Why Most Websites Fail
I look at a lot of parent-teacher group websites. The bulk of them are cringeworthy.
It’s no secret why. Most school groups don’t have a professional website designer on staff. While it’s not surprising, it does have consequences. One thing that any parent-teacher group wants is…more volunteers. If you have 5, you want 10. If you have 10, you want 20. Volunteers are the lifeblood of a PTO/PTG/PTA. And an inviting website encourages families to get involved.
There is one key difference between a good website and a bad one. Bad websites explain what your organization is and good websites show what it does.
The Problem with Typical PTO/PTG Websites
Most of these websites are, frankly, underwhelming. They often include the same elements:
- A picture of the school
- A list of board members
- Bylaws
- A link to a fundraising site
- A “Contact Us” page
While this is all functional, it doesn’t do anything to excite your community or showcase the value of your organization. It’s purely informational.
If your website isn’t pulling people in and inspiring them to get more involved in your community, then it’s probably doing the opposite.
What a Great PTG Website Should Do
Your website should be more than an online brochure. It should build excitement around your mission. Here’s how:
Put Everything on Display: Don’t just mention the next upcoming event—showcase all the events you’ve got lined up for the entire year. When it comes to your fundraiser, don’t just tell people the date. Explain what you’re raising money for and be specific about how it impacts your community. Families new to the school should get a sense of your group’s personality. You want them to think, “This community looks like fun!” and, if you’re lucky, “I want to volunteer!”
Showcase Initiatives: Do you offer scholarships, host teacher appreciation activities, or manage a family directory? Use your website to highlight these efforts. Displaying your work demonstrates that your organization is active and engaged, which in turn inspires confidence and participation from visitors.
Demonstrate Momentum: The more activities and programs you showcase, the more dynamic and exciting your group will appear. An active website sends a clear message: This is a thriving community. Conversely, a website that has bylaws from the early 2000s and meeting minutes from two years ago is shouting “There is no community here!”
A Stronger Community = Better Outcomes
A parent-teacher organization isn’t just about throwing parties and fundraising—it’s about building a stronger school community. Chances are, that goal is written directly into your bylaws.
You can’t meet every new family in person. That’s why your website is so important. That website is available to inform families 24/7/365 that they are part of a great community and their contributions make your school a better place.
Research shows that combining a quality education system with a supportive community leads to better outcomes for kids. A vibrant PTO helps create that environment.
Your website plays a key role in this. It’s the first impression for many parents, teachers, and potential supporters. A lackluster site suggests a lackluster community. An exciting, dynamic site builds enthusiasm and encourages involvement.
Tips for Transforming Your PTG Website
You don’t need to start from scratch to improve your site. Here are a few practical ways to make your website more engaging:
Add Photos and Stories: Bring your events and initiatives to life with compelling visuals and real-life testimonials.
Use Calls to Action: Encourage visitors to get involved with clear, actionable language: “Get Involved!”, “Volunteer today!”, “Support our fundraiser!”
Open the Door: Ensure you’re showing families how they can get involved and support the school. Some schools have a dedicated intake form. Others simply encourage parents to reach out via email. Whatever your approach, draw attention to it so that families can get involved.
Conclusion
Your website isn’t just a filing cabinet—it’s your PTG’s front door, the first impression for families, and the engine driving your community’s engagement. A lackluster website sends the wrong message: that your PTG is stagnant and uninspired. But a vibrant, dynamic website? It shouts, “This is a community worth being part of!”
With the right design and functionality, your website can become a powerful platform for building momentum, recruiting volunteers, and driving fundraising success.
So don’t settle for mediocrity. Your school community deserves a website that energizes, excites, and delivers real results. Ready to transform your website into a tool that works as hard as you do? Reach out today, and let’s get started.