer the phone, post those details and let them know how long they can expect before you get back to them.
Payment Portal
An online portal streamlines the payment process and allows homeowners to use different options to pay dues, assessments, and fees. This will also help leaders manage the community's funds with organized records and digital payment processing.
Other Website Features
In addition to the basic pages and details, other features can enhance your website, including:
- Homeowner testimonials
- Member directory
- Photo galleries of the community and events
- Links to social media accounts
FAQs About Community Websites
What is required on a community website?
While every community is different, websites should generally include details about the community, announcements, a community calendar, and contact information in a user-friendly design. Check your laws and governing documents, or refer to your attorney, for required content on your website.
Should a Community have a Facebook page?
A community Facebook page can be a helpful platform for homeowners to connect and discuss matters in a more informal setting. However, set clear rules and boundaries to keep communication respectful and productive.
How do you create a Facebook page for a community?
To make a Facebook page for your community, sign into your account and create a private group. Then, homeowners can be invited through their Facebook accounts to join the group and engage with other members.