5 Reasons Your HOA Needs a Community Website

Good communication is key to a successful homeowners’ association (HOA). When residents, board members, and other stakeholders are in the know and up to date on what’s happening in their community, managers will experience increased satisfaction, engagement, transparency, and much more.

A community website is one of the best modern communication tools available to HOAs and community managers. Read on to learn more about HOA website benefits and why you should create one right now.

What is a Community Website?

A community website is a website dedicated to your specific HOA. It’s a secure online platform that residents, board members, and community managers can use to share and receive essential information about their communities.

Does My HOA Need a Community Website?

While a community website may not be required, it’s strongly recommended. As always, review and adhere to HOA governing documents and federal, state, and local laws and contact an association attorney if you have questions. Developing a community website policy and usage guidelines and sharing them with the community is also recommended.

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Benefits of Having a Community Website

There are ample reasons why your HOA should invest in and use a website. Here are five benefits of having a community website:

1. Improved Communication

To be effective in their roles, managers and board members must communicate with residents frequently through multiple channels. While emails, push notifications, and social media posts are all acceptable and encouraged communication avenues, a website is a more modern all-in-one hub to house data and quickly post updates, changes, and announcements. When residents have crucial information at their fingertips, it’ll eliminate confusion, reduce misunderstandings, and boost morale. Consider including the following on your community website if permitted:

• Board member contact information
• Management company contact information
• Emergency contact information
• Upcoming maintenance projects
• Seasonal safety and preparation tips
• Stories about random acts of kindness
• Amenity openings and closures
• Volunteer opportunities
• Out-of-office notifications
• Office hours
• Answers to frequently asked questions

2. Enhanced Community Engagement

It’s no secret that involved homeowners are happier homeowners. However, fostering engagement takes work. Luckily, many community websites and online platforms automate these tasks and offer features, like forums, event calendars, and polls, to facilitate engagement. At the same time, it’ll give residents a sense of belonging and an opportunity to virtually connect with neighbors, participate in discussions, and feel heard.  

3. Document and Resource Storage and Access

One of the top reasons HOAs leverage technology and community websites is to provide convenience to residents. Instead of relying on outdated and traditional filing and physical paper distribution methods, you can store vital documents and resources on your community website. Enabling online document access will not only promote confidentiality, but it’ll also save you time and effort and make data easy to find, navigate, and download. Documents to store include:  

• Meeting minutes
• Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)
• Bylaws
• Governing documents
• Rules and regulations
• Welcome packets
• Other records and policies

Keep in mind that you should never store sensitive or personal information on your community website. If certain documents aren’t appropriate for public access, many website platforms have password-protection portal options.  

4. Calendar Management

HOA residents are busy, and while many probably want to get involved in their communities, they may not know when or how to do so. Make it simple for people to stay up to date on all community happenings with an organized event calendar on your website. Include time, date, and location details about things like:

• Board meetings
• Annual meetings
• Networking events
• Educational sessions
• Neighborhood gatherings and parties
• Trash and recycling pickup dates
• Other notable dates

5. Appeal to Prospective Buyers

A community website is also an excellent tool to attract potential buyers. Think of your website as a sales pitch for your community and highlight the many reasons why the neighborhood is a great place to live. Let visitors know about everything the community has to offer by including:

• Testimonials from current residents
• Community initiatives
• Attractive photos
• Opportunities to get involved
• Amenity details
• Community history

Build a Website in Under 30 Minutes with TownSq

Communication is key to success of your community, and an HOA website is one of the best communication methods. A community website improves communication and engagement, provides document and resource access and calendar management, and can attract prospective buyers.

TownSq, the leading app for management companies, community managers, board members, and residents, makes creating a custom community website easier than ever. With user-friendly templates, unique subdomains, and multiple themes, fonts, and colors to choose from, you can build a community website that’s beautiful and functional in under 30 minutes—no coding or previous experience necessary. Click here to learn more about our comprehensive website-building feature.

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