Engaging Members

Member-centric websites create communities organically, connecting members and delivering the information they seek. Web 2.0 technologies such as wikis, blogs, social and professional networking sites and other tools are literally transforming how organizations interact with their members and constituents and are shifting the way they do business.

How can Web 2.0 positively impact an Association and how can you make these trends work for you?

Implementing a social media strategy can transition your information-segmented website into a collaborative platform that serves you and your members. By opening your website to your members’ knowledge, experience and feedback you increase the value and interest to your organization.

There are many ways for Associations to leverage the power of Web 2.0. A few ideas may include:

• Professional Networks can be organized multiple ways from job function, to region or to business topic. Professional Networks offer a variety of benefits, and can be developed by leveraging existing social networking tools such as LinkedIn and Facebook, or can be customized to your needs.

• Blogs keep members coming back regularly to your site for new and updated content. By creating the proper workflow and integration, blogs can be authored by a variety of users, from subject matter experts to association members.

• Tradeshows and Events often produce a variety of social media content such as audio and video recordings, photos, ratings and attendee feedback and polls.

• Online Advocacy via blogs, podcasts and other social media tools can help your organization significantly increase issue awareness and encourage supporters to take action.

• Social technologies powered with your CMS can result in effective content targeting and reuse.