In addition to branch, state, and SLSA websites, SLSC-specific websites are highly effective and efficient tools for communicating with your members and the wider community about all the activities in and around the SLSC. Your SLSC website is usually the first point of contact potential members, sponsors, and members will make to find out information about your specific SLSC.
Each Club Management Team (CMT) member should monitor their SLSC’s website to ensure their contact details and other information related to their role are accurate and up to date for each season. They should also monitor what else is going on in the SLSC that they need to note or inform members of.
The CMT should engage members with IT skills, or those who have the time, to become content producers, coordinate the website, and keep it up to date with the latest information and search engine optimisation (SEO) trends on a rotational basis.
As your SLSC website represents the Surf Life Saving movement, it is very important that the messages, content, and information displayed on it are accurate, up to date, appropriate, consistent, and inclusive. Additionally, it should link to the latest official SLS resources and web pages with information.
These are the key things to note:
- Do not post or include names and contact details of members who are not SLSC officers on your website (to meet your SLSC’s requirements governed by the Privacy Act).
- Have carefully curated mega menus to allow for easier navigation for members and non-members.
- Establish effective IT security and governance measures to prepare against hackers who frequently attempt to access member information.
- Ensure all images and photos comply with SLSA Policy 6.21 Photography. Obtain licences where required, and do not breach any copyright laws—act quickly if you notice a breach of the law.
- Include links on your SLSC website to the current and official SLS member resources on the SLSNSW website or in the SLS Members Area Document Library. This can help increase the performance of your SLSC website and help ensure the information it provides is always current and accurate.
- Keep internal and external SLSC communications short and simple by referring and hyperlinking members to and from your SLSC website as the single source of truth available at all times of day and night.
- Promote partnerships in a positive light and acknowledge supporters, e.g., include a supporter’s logo on the website.
- Professional websites should use professional designs and templates available to assist with SEO and create a positive user experience.