Going digital can change the way parents interact and connect. Read on to learn how your online presence can improve engagement.
Sabrina Lee
In today's digital age, having a dedicated space to connect with other parents and share resources is more important than ever.
One of the main motivations for creating a website for Parent Support Groups (PSGs) is to foster a sense of community and provide a platform for open discussion and support.
Are you confident but don't know where to start? Check out these tips to create a website that not only strengthens connections but also improves the parenting experience for everyone involved.
1. Define your goals and targets
Before you begin, clearly define the goals of your website and understand your target audience. Do you want to provide information, facilitate event registration, or provide resources? Knowing your goals will guide the design and content of your website.
The website should serve as a platform for existing members to communicate with more parents. For example, going digital will make it easier to collect feedback from all parents, not just PSG members.
Streamlining this process significantly reduces the chances of valuable suggestions being overlooked and allows your members to respond immediately.
2. Choose the right platform
Choose a user-friendly website platform or content management system (CMS) that suits your needs.
Popular options such as Google Workspace, Squarespace, and WordPress offer a variety of templates and tools to simplify the website building process. There is also Godaddy, an integrated platform that allows for easy handover or anyone to participate.
We also recommend that parents use a generated password and change it regularly to ensure the security of the data they provide.
3. Create user-friendly content
Parents want convenient, easy access to valuable information, resources, and community support. The Google Calendar feature, which allows parents to add events to their calendars, is especially useful.
Consider interactive features such as forums, discussion boards, and live chat options. This allows parents to connect, ask questions, and share experiences in a supportive environment. And use pop-ups strategically to notify visitors of important updates.
Inviting PSG members to review and provide feedback will help us identify areas for improvement.
4. Maintain regular updates
Websites can bridge the gap by providing timely news and simplifying processes such as registration and subscription. It will also serve as a virtual bulletin board for upcoming events and activities.
A successful PSG website must be up to date. Update announcements, event calendars, photos, and news regularly. Build engagement habits by encouraging your members to visit your site for the latest updates.
Consider introducing an annual calendar to help parents better anticipate future activities and plan ahead.
5. Promotion and education
Once your website is up and running, promote it within the PSG community. Provide training or tutorials to ensure everyone has access to available resources.
To spread the word, assign ambassadors for every class and level to motivate parents to explore your website for updates and notifications about events. This helps them see your website as a trustworthy and important source of information.
Also, send members updates via email and WhatsApp whenever new content is published on the website.
Setting up a PSG website? Learn from Mr Jeremy Ng, who helped set up his son's school.
When Mr Ng returned to Maris Stella High School (MSHS) – this time as a parent after his child started Primary 1 – he was determined to give back.
As corporate benefits manager, Mr Ng recognizes the importance of adapting to the digital age. More importantly, he understands that effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful support network.
So, as vice-president of the school's Parent Support Group (PSG), he wanted to create a website that would change the way this close-knit community connects and organizes.
support web
Ms Ng said finding details about PSG activities was often difficult for parents. This problem has become more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further increased the need for digital solutions.
“While PSG was a pillar of support for parents, there was room for improvement in the way essential information was shared,” Mr Ng said.
With the launch of mshspsg.com, Mr Ng hopes to create a better sense of belonging among PSG members. “When we can see the fruits of our labor through the photos and videos we post from our events and activities, it strengthens our connection and deepens our appreciation for the incredible journey we share as a group,” he says.
From clicks to strengthening bonds
Working closely with Mr Ng is Ms Mabel Hong, a member of the group's digital committee, who oversees the website. The website management experience and skills she gained while running her own renovation business helped Hong overcome the challenges of launching and managing a website.
They also started a PSG WhatsApp group this year to connect everyone and share information and event registration on their website. “It’s not just a website. It’s a number of tools that work together to connect members,” says Mr Ng.
This website is also useful for new parents who are considering becoming a PSG member. We provide details on the various sub-groups, the 'About Us' section and the PSG committee structure to help you make an informed decision.
“It’s not just about school-related duties. As a community, we can contact our parents whenever we need them and are ready to support each other in times of need,” says Mr Ng.
PSG has plans to expand the functionality of its website as it looks to the future. A top priority is to introduce an annual schedule so parents can better anticipate future activities and plan ahead. Mr Ng said: “We have spoken to schools and they have agreed to actively share event dates. “That way we can provide calendars to parents.”
Valuable lessons learned through digitalization
There were no difficulties with the trip. Fine-tuning the design and functionality of a website is an ongoing effort.
You should also consider security and privacy issues. PSG uses Google Workspace with built-in security features to protect sensitive information. “All social media platforms must be handled with caution to ensure the safety of our school children,” he explains.
Through its digital transformation, PSG has learned some valuable lessons. Mr Ng says the website has great value for PSG, but can sometimes be unhelpful or ineffective for others.
For example, parents of new students at the school had difficulty registering for events and PSG membership. “We needed to improve website navigation, including strategic use of pop-ups to notify visitors of important updates,” Mr Ng said.
That's why he emphasizes the importance of continuously collecting and testing feedback. “We believe our website will be a versatile platform for more than just signing up and sharing information,” says Ng.
Mr Ng also recommends digitalization to other PSGs. He believes that having a digital presence today can help connect new parents and better support PSG's mission. “It may be difficult to build, but the benefits will outweigh the work done,” he says.
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