We want to help you build a site that achieves your current objectives, yet will expand as you grow and change. To do this, we encourage you to think strategically from the very start of the project. We’ll guide you through a review of where you have come from, where you are now, where you want to be in 3-5 years and how technology tools can help you attain your goals.

1. Strategy before structure.
   Remember that the web site and email communications are a TOOL to help you achieve your goals. Think about your mission, programs, goals and organizational strategy first. Then Darim will help you think about how technology can help you achieve these goals quickly, efficiently, cost effectively.
   
   
2. Who is your audience?
   Who is already committed to your organization and how can you serve them better through your web site and email communications? Who are your prospects and how can you use technology tools to strengthen your relationships with them? Are you trying to increase your organization’s visibility through marketing, press, etc.? Are you seeking to expand your donor base or planning a capital campaign? Darim Online will help you prioritize these goals and help guide the purpose, structure and function of your redesigned web site.
   
   
3. Who wants to know what?
   Determine what information is resourceful to your audience.
   Your calendar and contact information are useful to those who have already developed a relationship with your organization, but you’ll need to offer more ‘added value’ content to keep them coming back to the site. Furthermore, you’ll need more resources to engage and retain the interest of those who are still “browsing”, or those with whom you are seeking to develop relationships. What should they know about your community, the work you do, or opportunities to help them get involved? Darim will help you assess the needs your community has for your website, and guide you as provide these features on your new site.
   
   
4. Keep your eyes on the prize
   Websites build Relationships. Think about technology within the context of developing and strengthening relationships. Time spent on your web site correlates strongly with the strength of the relationship, and the strength of the relationship correlates with the frequency of donations and involvement in the organization.
   
   Amongst our synagogue clients, rates of affiliation have increased significantly following launch of their Darim site. Congregations are receiving up to 75% of their new member inquiries through the web site, proving that members of the Jewish community are doing their research online. It is critical that your website makes a strong and favorable first impression.
   
   Your constituents are accustomed to using sites that are resourceful, intuitive and easy to navigate. Your site may be their first impression of your organization, and thus is primary in establishing and building your brand.
   
   
5. Marketing
   It’s essential to consider your marketing plan as you develop your new web site. The site and email communications are absolutely central to your general communications and marketing plans, but you must also market the site in order to attract visitors. This means at a minimum having an easy to remember URL, including it on all print materials, and including a mention of your site in all press releases for your organization.