While first impressions are important for your organization’s website or fundraising events, your application form is probably the first time someone is connecting with you. This step of the process offers a glimpse into not only the new prospective member but also allows them to get to know your organization better.
A short and ill-detailed form could worry your new prospect into thinking that you’re not as dedicated to your members; while a long-drawn-out application could turn off prospective members thinking the connection is just too complicated. Finding a happy medium that presents your organization in a way that shows that you’re welcoming and understanding of your member’s needs is crucial.
One such way is to make your application process online and automated with a membership management software program like WildApricot.
As an affordable web-based software, WildApricot was created especially for small associations and non-profits. Their software helps with the creation of your website, manages memberships, payments, and more. When it comes to the application process, WildApricot makes things as quick and easy as possible. Users can simply create an application form using a combination of fields drawn from your membership fields and common fields, along with custom fields (e.g., upload a photo).
But, moving your application process online isn’t just convenient for your prospective members, it also has a lot of benefits for your organization, as well.
Increased Efficiency
When you enable prospects to join through an online membership application process, all of their information is immediately and automatically saved in your membership database. This offers increased efficiency since there’s no need for staff or membership volunteers to spend time transferring information from a printed form into the database.
Improved Accuracy
Since information is seamlessly stored in your member database, it ensures that contact information is correctly recorded and any future updates can be made by the member through online member self-service.
Anytime, anywhere access: Prospects can sign up online anytime and join right away, instead of having to spend time downloading forms and mailing them in. In addition, anyone with administrative permission to your online membership management system can access this information anywhere, anytime, from the moment the application is completed.
Secure online payment
Using an online membership application also offers access to secure online payment options.
Automatic data back-up
Not only is the new members’ contact information transferred automatically to the membership database but this will also be backed up “in the cloud”.
Instant confirmation and welcome: With an online membership management system, you can offer automatic membership confirmation and welcome emails. This means you can welcome new members immediately and turn prospects into active members instantly.
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It’s time to roll out the welcome mat for prospective members by ensuring that your application form is easy to find and complete, and is both welcoming and informative. For assistance, head over to WildApricot today for more tips on the subject and to learn more about all the other amazing services they have to offer!