For many, setting up a website seems like a long and costly project. Some board members discard the possibility of having a website because of that. Well, this was before HOA website software was introduced. 

Spending thousands of dollars and working with very technical developers is an outdated way of building a website. It still exists, but it’s not the only way anymore.

HOA website software has revolutionized the way we create websites. In fact, it democratized it. It’s now possible for community associations to have an online presence rapidly and at an affordable price. 

Using such a platform doesn’t require any training or previous knowledge. Even though it’s easy to use, there are still some things you need to be aware of.  In this article, we explain how HOA website software works and the benefits. We also go through the whole process of creating a website in 5 easy steps. 

Understand what’s HOA Website Software and why it’s an essential platform for your HOA

1. What is HOA Website Software?

HOA Website Software is a system that enables board members to easily set up a public website for their community. No coding or technical knowledge is required. Within the software, HOA website templates are made available. Users can pick a template, choose a domain name and start adding content to their website. 

2. Why do HOAs need a website?

Any HOA regardless of its size should have a website. First,  it provides transparency to the residents. It’s also the best way to attract potential buyers. Any HOA has something special to offer. Either it’s the location, near the beach for example, or amenities such as swimming pools or barbecue areas. Promoting key facts about your HOA on a public website will make you trustworthy.

3. What are the benefits of an HOA website builder?

With HOA Website Software, you’ll save on two things: time and money.  No coding or IT knowledge is needed. This means anyone from the board can actually build a website and maintain it. Building a website from scratch with the help of developers can take months. With software, you can build a brand new website in a matter of hours. 

Another benefit is that you have control over your web page. Having a third-party company that makes you dependent on them for any tiny change. This can easily become annoying and costly.

5 step process to build a community website with software

1. Look for a provider

Finding providers is a piece of cake. Finding the right provider that fits your HOA’s needs is another thing. Here are some of our tips to help you out:

• Ask for recommendations in your network or HOAs nearby 
• Look at reviews in software comparison sites such as SoftwareSuggest
• Make a list of a few providers and compare the advantage and disadvantage
• Get in touch with them to get  free demos or start a free trial

Bonus tip: when looking for a provider make sure the company has a readily available customer support team. Having experts to guide you through the procedure helps make the process even smoother.

2. Choose a domain

After you find the right provider, you need to define what your website name will be. This will become your web address (or domain name). Example: yourcommunity.com. 

This is how people will find your site on the internet. We recommend you to name it after your HOA, so you can easily be found on the internet. Some HOA website software providers allow you to make this process through their system. Others don’t, so you’ll have to purchase it from another supplier. 

A domain name usually costs between 10 to 20$ per year. Essentially, when paying for a domain, you purchase the name of your site for a year.

3. Choose your HOA website template

An HOA website template represents the structure, design, and layout of your site. Software companies offer a few templates that customers can choose from. Each template serves a different purpose. Some are very simple and focused on usability rather than on a fancy design. Others may have large text and button sizes. This is perfect for HOAs with a majority of seniors, for example.

4. Add content, images, and information

Once you’ve chosen the perfect template, it’s time to add your content. You should start by adding your logo and key information about your HOA. Adding images is also important as it shows prospective residents how your community looks. You know the saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. You can add images of your amenities, landscaping, or anything that makes your HOA stand out. It’s also nice to add information about surrounding areas. Residents can easily know what restaurants or attractions are available around. It’s also great information for prospective buyers who aren’t too familiar with the area. Don’t forget to add information about the board of directors and their contact details.

5. Launch your HOA website and spread the word

After you’ve added all of your content, it’s time to click on “publish” and make your site go live. It’s normal to be nervous at this point. Launching a brand new website is exciting. It’s usually the only moment where much feedback is received. You need to start promoting your website to residents. Everything has an adaptation time. Residents and even board members will not start using it right away. You need to find ideas and ways to encourage people to start using. 

We recommend using your current communication channels to get the word out there. Then start using your website so that residents begin to trust it.

Discover features that can be accessed through your HOA website

HOA websites are usually public. This means anyone can see and access it. It’s therefore not the right place to put sensitive information. Luckily, it’s possible to create a secure place within the website that can only be accessed by residents. More than that, it’s also possible to access a secured back-end portal through the site. A back-end software portal offers residents and board members access to a range of features and tools made to facilitate communication and management. 

Here are some examples of features and their benefits:

1. Supervise amenities reservations and usage

This tool allows the board to easily manage amenities and establish rules of usage for residents. This helped many HOAs reopen their amenities safely and be compliant with COVID-19 protocols.

2. Track, route, and update maintenance request

This feature allows residents to add maintenance requests. Board members can easily manage these requests as they are centralized in one place. The board can also monitor work orders and route them to the correct person.

3. Create and share events in a community calendar

Most HOAs organize events or meetings to foster a community feeling. This functionality makes the preparation and invitation process easier. You can create an event in the portal and send it to residents. You can also send event reminders.

4. Host virtual meetings with residents and/or board members

Virtual meetings have gained popularity since last year. This is a trend meant to last. This tool allows residents to log in on the portal and attend a virtual meeting easily from the comfort of their homes. This functionality increased quorum in a lot of HOAs.

Don’t forget

HOA Website Software allows users to create and manage websites in a few clicks. No need for coding or IT knowledge to set it up. It’s clearly made with board members’ users in mind. HOA website templates are made available on this software. Community members can choose what template matches their community’s feelings and needs. Adding and updating information is very easy and quick. Having a website can give you access to a back-end portal for residents. Having such a portal helps automate routine tasks and communicate more efficiently with all stakeholders. So in the end, you’ll attract new residents and make actual ones satisfied. The cherry on top of the cake, you’ll have a happy and engaged board of directors. 

Do you want to know how HOA Website Software fits into the reality of your community? Our team members can help you with that. Click below!