To get the most of your website it is important to create an environment of engagement. It sounds difficult but there are a few simple steps you can take to encourage website visitors to get involved with your organization online.
Keep Content Fresh
It all starts with making your website a valuable resource. Having great content on your website will get visitors to return. When they return they will be looking for new information. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to completely change your website. There are many simple ways to add exciting new content.
Having a blog is one way to add fresh content to your website. Before starting on a blog you should decide what the main theme of it will be and how often you will have time to post new blogs. If you don’t have time to write the blog yourself see about getting a committee together or finding guest bloggers.
Another way to add fresh content is to upload pictures from events. WordPress makes it easy to add picture galleries to your website. As so many people love to see themselves online, this is a great way to get members to visit your website more often.
Posting your newsletter online is also a good way to add new content and it encourages more people to sign-up for your newsletter. If you are already producing one for email, it is a great way to repurpose your efforts.
Give Members a Way to Engage
Offer a directory with full profiles so your members can showcase themselves. By giving them the ability to add pictures, create deals and recommend each other you offer your members a simple way to engage online. Additionally, having full profiles keeps your website visitors on your website instead of sending them away.
Have a space for comments. Most often this area is the blog section of the website. You may receive spam comments as well as genuine comments so its best to require approval before comments post to your website. Make sure to recognize comments to encourage future engagement.
Give members an easy way to share your great website content through their social media. By sharing a link to your blog post, or a member profile in your directory, your members help open your organization to a brand new audience.
Reward Members for Participating Online
Members that engage on your website are great ambassadors for your organization. It is important that your recognize their effort and how it supports your growth.
One place to recognize your members is in your blog or newsletter. You can highlight new information in your member’s directory which will encourage other members to update their profiles. It will also help advertise your member’s businesses. You can also share comments to your blogs or list the members that have been most active on your website.
Giving out awards is another great way to encourage participation. It not only recognizes your members but also brings attention to online engagement. As more members engage online you can give recognition as they reach participation milestones or give several awards a year.
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