If you’ve already found your Association Management Software, engaging with your members should be easy. But like most things in life, member engagement is easier said than done.
Lots of associations have turned to storytelling and content creation to spread their message — and for good reason. It’s engaging for current members and helps prospective members envision what it’s like to be part of the association. If you don’t have the time to take on the new task of storytelling, however, there are still a lot of tools left to maintain effective communication among members.
Stay active on social media
If you’ve moved on from Facebook as a method to engage with members prior to a big conference or tradeshow, it’s time to rethink your strategy. A Gallup poll released in April found Facebook usership has risen among nearly all adult age groups, falling only among people ages 18 to 29.
An association looking to improve membership retention among adults age 30 to 64 could still see Facebook as a valuable tool, as usership among that age group has risen 8 percent since 2011.
Understandably, your staff might have too much on its plate for more trivial engagement efforts like social media. That’s where a time-saving AMS built to drive up staff productivity would come in handy.
Utilize a community platform
While social media is a cost-effective tool, it’s not necessarily the best available resource.
A cloud-based, private community platform where your members can interact from the comfort of their home or work computer can become one of an association’s most popular resources. Not only will it require less staff engagement, members will have a safe space to share ideas while networking and learning from others in the industry.
Higher Logic’s community platform integrates seamlessly with Alliance by Protech, serving as a secure and reliable online home for your members.
How can you make the most of your new or revived community forum?
- Promote it in your newsletter.
- Tell a story on your blog about a member who took advantage of the forum to meet a colleague, learn a new skill or solve a problem.
- Regularly post engaging discussion questions to spark conversation among members.
Establish an easy-to-use e-commerce experience
A member who’s consistently hung up on an organization’s commerce portal is less likely to see the full advantage of its benefits. And a member who doesn’t see an association’s benefits isn’t likely to be a member for long.
Something as simple as maintaining a world-class, one-stop shop of a commerce solution can open up a world of educational opportunities for an association’s members.
Looking for more ways to engage members? Check out our case study on how Protech Associates’ AMS made life easier for the North American Spine Society. Want more updates from Protech? Be sure to like our Facebook page!