What’s Hip Hapnin?

I spent the morning looking at literally hundreds of websites for associations. I am working on  three different websites right now for non profits and associations so it wasn’t a total waste of time.  I feel strongly that they should try to take their offline networks and put them online.  That way the conversation can continue even when your not physically together.

Here are four sites that I felt have done a good job for various reasons.

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attraction – This site does a good job of knowing and understanding the audience.  There are a couple things I don’t like but overall it has solid navigation and user interface.  What I do like is that they treat every page as if it is an entry point to the website.  It is obvious that the Industry Buyers Guide is a very important part of this website because it has prime real estate and it is found on every sub page. The lefthand navigation is very clean and clear.
Military Officers Association of America – I liked the navigation, I also like that they have a bunch of blogs and they are starting to put their toe into the water of taking their offline social network online.

American Heart Association - They did a good job of driving website registration and building community.  “Join 617111  other women”  These women are not joining the American Heart Association they are joining the AHA community and inadvertently increasing the influence and thought leadership of the AHA.  They have done an integrated campaign around this “Go Red” campaign including makeovers for spokespeople on TV shows (giving them more opportunity to tell their story)

AARP/Divided We Fail – Their attempt to build a community around something they see as an important initiative.  Simple registration, clean modern navigation (you tube look)  They are obviously trying to extend their reach below their demographic.  (are AARP members allowed to use the internet?) They have also done some viral things.  They created a banner ad that people can place on blogs and websites they also created ecards you can send around.  There is also a place to “Share your Story”.   All ways to increase the size of the community.   I also like the logo