Your website is the hub of online member engagement. It’s where your members go to access content, view and register for upcoming events (especially all the virtual ones we’re having nowadays), interact with other members…the list of benefits goes on and on.

So having a good website — one your members find valuable and easy to use — is of utmost importance.

But how do you know if your website is performing as it should be? How do you know how it’s being perceived by your members? Well…just ask! Consider sending a website evaluation survey with the following eight questions:

  1. On average, how many times a month do you visit the [Organization’s Name] website?
  2. What are your primary reasons for visiting the [Organization’s Name] website? (Check all that apply)
    1. To access industry-related content
    2. To view and register for upcoming events
    3. To browse the member directory
    4. To engage with others in the online forum  
    5. Other:
  3. (If applicable) Do you read the [Organization’s Name] blog?
    1. [Or] Do you wish [Organization’s Name] had a blog?
      1. If so, what type of content would you like to see on the blog? (Check all that apply)
        1. Industry best practices
        2. Member spotlights
        3. Staff spotlights
        4. Event-related content (such as featured upcoming events and/or key takeaways from events) 
        5. Other:
  4. What’s one feature that’s currently missing on the [Organization’s Name] website?
  5. Have you ever searched for something on the [Organization’s Website] that you had a difficult time finding? If so, what was it?
  6. What’s one improvement you’d like to see on the [Organization’s Name] website?
  7. What’s one feature you would hate to see go away on the [Organization’s Name] website?
  8. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us regarding the [Organization’s Name] website (your experience with it, suggestions for improving it, etc.)?

Tip: When sending this survey out to your members, be sure to emphasize the why. Let them know you’re trying to improve your organization’s website to give them a better and, ultimately, more valuable user experience.

And speaking of improving the user experience, check out our free guide below for tips and best practices regarding your organization’s website, from copy to design to overall management!

Note: This post was originally published on 5/15/19, but updated on 6/1/20 for added value.