Let’s take a moment to imagine the scope of the internet as one massive highway intersection. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re as good as screwed.

This is where the wonder of websites and search engines come into play.

The website is the Big Glowing Arches, and the Search Engine helps you get there.

If you’ll allow me one more comparison, your bridge club is the Big Golden Arch – and if you don’t have a website, you can’t expect any internet visitors to find their way to your door.

Here’s some of what you should know about website creation for bridge clubs.

Does Your Club Really Need a Site?

The short answer is yes.

The longer answer tells you why.

Websites are essential if you want anyone to find their way to you. A club website can also help existing members keep in touch with one another – and serve as a place for them to keep track of news, games and in-club news or changes.

Struggling to increase your numbers? Get a website. Want members to have one place they can visit to have all the info? Same answer: Get a website.

Any club that doesn’t have a website right now can benefit from having one, and it’s not that hard to set up considering the amount of tools that are available these days to help you do it.

Suggested Platforms for Your Website

The first step is choosing a platform for your website.

Most website platforms are free, with paid plans if you want more advanced customization or your own domain name that isn’t “mainsite.yoursite.com.”

Most of these platforms also don’t require any HTML or coding knowledge. Websites are set up through easy drag-and-drop dashboards in most of these cases,  and you can add all the bells and whistles you like later on.

Popular suggested platforms for setting up a blog or website include the following ones, although do your own research before making the final choice.

• Blogger
• Typepad
• WordPress
• Wix

There are also website creation platforms out there with bridge clubs and their needs in mind. Worth asking around what other clubs are using, they might have something customized for bridge specifically.

The Essential Pages

Once you’ve registered your domain, it’s time to work on setting up some pages. These are where website visitors end up – and you want these to reflect who you are as a club.

Some clubs can call in a third-party copywriter for their club pages; others might rely on a member that has a way with words.

Here’s a quick look at what should be in the most basic site map for a bridge club.

• Home

The home page, the welcome page, the landing page; it doesn’t really matter what you call it, your website needs one. This is where users are welcomed – and usually where they can find the announcements, blogs or news section.

• Events

Most brick-and-mortar bridge clubs have events and games throughout the year. Add these to a special page so that everyone knows which events or games are going on. There are many calender widgets that can make it easier for members to RSVP electronically. Note clearly which events are public versus not.

• Bridge Base Online Events

Many club games and tournaments happen online. If you’re organizing games for your club members online, or if something that might be of interest to your players takes place on Bridge Base Online, you can post these events in your calendar too.

• Newsletter

A newsletter is a great way to keep in touch with members. It can also teach new players, reintroduce old players and act as a general soapbox for things said among club members. A newsletter can also introduce your club to international bridge players and invite contributions from others. 

Mailing lists and newsletters are easy enough to set up. Make sure you have a page for “archived news” and a way for members to download the newest addition or subscribe via e-mail.

• Bridge Info

Make sure your club site has a page for relevant bridge info that goes beyond just which games are happening when. Some clubs include a few lessons and links to useful bridge software, other clubs might run a regular blog. It depends on what your club has the resources and time for.

• Sponsors and Supporters

Plenty of bridge clubs out there have sponsors and supporters. Even if you don’t have any partnerships or sponsorships yet, it’s a good idea to create a page for it.

• Contact

How are people contacting you? Always add a contact page to your website for anyone who would like to get in touch.