YMCA of the Suncoast has launched a new website designed to build communities of like-minded people.
The website, launched in March 2011, provides easy access to residents interested in the
Suncoast Ys mission and programs. An interactive find-a-program feature helps visitors find classes and activities, a blog offers access to Y news and an Ask-the-Y feature allows visitors to ask questions about anything from summer camps to nutrition. The site also interfaces with Facebook and Twitter.
"Connecting with the community is critical to the Y's mission," says Alisa Jenkins of
Springboard Marketing and Communications, who helped with the website. "This site offers more ways to do this than before. The social media features allow people to choose how they connect. They can interact with their favorites or the entire Suncoast community."
The site was recently recognized by YMCA of the USA as an exceptional example of brand integration and, as a result, the Suncoast association has been invited to present the website to other YMCAs at a national event in Chicago. The Suncoast Y's primary Facebook page grew from 1,200 to over 2,000 fans within the first 30 days of the new launch.
Mandy Griffith, Suncoast Y's marketing and communications director, is excited about the results the site has produced. "This website helps us achieve our mission by making our programs more accessible and by providing more resources to our community."
Sources: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing and Communications; Mandy Griffith, YMCA of the Suncoast
Writer:
Missy KavanaughFollow
83DegreesMedia on Twitter.
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