This survey of associations was conducted by Vivek Narula, Marketing Manager of NMA (New Media Architects Ltd.) in September and October of 2004.

Our survey found that associations are using the web to great advantage. Over 90% of respondents felt their website was communicating effectively to both their members and to the general public.

This was true of all associations, regardless of the number of members, the number of staff or the number of years they’ve had a website.

Website is Communicating Effectively

Associations have dedicated a great deal of time and resources to making their website of value to their members. Features such as event registration, credit card processing, member surveys and online newsletters are equally popular with association members and staff.

The primary benefits of a website are:

• Effective publishing of information to members and to other interested parties
• Supporting and improving member activities such as events and conferences
• Enabling association staff to better manage their association’s activities
• Saving time and money

At the same time, a great majority of respondents indicated they thought their website could be improved. This is to be expected as many associations are still coming to terms with how to use make the best use of their website, when to make upgrades to their website, and what technologies to employ.

Website Could Be Improved

The associations we surveyed have confirmed that the web has been an important part of their past activities, and that it will play an even more critical role in the future.

A downloadable version of the complete report is available below.