The vast majority of consumers today use an internet search when trying to find health and wellness services near them. Given this increasing reliance on technology, your organization’s website is most likely the first impression for a prospective member. This is why the Hastings Family YMCA ensures their site is sleek and user-friendly for all.
“I think having a website that is easy to use and provides a great experience for users is extremely important to reach your audience effectively, and keep them engaged and coming back,” said Hope LeBar, the marketing director for the Hastings Family YMCA in Hastings, Nebraska.
LeBar worked closely with Provident Promotions to create their Y’s website that met the YMCA’s branding guidelines. Additionally, she wanted to make sure the site was modern and offered a simplistic experience.
“They did a great job bringing our vision to life using graphics that still could help users identify that we were a YMCA, but also kept our color schemes and fonts cohesive on every page they visited,” said LeBar.
When creating your website, or considering a refresh, LeBar shared some of her design layout musts. “Having a call to action is very important when users are looking through your page,” she elaborated. “This helps them ‘act’ on the information they are reading when we provide a ‘Register Here’ or ‘Learn More’ button — it entices people to keep engaged in your site.”
Additionally, it’s easy to get swept up in fun color schemes and graphics, but keeping the viewers ease in mind will set you on track.
“When trying to decide on colors, fonts and graphics for your website, you want to make sure everything is easy to read, and various colors and fonts are kept to a minimum,” said LeBar. “This helps ease users’ minds and let them focus on the actual information you are trying to get them to view.”
Overall, your website should be a pleasant and informative experience for current and potential members. The last thing you want to do is turn people away before they can set foot into your facility.
“If a webpage is difficult to navigate through and unorganized, or it’s hard to find the information they are searching for, it can be very frustrating for the user,” said LeBar.
