In General: The internet and social media are becoming more and more important in finding and visiting historic sites and groups to join. It is the primary method of finding information about the group and what they offer in terms of information and events. In the case of sites to visit, it is a way for people to find out basic information such as location, contact details and open hours. It is important for all organizations, regardless of whether they have a site to visit, to have an email (for people to contact you) and a Facebook page or website (to provide information and promote events). If there is a site to visit, a Google Places point would make you findable on Google Maps and GPS. All of these should be kept up to date on a regular basis. Using these simple steps can help the general public make the transition from interested people to visitors (to your site, events or website) to members to board members. 

Email: It is important for all groups to have a generic email, that more than one person in the group has access to, so the general public can contact the group if they have questions or comments. Even if one person in the group is the main contact, having more than one person with access allows that main person to go on vacation or take a break and covers the group in case something more serious such as an illness or death. Email addresses normally come with website domains, if you pay for it. Otherwise Google, Yahoo and others provide free emails. The email should have the name of the group in it somehow (such as info@historicalsociety.org or historicalsociety@gmail.com) rather than a personal name. It makes it more professional and official. The official email address can be forwarded to a personal email if desired. Software such as MailChimp can allow you to send out a bulk email to all of your members about events, newsletters or anything else. 

Facebook: Regardless of whether your group decides to have a website or not, a Facebook page is a good, free way to provide basic information about your group and promote events. There are numerous guides on how to create a Facebook business account (so you don’t need to provide personal information) or just a Facebook Page (linked to your personal or business account). There are also guides on how to create events. Events can be used to promote a recurring or single event, you can get RSVPs, and you can link it to Zoom or Eventbrite or anything else you use to register people and/or sell tickets. 
   Create business account: https://www.facebook.com/business/pages/set-up 
   Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/help/282489752085908/
   Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/help/1076296042409786/ 

Other social media: Many groups use Twitter/X, Instagram, or Tiktok to share posts, photos and spread awareness of what they are doing and events they have. While these are useful, they do require someone in your group to be familiar with the platforms and be willing to keep things updated. Many posts you put on one platform can be shared on others. More and more visitors are using social media to find out information and our groups need to respond to that demand. Learn more about the benefits of social media: https://www.classy.org/blog/nonprofit-social-media-engagement-tactics/

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Websites: Having a website is a great way to have all of your information in one place. You can link it to your Facebook and social media accounts, photo galleries, event pages, etc. Many websites do not require a lot of previous experience and can be very user friendly. Like emails, it is important for more than one person in an organization to have access to the website in case something happens and the main person is not available. Best of all, basic websites can be free! However, if you want a custom domain, you normally have to pay for it, at least after awhile (sometimes the first year is free). If you register with Tech Soup (www.techsoup.org) and are a non-profit, then you can get lots of free software and get a discount on websites and domains. This site provides information on six free website builders- https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/best-really-free-website-builders-nonprofit-websites/. See what your group’s needs are, how much experience you might need to create and maintain the website and choose which one would be best for your group. If you get a custom domain, then you can have an official email address (see Email section above). 

Google: Although there are other mapping sites, Google is the platform that most people use to find locations of sites and how to get there through Google Maps. Having incorrect information on Google Maps will make people arrive at your site when you are closed, go to the wrong location, or get so frustrated they won’t visit you at all. Google also allows you to have a free website and free email. If there is already a point on the map, you can claim it (you may have to prove to Google that you own or manage the site). This site tells you step by step how to make a Google Places listing: https://www.seo.com/blog/how-to-create-google-business-profile/. 

Getting Help: Many of these topics can be overwhelming for some groups and you may feel like it’s not worth it, or you don’t have the time, ability or knowledge to manage this, or you don’t have the volunteers you need to do this. Fear not! You are not alone; many groups in the county have already gone through this process and can help you if needed. Use the DCHPN listserv to ask questions. Also, if you are findable, then that gets people involved. They may attend an open house or an event and want to be a member. Then they may want to be more involved and be on the board. Just by being searchable online, you can bring fresh new members into your organization and make sure it continues for years to come. There are lots of people who are interested in volunteering for specific jobs or projects. If you can get a high school or college student to help with setting up these accounts (and hopefully maintaining them), then they get volunteer hours, you get a website/email/social media account, and everyone wins. Many high schools have volunteer clubs or graduation requirements so if you contact the local school, they may be able to help. If you already have any of the above, use it to find more volunteers. People may not know you have a need until you post it. If you have an event, or a table at a community event, use that platform to collect emails and create a mailing list and have volunteer forms where people can sign up to help you. People are always willing to help, but they may not make the first step.  

For more information about other technology: Faith McCarrick of Historic Sugartown shared her experience there at the 2017 Heritage Commission Seminar.  Free and Low Cost Tech Solutions for Small Museums (click on technology). Tech Soup provides free or low-cost solutions for non-profits such as discounted virus software, Microsoft Office, accounting software, websites and more! If you are a registered 501(c)3, then just register with Tech Soup to get all the benefits. Most have an admin fee even if it is free. Go to https://www.techsoup.org/ for more information.