3 Best Practices for Digital Engagement in Member Associations

From police associations to professional societies, member associations across every industry are facing a new reality: digital engagement is no longer optional; it’s essential.  In today’s hyper-connected world, members expect constant communication and access to resources.  

So here are 3 helpful tips. 

Personalized Communication

You want to make members feel valued and understood, which really boosts their engagement and loyalty. It means delivering relevant content that speaks directly to their interests and needs, increasing the chances they’ll open your emails and interact.

So:

• Gather information on your members’ preferences and behaviors using CRM systems. Then, divide them into different groups based on demographics, interests, and past interactions.
• Create content that’s tailored to each segment’s specific interests and concerns. Customize your emails, social media updates, and website content accordingly.
• Set up automated email campaigns triggered by member actions, like joining the association or attending an event.

Say you’re running an association for educators. You’d segment your audience based on teaching levels: elementary, secondary, and higher education. Then, you’d send out newsletters tailored to each group’s needs. 

Interactive and Dynamic Content

Interactive and dynamic content grabs attention and encourages participation, making the member experience much more engaging and enjoyable. It’s keeping your members informed, involved, and connected with what your association is up to.

So:

• Regularly ask for feedback and opinions through polls and surveys. This not only helps you gather valuable insights but also makes members feel like they’re part of the decision-making process.
• Host live webinars, Q&A sessions, and virtual meetups to facilitate real-time interaction between members and association leaders or guest experts.
• Sprinkle in videos, infographics, and interactive content to spice up your communications and make them more fun to engage with.

Say you’re running a healthcare association. You could host a live Q&A session with a renowned medical expert, allowing members to ask burning questions in real-time. Plus, you could use interactive infographics to break down complex medical data into easily digestible chunks. 

Community Building Platforms

You really want to foster a sense of belonging and community among your members. Providing them with a space to connect, share resources, and collaborate is key to keeping them engaged and invested in your association.

So:

• Set up forums where members can ask questions, share insights, and discuss topics of interest.
• Organize regular virtual meetups and networking events to help members make meaningful connections.
• Create a hub where members can share and access resources like documents, videos, and links to relevant content.

Take an association for tech professionals as an example. You could create an online platform where members can geek out together in discussion boards on topics like cybersecurity or AI. Throw in some virtual hackathons and coding challenges and don’t forget to set up a resource-sharing section where members can swap coding tutorials and industry reports.

Really, you can do great when it comes to digital engagement for your association. Try out these tips.