In the digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial for community associations and HOAs to effectively communicate with residents, streamline operations, and enhance community engagement. However, entrusting the creation and management of your HOA website to your community management company might not be the wisest decision. Here are five compelling reasons why:
1. Lack of Expertise in Web Design and Development
Community management companies excel in managing properties and facilitating community interactions, but they often lack the specialized skills required for effective web design and development. Crafting an engaging and functional website demands expertise in areas such as user experience design, coding languages, and responsive design principles. Entrusting this task to professionals who understand the intricacies of web development ensures that your HOA website is visually appealing, user-friendly, and technically sound.
2. Hindered Flexibility in Choosing Management Companies
Opting for a community management company to handle your website ties you to their services, making it challenging to switch to a different provider if you’re dissatisfied with their performance. In the industry they call this “having a sticky product”. By separating your website development and management from your community management services, you retain the flexibility to choose the best-fit management company for your HOA without the constraints of bundled services. In other words: it will be easier to leave your association management company for another one should the need arise.
3. Inability to Create a Comprehensive Association Website
Community management companies may offer basic website solutions, but these often fall short in providing the comprehensive features and functionalities required for HOAs. From online payment portals and event calendars to document libraries and user portals, a full-featured association website demands a diverse range of tools tailored to meet the specific needs of your community. Collaborating with experienced web designers ensures that your website encompasses all essential elements required for efficient association management and resident engagement.
4. Limited Focus on User Experience and Accessibility
Community management companies often prioritize operational efficiency over user experience and accessibility when it comes to website development. A user-centric approach, focusing on intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, and accessibility features, is essential for ensuring that residents can easily access information and interact with the HOA website across various devices and abilities. By partnering with dedicated web design professionals, you can ensure that your website is optimized for user experience, thereby enhancing resident satisfaction and engagement within the community.
5. One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Community management companies often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to website development, offering generic templates and limited customization options. However, a cookie-cutter website fails to capture the unique essence and requirements of your homeowners association. A custom website solution, crafted by experienced web designers, allows for extensive customization and personalization to reflect your HOA’s identity, values, and operational workflows. From branding elements and layout design to feature integrations and content organization, a customized website ensures a seamless and cohesive online experience for residents and board members alike.
Contact a Company Specializing in Association Websites
While community management companies excel in their core services, entrusting them with your HOA website may not yield the desired results. By collaborating with professional web designers and developers, you gain access to specialized expertise, flexibility in choosing management services, comprehensive website functionalities, tailored solutions, and personalized customization options. Investing in a standalone website solution ensures that your HOA’s online presence is not just functional but also reflective of its unique identity and community-centric values.
