How Vital Is A Website To An Archery Club

[Jimbo]

My club doesn't have any form of website, so I was wondering what the general opinion is on websites & their usefulness.

Plus, what do you think the websites aim should be?

Multiple choices are allowed so you can vote for how vital it is and what it's aim should be.

[Murray]

90% of our user interest has come through our website, or that of our national website... some web presence is very useful for attracting new blood.

It's also useful to save me typing the same emails all the time, I just point people at our website for details

It's also useful for storing club-specific details for distribution to the membership.

BUT a poorly designed website is better left as no website (not necessary when there are resources like http://www.oswd.org/ to call upon)

[WhitehartFB]

Depends on the size of the club but it can help you find new members, advertise your open shoots and keep members informed. If the idea of a website seems too much make sure that your club has updated it's entry on the GNAS site(if associated) as many potential new members look in the club directory for their local club.

[MikeD]

Virtually all our requests for beginner's courses come through the web site, just the occasional passer by at the field asks about learning.

We also been asked to take part in corporate events and in providing come and try events through the web site. Even had donations of equipment.

The site also has a members area and discussion forum, though that is not used much. The coaching rota is published in the members area, as are the minutes of committee members.

I know when I was looking to restart archery I turned first to the web to find out about clubs I could join.

[Rhi]

A website can be very useful in attracting new members- after all, all they have to do is google 'archery' plus the place name.
We have a website which gives details of the club's history, joining, introductory courses, contacts for those interested in joining but also for current members we have our shooting schedule, club records, sale board and also under a passworded section members can access handicap scores, classifications, the club newsletter and league tables.

[Tarkwin]

One aspect not mentioned - or at least I didn't see when scanning was the dissemination of information to non-members/beginners. Info regarding competitions being run by the club, entry forms, directions & results.

I was trying to get info (target assignments, directions etc) on a shoot at the weekend, all I could find were broken links to the entry form.

There is so much that could be done and isn't. What's worse is that some clubs/organisations have two (or more) websites active, some of which haven't been updated for years. Presumably because they have changed host or another member has taken responsibility.

There's a part-time career waiting for someone...hosting and maintenance package £10 per month, £extra for mailshots to members/comp. entrants. All they require from the club is a weekly email updates from the chair/secretary/records officer with new and updated info.

Hmm...if I was any sort of web designer I'd be interested myself.

T.

[tronster]

I would say very.

As it is how i found the one near to me, so without it , I would not have known

[moo-mop]

Originally Posted by tronster

As it is how i found the one near to me, so without it , I would not have known

I tried that when looking for a club... it did't work very well - try Portsmouth and archery in search engines - and find all the clubs hosting portsmouth rounds!!!
I eventually found the club through the county and GNAS sites though.

[Ffish]

It was how I found GOA, but ironically not through the GOA site being listed in Google, but through Joe Tapley's own club locator, on his own homepage!

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joetapley/alfind.htm

I like the idea of having directions to other clubs being on your own club's site though - saves having to search for their site, and hoping that they've got some.

Joe - an idea for the GOA site?

[TJ Mason]

Of the 42 beginners we've had this year, 40 found us through the club's website. I've had feedback from the club members and beginners course graduates indicating that the links and resources on the site are of ongoing use to them. Worthwhile, in other words.