My son has been researching associations for work and, based on an e-mail he sent me, he has clearly hit upon a few irritating sites. This two-minute test is the result of his frustration with navigating them – and it’s a good one. When I read it, I had to smile, knowing the truth about how difficult it can be out there. It was a problem of site navigation that led me to nominate Fido for the best and worst. I knew I had to share this test with you (with his permission).
Here’s my criteria for the ideal association or nonprofit web site:
Within 2 minutes, the user should be able to locate:
- contact information (e-mail, mailing address, physical address, phone/fax)
- board of directors
- key staff
- membership/donation forms (if applicable)
- mission statement
Without having to:
- download newsletters or annual reports
- switch browsers
- switch operating systems
- frantically turn off speakers
Bonus points for:
- consolidation of information (i.e., staff and board information on the same page)
Seems like a fair criteria to me.
— Well said, son!