Government websites are a key source of information for people around the world. Due to an increased need of information about world events including the COVID-19 virus, traffic on government websites continue to rise. Not only are government websites a vital source of information, but they are also a convenient and cost-effective way to interact with citizens. Consider the following three reasons why an effective government website is so important.
Online Services
The most important function of a local government website is its ability to provide citizens with accurate, relevant, and easy-to-use information. This can save time from coming into the office or waiting on the phone. Services such as bill payment, program registrations, application submissions, and service requests can easily be done online from the convenience of one’s home.
Analytics
Website analytics can help modernize government services and aid economies. Analytics can provide government agencies with a deeper understanding of their community’s patterns and behaviours to find out how to meet their needs. Insights from analytics can also help governments collect community feedback, understand community necessities, and set performance standards. Additionally, analytics can improve the management and effectiveness of government programs.
Board Meetings
Online meeting minutes and agendas are a game changer for local governments. State laws require each local government to notify the public of upcoming board meetings and associated meeting materials. Technology can assist government entities in meeting these requirements. An online platform can help streamline meeting agendas, meeting minutes, meeting preparation, and other processes. Having remote access to local government meetings and documents drives engagement between citizens and community leaders. It also helps city clerks and managers to increase efficiency, lighten workloads, and offer better services to their citizens.
While there are several website providers out there, the needs of businesses are far different than that of a city or town. Having a website provider that specializes on the needs of local governments can save a lot of time and money in the long run. If you are ready to make the transition from an outdated, generic website to a solution built for local municipalities, contact us. You can also learn more about our GovWeb services here.