Creating a digital community
In 2022, we’re more connected now than ever. It’s likely that your residents use Google to find most of their information. Need a quick dinner recipe? Google. Need a new vacuum? Google. In fact, a multi-organizational research report shows that, as of October 2021, 4.88 billion people use the internet, and 4.55 billion are active on social media platforms.
Those numbers are massive! In the United States, digital media has become an integral part of how we interact with one another.
One of the primary roles of a homeowner’s or condo association is to foster a strong community of people. If we ignore the digital aspect of community, we miss out on strong connections with our residents. Your website can supplement social media platforms by providing a space to celebrate events and promote camaraderie amongst residents.
Create an event calendar with noteworthy meetings and other occurrences and produce content around each event. A digital newsletter or blog allows residents to see what’s happening in their community with just a few taps on an iPhone. Did you throw the greatest family sport social last week? Write about it! More residents will come next time!
Frequently asked questions
You probably get the same questions, day after day. “How do I submit a service ticket?” “What day is trash pickup?” “Where are my association dues going?”
These questions can eat up valuable time and energy from board members and volunteers. Make it easy for both the association and its residents by compiling a list of most commonly asked questions on a web page or portal. You won’t eliminate phone calls, but you can drastically reduce them.
Store critical information and documents
In some states, homeowners and condo associations are legally required to provide residents with meeting minutes, financials, CC&Rs, bylaws, and governing documents. While some homeowners may not attend board or community meetings, they still want to know what’s going on in the neighborhood. Your website or portal is the perfect space to easily supply residents with all the information they need.
“But I don’t know how to create a website!”
Don’t worry—building a website on the cheap is easier than ever. Companies like Wix, Squarespace and WordPress provide their users with a simple drag-and-drop interface that will have you creating a beautiful website in minutes. Here are a few tips:
- Take advantage of templates
Most drag-and-drop website builders include hundreds of free templates to choose from. These templates use common web layouts to help you create a professional-looking site even if you have no idea what you’re doing.
- Pay attention to pricing
Web hosting services often give incredible deals to first-time customers—sometimes up to 90% off! Pay attention, though, because your bill is likely to skyrocket after a year. Don’t choose a hosting company based on their initial offer. Do your research and find what fits right for you.
- Contact your management company
Oh look, you’re on an association management company website right now! Surprise! At Ardent Residential, we pride ourselves on our excellent digital marketing strategies and fabulous web design. If you’re having trouble with your site, or need a quality property management company, we’ve got your back. If your partner with Ardent, you don’t need a separate website. All of our communities receive a free website and portal, and we take care of everything for you. Visit us at www.MyArdent.com to learn more about how we can help your association!
A partnership with Ardent Residential means a hedge of protection for your Association, with Ardent’s Value Guard™ protection plan. Value Guard™ is the only product of its kind, and guarantees against falling property values. CLICK HERE to find out more!
