A polished public website
Basic
A dependable public website for associations with focused information and straightforward visitor paths.
- Essential public pages
- One main event
- Membership and contact information
- Updates handled by the developer
Association website design
A clear website for your association.
Compare three starting points, review the working examples, and identify the level of support your organization needs.
01 — Choose a starting point
Which option sounds closest to your needs?
Choose by the amount of public content, day-to-day updating, and association work the website needs to support.
A broader website with scoped tools
Standard
A broader public website for associations with more programs, content, and ways for visitors to engage.
- Expanded public content
- Events, news, education, and sponsors
- A searchable directory when included
- Routine staff management when scoped
View the Standard example
Opens on a separate website
A custom system for complex needs
Advanced
A discovery-led system for organizations whose needs extend beyond a public website.
- Private member accounts and resources
- Applications, payments, or specialized forms
- Custom workflows and service connections
- Requirements defined through discovery
02 — See the websites
Two examples, built for different needs
Compare a focused public presence with a broader association website.
Basic Website Example
A focused public website
Essential information and clear next steps in a compact public website.
- Five focused public pages
- One main event and membership pathway
- Updates sent to the developer
Standard Website Example
A broader public website
More year-round content, programs, and visitor pathways when included in scope.
- Events, news, education, and sponsors
- Searchable member or business directory
- Staff editing tools when specifically scoped
View the Standard example
Opens on a separate website
These examples show the design direction, not a fixed final scope. Some features shown in the Standard example may be samples until the services and responsibilities are approved.
03 — Compare what matters
Make the decision around real association needs
Use these practical questions to find the closest starting point. Final inclusions and responsibilities are confirmed in writing.
Who handles routine updates?
Basic
Send approved changes to the developer.
Standard
Developer-managed by default; staff editing may be included when scoped.
Advanced
Roles and administration are defined through discovery.
How much public content is needed?
Basic
Essential association, membership, event, and contact information.
Standard
Broader programs, events, news, education, sponsors, and resources.
Advanced
Public and private content shaped around custom requirements.
How are events presented?
Basic
One main event with a direct or external next step.
Standard
Multiple events, categories, and registration pathways when included.
Advanced
Custom applications, entries, approvals, or event processes.
Is a member directory needed?
Basic
Not included in the focused public package.
Standard
A searchable public directory may be included.
Advanced
Profiles may connect to private accounts and member-managed information.
How do visitors respond?
Basic
Direct contact or an approved external service.
Standard
Forms and question routing may be included with approved services.
Advanced
Submissions can become part of a custom process.
Do members need private access?
Basic
No member sign-in or restricted content.
Standard
The Standard starting point remains public.
Advanced
Private accounts, resources, and permissions can be explored.
Are payments or applications involved?
Basic
Use an approved external or manual pathway.
Standard
Approved provider connections may be included.
Advanced
Integrated applications, payments, and status tracking require discovery.
Must the website connect to other systems?
Basic
Not part of the focused package.
Standard
Limited provider connections may be scoped.
Advanced
Custom connections, reporting, and workflows are discovery topics.
Standard capabilities remain scope-dependent. Advanced examples require discovery and are not guaranteed inclusions.
04 — Consider custom needs
Choose Advanced only when a public website is not enough
Advanced is for associations that need private access or organization-specific processes. Discovery determines what the system must do before any solution is proposed.
Private member access
Accounts, member-only resources, and different access for members, staff, or board leaders.
Applications and payments
Membership applications, renewals, event entries, payments, and status updates.
Specialized forms and approvals
Multi-step submissions, reviews, assignments, approvals, or check-in processes.
Connected services
Information shared with accounting, member, event, email, or other existing services.
Custom administration and reporting
Tools shaped around the association's records, responsibilities, and reporting needs.
A Standard public website and approved external services may be the simpler fit. Advanced examples are planning topics, not promised inclusions.
Identify your prioritiesAssociation planning worksheet
Plan what your association needs
Mark the public information, visitor actions, and internal needs that matter to your association.
The summary gives your team a practical starting point for a scope discussion.
When you finish, use the button above to copy your answers and send them to your Association liaison. They will review your responses and recommend whether the Basic or Standard example is the better fit.
06 — Plan the next step
A simpler path from examples to scope
The examples and worksheet create a shared starting point. A written scope confirms the project before work begins.
Review the examples
Compare the focused Basic example with the broader Standard example.
Identify your priorities
Use the worksheet to align on content, visitor needs, updating, and any internal processes.
Confirm scope and next steps
Agree on responsibilities, included work, outside services, maintenance, and the written project plan.
Choose your starting point
Turn your priorities into a clear website conversation.
Start with the worksheet, or revisit the examples with your team.