Getting started as a website administrator

Stepping into the role of website administrator—whether you’re taking over full responsibilities or assisting other admins—offers a valuable opportunity to keep your community informed and connected.

If you’ve recently been granted administrative privileges, it’s completely normal to wonder where to begin. Here are some simple first steps to help you get started!

Collaborate with current admins

If your community already has an HOA Express website, a great first step is to connect with current administrators. When working alongside other admins—such as board or committee members, volunteers, or a management company—clear communication ensures responsibilities don’t overlap and important updates aren’t missed.

Since every community handles things differently, take time to learn the established processes to avoid confusion later. Ask questions such as:

• Who manages different sections of the website?
• How are content updates and recurring tasks divided?
• What’s the best way to communicate with other admins about updates?

Setting clear expectations up front will make your transition smoother!

Understand your privileges

Not all website administrators have the same level of access. If your subscription allows for multiple website administrators, they could have either full privileges (access to all areas) or partial privileges (access to specific sections).

Understanding your access level upfront helps you focus your efforts and learn how to use relevant sections of the interface. If you need additional access, a full administrator can also update your privileges at any time.

Assess and update your website

Regardless of your access level, it's important to familiarize yourself with the website and Admin Portal. Explore the sections available to you and review what members currently see.

You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Often, starting with a few small updates—such as refreshing page content, adding or removing members, sending announcements, or managing billing information—can help you build confidence and gain insight into how your community uses the website. These can make a significant difference in keeping your community informed and connected!

Seek guidance and support

Our world-class customer success team is also available to help you learn the interface and answer your questions! While our software is designed for ease of use, we recommend that new administrators schedule an onboarding call to learn best practices and need-to-know concepts.

If you have specific questions, our team can also assist you via chat, email, phone, or video call. Our contact information and availability are provided here.

Additionally, our Help Center features over a hundred instructional articles, including step-by-step tutorials on how to use and manage different website features!

Wrapping up

The idea of managing a website may feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the steps above will help you grow more confident and comfortable in your role over time.

Managing a community website is an ongoing process, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. If questions come up along the way, we’re happy to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer success team! You can also explore other articles in our “Website tips” collection for more guidance and ideas.