Your association’s value is built on the authoritative content you provide to your members. It’s critical to get that content into people’s hands when they need it. There’s nothing more frustrating for your members than to know that vital information is on your site, but just out of reach. Just as frustrating is a convoluted pathway to get that information.
Often, they’ll leave your site and resort to Google… eventually landing on some other, easier to navigate site.
If that sounds familiar, take heart — you’re not alone in the struggle! We hear from professional organizations all the time. They have terrific content, but their members can’t find it. Often, even the content managers can’t find it! Or, they can find the content but it means going down a rabbit hole of links to get to it.
If you’re like many associations, the problem is an overtaxed tech stack. You’re missing a designated solution that's purpose-built to host and manage a large library of content, which means stringing together a chaos cloud of databases, CMS platforms and other systems to share your high-value content. But these individual solutions often don't integrate in the ways they need to, particularly with the AMS systems that typically house key member data. As a result, the user experience is disjointed, users are frustrated and opportunities are missed.
Most AMS systems are designed first and foremost to manage members. Content management is secondary, and particularly the content management capabilities required to handle a large content library. As a result, building your content hub in an AMS will almost always limit your functionality and degrade the usability your members need.
A Better Solution for Large Content Libraries
A content-focused platform can help you meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of your members. Many organizations are adding a resource hub to their stack to unleash content and achieve high priority strategic outcomes.
Four key features to look for in a content hub:
Easy search
A good resource hub should have powerful search that makes it easy for members to find the right resources on the first attempt. Results should be comprehensive, filterable, and easy to skim through, if your archive has it, your users should be able to find it!
Attractive presentation
It doesn’t matter how helpful your content is if it’s unsightly. People don’t use content that’s an eyesore. The platform you choose should deliver gorgeous design that matches the scheme of your website.
Configurable access & commerce
Some content is for everyone, and some content isn’t. Some is for sale at a discount to some users, and at full price to others. You need smart tools to regulate access permissions and ensure that the right people are viewing the right content.
Opportunities to scale
As your content needs grow, your content management solution should grow with you. The flexiblitly to add new types of media, manage events, create a continuing education environment, or start generating revenue from your content is key.
Get more: How to Build an Online Resource Hub
Case Study: Everything changed when IAIABC unleashed the full value of their content
The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) was stymied by their technology. IAIABC had exceptional content, but their members couldn’t access it reliably. It was hindering the Association’s mission and frustrating their members. The resource manager within their old AMS wasn't flexible enough, and members began having problems with it almost from day one.
After years of struggle, IAIABC learned how a properly managed resource hub could help them achieve their goals. They signed with Tizra and were immediately impressed with the functionality the purpose-built platform brought to the table. Our latest case study reveals how IAIABC unleashed the full potential of their content and made a quantum leap of value to their members.
Since IAIABC launched, the change in user experience has been like night and day. “Everything has changed [since using Tizra]. We’re in a whole new world,” they said.
“I feel like we’ve just scratched the surface of what we can do with our resources in Tizra,” said IAIABC’s Heather Lore. “I feel like there’s so much more opportunity for growth. And we see that as an opportunity for our organization to increase our member value proposition.”
Want to squeeze every ounce of value out of your content investment? Tizra can unleash the power of your content — find out how in our latest case study!
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Tizra has been the premier provider of content solutions for associations and societies since 2006. We're dedicated to helping organizations use their content to generate more revenue, more engagement, and more impact.
If you're interested in buidling a beautiful resource hub and unleashing the power of your content please get in touch with one of our content strategists.