Technology

Each page on an association website has a unique address – commonly known as a URL (uniform resource locator). A URL is like anything else on the web: It can be good, bad, or ugly. It’s one of the most important aspects of ensuring that your association website appears in search engine results. So, what makes a “good” URL? Two things (which go hand-in-hand): a positive user experience and an SEO-friendly structure. Familiarizing yourself with URL components will smooth the […]

Your website is on the job 24/7 and is a key player in your association. Your association website is often the first interaction someone has with your association, speaking to every person who visits you online. You have one chance to make an excellent first impression, so it’s important to get it right. Most of us are familiar with Inattention Blindness, failing to see something right before us (you’re not alone—it’s a real thing, and a fantastic video demonstrates the […]

According to Techopedia, a keyword (in the context of search engine optimization), is a particular word or phrase that describes the contents of a Web page. It helps search engines match a page with a search query. Think of keywords as a summary of a web page. To determine the most relevant keywords for your organization’s site, list topics, products, or services related to your organization, and put them in a spreadsheet. Next, enter some of the words and phrases […]

The ugly truth about traditional billing and payment processing is, well, ugly. Invoices sent via mail require more resources than you may realize. You spend time and money on: Paper (invoices & envelopes) Bank slips, receipts, and deposit notes Ink cartridges Printers, postage machines, copiers (plus power and maintenance) Follow-up mailings and reminders for late payments Postage Fuel – visits to the bank and post office Bank charges Employee time to process (load paper, stuff envelopes, open mail, enter data, […]

Marketing Automation is a premium module available in the GrowthZone platform that will help you increase engagement, recruit members, and save time. If these benefits alone don’t convince you, read on to learn why you will want to implement these features if you haven’t already. In general, marketing automation can be extremely helpful for associations in several ways: Efficient communication Marketing automation tools enable associations to efficiently communicate with their members and stakeholders via email, social media, and other channels. […]

If you’re looking to start your association’s search for a new Association Management System (AMS), here are seven steps to keep in mind: 1.      Define your needs and requirements: Before starting your search, it’s important to define them. This includes identifying the features and functionalities you need in an AMS and any specific integrations or customization requirements. 2.      Determine your budget: Your budget will play a significant role in selecting association software, so it’s important to determine how much you […]

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. And often, the first impression of your association happens when a prospective member visits your website. Precisely why you need to know about website governance. So, what is it? Website governance is a system for managing your online presence orderly. From an association’s perspective, website governance lays the foundation for your digital presence. Do it well, and you will gain certainty and stability. Your association’s digital presence should be […]

Have you tried ChatGPT or Canva’s Text to Image feature yet? We posed this assignment to both platforms: Write a funny blog article about how association executives can use ChatGPT to write blog articles. This article includes an example of one of the images created with Canva’s Text to Image. Here’s the unedited blog article ChatGPT wrote: Hello, association executives! Are you tired of staring at a blank screen, trying to come up with engaging content for your blog? Well, fear not! […]

At the end of 2022, GrowthZone surveyed 474 chambers of commerce professionals across the U.S. and Canada. The results showed that 74% do not have a formal innovation process. Does this sound familiar? You may need to do a comprehensive assessment of your value proposition and consider writing (or rewriting) your mission statement. 6 Steps to the Perfect Chamber Mission Statement A well-developed mission statement is a practical tool used by chambers of commerce to help guide decisions about priorities, […]

At the end of 2022, GrowthZone surveyed 388 association professionals across the U.S. and Canada. The survey asked, “Does your organization currently have a formal innovation process or plan to pursue new ideas for adding value to your members’ business?” The results showed 63% do not have a formal innovation process. If you find yourself in this same situation, the vision you have for your organization today may no longer be effective, relevant, or possible. This makes it necessary to […]

The biggest challenges to growing membership include difficulty reaching prospective members and attracting and retaining younger members. NISSWA, MN – January 17, 2023 – GrowthZone, provider of association management software, has released its 2023 Medical & Healthcare Association Survey results. The survey polls medical and healthcare association professionals on membership practices including retention and recruiting; innovation and initiatives; revenue; and more. While over half of respondents say engagement is about the same as last year, lack of engagement is listed […]

Lack of engagement with the organization and lack of time to participate named the top reasons for chamber members not renewing. NISSWA, MN – January 17, 2023 – GrowthZone, provider of membership management software, has released its 2023 Chamber Industry Survey results. The survey polls chamber professionals on membership practices including retention and recruiting; innovation and initiatives; revenue; and more. 88% of respondents cited “to grow their network” as the top reason members join their organization, and “visibility within their […]