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Crafting a Modern Digital Experience: The Handicraft Club’s Online Transformation

Screenshot of the front page of Handicraftclub.org website

Client Overview

Founded in 1904 by Julia Lippitt Mauran, Mary Parsons, and eight other visionary women, The Handicraft Club of Providence, Rhode Island, has a storied history rooted in the promotion and practice of traditional crafts. For over a century, this private club has been a haven for artisans, offering classes in basketry, decorative arts, fiber arts, jewelry, needle arts, painting, printing, drawing, and weaving. As the organization grew, so did the need for a modern, user-friendly website that could serve their members more effectively while preserving the rich heritage of the club.

Challenges and Objectives

The Handicraft Club faced several challenges in updating their online presence:
  • Membership Management: They needed a secure, efficient system to manage memberships, track member status, and facilitate internal communication.
  • E-Commerce Integration: The website required an exclusive e-commerce solution for members, enabling them to register for classes, purchase event tickets, and buy trolley tickets.
  • Salesforce Integration: To streamline operations and enhance reporting, the website needed to seamlessly integrate with Salesforce, providing a cohesive experience for both members and administrators.
  • Content Accessibility: The site had to serve as a comprehensive resource for members, offering access to board minutes, calendars, donation options, and more.

Our Approach

To meet these diverse needs, we developed a custom WordPress website that combines the functionalities of WooCommerce, BuddyPress, and specialized membership software. Here’s how we tackled the project:
  • Membership Management System: We implemented a robust membership management system, allowing the club to easily track active members, manage guest statuses, and update the membership directory. This system was fully integrated with Salesforce to improve data consistency and reporting.
  • E-Commerce Solution: We created a member-exclusive online store using WooCommerce, enabling members to register for classes, purchase tickets, and engage with the club’s offerings in a streamlined manner.
  • Salesforce Integration: The integration with Salesforce was a key component, allowing for enhanced communication with members, better reporting capabilities, and a platform that could grow alongside the organization.
  • User-Friendly Interface: We designed the website to be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring that members could quickly access the information they needed, whether it be class schedules, board minutes, or donation links.
  • ADA Accessibility: We also included accessibility features to make the website easier to access for all abilities as well as a membership that includes older members.

Ongoing Support and Growth

Since the launch, we have continued to provide ongoing maintenance and support, ensuring that the website evolves with the needs of The Handicraft Club. This partnership has enabled the club to transition into the digital age while preserving its century-old traditions and community spirit.

Results

The new website has transformed how The Handicraft Club operates, offering a seamless, integrated experience for members. With improved membership management, enhanced e-commerce capabilities, and a fully integrated Salesforce system, the club is now equipped to grow and thrive in its next chapter. The digital transformation has not only modernized the club’s operations but also strengthened its ability to fulfill its mission of promoting and preserving the art of handicrafts.

This case study showcases our expertise in crafting bespoke digital solutions for organizations with unique needs, ensuring that even the most historic institutions can embrace the future with confidence.

Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, August, 2024, https://chatgpt.com, edited for style and content

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