An association’s website is often the first point of contact with potential and existing members, partners, and other stakeholders. Modernizing the website can improve the association’s visibility, facilitate the sharing of information, and bring the community closer together. G-Works has many clients in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors and extensive experience in executing website projects. One of our longest-standing clients is also an organization: the Finnish Reserve Officers’ Association. This article delves into the world of associations and explains how to successfully revamp an association’s website.
1. Assemble a team for the website redesign
Form a team responsible for the website redesign. The team can consist of internal and/or external experts. Ensure the team has expertise in design, technology, and content production. In the website projects we handle, G-Works is typically responsible for project management, website design, and technical implementation. Content production and input are usually handled by the client based on the user training we provide. Of course, we assist and closely support the client during the content input phase as well, to ensure the site is quickly ready for launch.
2. Create a plan and timeline
Draw up a detailed plan that includes all the steps involved in the website redesign. Schedule tasks realistically and ensure that all team members understand and commit to the schedule. In G-Works projects, creating the project plan and staying on schedule is always the responsibility of the contractor, i.e., G-Works.
3. Evaluate the Current Website
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the association’s current website. Ask members and users for feedback. This will help you understand which elements of the current website should be retained and where improvements should be made.
4. Define goals and target audiences
Before diving into visual or technical details, clarify for yourself why a website redesign is necessary. Define clear goals, such as increasing membership, improving information sharing, or engaging the community. It’s important to identify your target audience and their needs. In G-Works projects, we always hold a separate definition and conceptualization workshop where we work with the client to clarify what the website project entails, who it’s for, why, and how. Based on the workshop, we create a requirements document that also includes the site structure, page templates, and required functionalities for the future website.
5. Choose the Right Platform and Technology
Choose the right platform and technology for your website. Explore different options and select one that supports your organization’s needs and is easy to maintain. When selecting a platform, it’s best to opt for open-source technologies that any vendor can further develop. Vendor lock-in should be avoided. G-Works primarily uses WordPress.
When selecting technology, you should also consider any special functional requirements your website may have, such as integrations between different platforms. Associations often want data to flow between the website and, for example, the membership registry.
6. Design the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI)
User experience and user interface are key to the success of a website. Design the site’s structure and layout so that they are clear, easy to use, and appealing to your target audience. It’s best to leave website design work to user interface designers who specialize in websites, as they are best equipped to address modern website requirements, such as responsiveness and accessibility. Read more about accessibility in a blog post by one of our developers who specializes in accessibility.
Before beginning the design process, you should determine whether your association falls under the scope of the Accessibility Directive and whether it is subject to the WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. In addition, it’s a good idea to take the updated WCAG 2.2 guidelines—published in October 2023—into account now, even though they won’t immediately become part of the Digital Services Act. G-Works has extensive experience in designing accessible web services. Our most significant accessibility project is the Celia Accessibility Library, which operates under the Ministry of Education and Culture.
7. Technical Implementation
Ensure that your developer follows the implementation plan, the specification documentation, and the visual designs. The key to success in G-Works projects is often seamless collaboration between the developer and the designer. The designer is actively involved in providing feedback and ensuring that the technical implementation and functionality match the design.
8. Populate the new website with content
This step is often time-consuming and should be given careful consideration as early as the project planning phase. Transfer content from the old website as needed and update the old content if necessary. G-Works always provides user training for its projects, after which it is easy for the client to start adding content to the website. Recently, we’ve made it a practice to record the training sessions, which provides the client with a video record for future reference (for example, in situations where staff changes occur).
9. Test and Collect Feedback
Before launch, thoroughly test the website to ensure it functions properly and is free of errors. Gather user feedback and take it into account when making any final adjustments. For its projects, G-Works always conducts its own usability testing on the websites. In addition, our clients perform acceptance testing on the site before it goes live.
10. Launch and Market
Once the site has been tested and the content has been added, it’s time to launch. It’s a good idea to generate buzz online about the launch by utilizing social media, newsletters, and other communication channels to attract visitors to the new website.
11. Maintenance and Further Development
After launch, the website’s life is just beginning. It’s important to ensure that the site is maintained and updated regularly. Website platforms almost always consist of components that need to be updated continuously. Updates ensure the site’s security and reliability. For technical maintenance and updates, we recommend consulting a professional in the field. G-Works always provides expert maintenance upon completion of a website redesign. Our Respa maintenance team takes responsibility for the site’s functionality and offers customer service on weekdays to address issues and implement changes. Read more about Respa’s operations in a blog post by our Service Manager, Sami. We have also taken on the maintenance of websites created by others and improved their functionality and security. One example of this is our work with HJK.
In addition to technical maintenance, ensure your site’s search engine visibility by regularly updating it with appropriate content using the correct terminology (for example, this blog post uses the more search-engine-friendly term “homepage,” even though the more professional term for it would be “website”). Also, monitor your site’s analytics and use them to guide the site’s further development. G-Works is happy to assist with search engine optimization after your website project is complete. In addition to feedback from within your organization, it’s also extremely useful to solicit feedback from visitors about the site after it goes live. This can be done, for example, through a website form.
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Redesigning a website can be a challenging project, but with good planning, even the most complex website projects can be successfully completed. Also, remember to keep your team motivated throughout the entire process.
Good luck with your website redesign!
Valtteri
CEO & Project Manager
You can reach us using the form or the contact details below.
+358 44 984 7888
hello@gworks.fi
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