<p>Running any kind of financial institution in the modern era can be a challenge. In addition to worrying about standard issues (like regulatory compliance), credit unions also have to consider digital age issues like cyber fraud and providing the online services that customers want and need. Fortunately, digital solutions often arise from digital problems. Using new technology powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can be one way for credit unions to solve complex issues and improve organizational efficiency.&nbsp;</p><p>AI software can increase cybersecurity, reduce fraud, and optimize customer experiences. It also gives credit unions data-driven insights to help them make smarter business decisions. These tools are already streamlining operations to save time, reduce errors, and keep customers satisfied for credit unions across the country.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind works with <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/credit-unions">credit unions</a> nationwide to help them build smart, effective websites. We can connect <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/ai-automation">AI tools</a> to your website using <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a> so that you can take full advantage of all of the benefits of AI. Reach out to our award-winning website design and development team today to learn how we can help your credit union implement AI software into your operations.&nbsp;</p><h2>How Credit Unions Can Use AI Effectively&nbsp;</h2><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic. Much of the discourse around AI has focused on how AI is used in ways that we may not like, such as students using ChatGPT for assignments or bad actors making “deep fake” AI images or videos to cause chaos. However, the power of AI can also be harnessed for good, particularly in the banking and finance world.&nbsp;</p><p>Credit unions can use AI-powered tools to make their organizations more efficient and profitable. Below, we examine some of the best ways credit unions can use AI to achieve their goals.&nbsp;</p><h3>Automated Loan Processing&nbsp;</h3><p>AI software can automate processes and make loan processing much faster and more accurate. This can lead to faster loan approvals and lower costs for a credit union.&nbsp;</p><p>An AI system can automatically extract data from application forms, identification documents, and bank statements. This uses optical character recognition (<a href="https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/ocr/">OCR</a>) and natural language processing (<a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/natural-language-processing">NLP</a>). Automated data validation can then ensure that the information extracted from the documents is accurate.&nbsp;</p><p>These systems can also be used to perform risk assessment when underwriting loans. Machine learning models can predict borrower behavior, analyze credit risk, and identify any other potential concerns. AI software can also detect abnormalities in a loan application to spot fraud. Finally, it can automatically approve loans based on predefined criteria set by a credit union, which can mean that customers get their loans approved much faster.&nbsp;</p><h4>Popular AI Loan Processing Providers&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.automationanywhere.com/solutions/financial-services/loan-automation">Automation Anywhere </a></li><li><a href="https://www.scnsoft.com/lending/loan-automation">ScienceSoft&nbsp;</a></li></ul><h3>Fraud Detection and Cybersecurity&nbsp;</h3><p>One of the biggest problems facing financial institutions today is scams. Cybercriminals have grown increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal money and defraud financial institutions. This includes using AI to make phishing emails appear more legitimate or to imitate customer voices.&nbsp;</p><p>Credit unions can use AI to defend against cyberattacks, and financial institutions can use AI systems to detect cybersecurity threats in real time. This software can analyze incredible amounts of data to identify patterns and suspicious activity. It offers a more proactive approach to security that can allow credit unions to detect threats before they materialize.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, AI tools can monitor customer transactions and flag anything unusual. If a customer makes transactions far away from where they usually make purchases, for instance, AI tools can alert the credit union to potential fraud.&nbsp;</p><h4>Popular AI Transaction Monitoring Tools&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a href="https://complyadvantage.com/transaction-monitoring-software-campaign/">ComplyAdvantage </a></li><li><a href="https://www.unit21.ai/products/ai-agent">Unit21 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.napier.ai/transaction-monitoring">Napier AI&nbsp;</a></li></ul><h3>Streamlined Operations&nbsp;</h3><p>Some of the work performed by credit union employees is repetitive, such as balancing internal ledgers, entering data, and compiling data for compliance reporting. AI software can streamline operations and make a credit union much more efficient.&nbsp;</p><p>This can happen in several ways. Automated loan processing and underwriting can reduce human errors and allow for faster loan approvals. Automated reconciliation tools can also reduce the time (and potential for error) involved in manually balancing bank ledgers. AI tools can also aggregate data for financial reporting.&nbsp;</p><h4>Popular AI Reconciliation Tools&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.highradius.com/product/general-ledger-reconciliation-software/">HighRadius</a> </li><li><a href="https://nanonets.com/reconciliation/general-ledger">Nanonets&nbsp;</a></li></ul><h3>Enhanced Customer Service&nbsp;</h3><p>Chatbots have long been a staple across many industries, including banking and financial services. Artificial intelligence has opened up new possibilities when it comes to better customer service.&nbsp;</p><p>In the past, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/how-build-ai-chatbot-your-website">chatbots</a> could only respond with canned scripts to frequently asked questions. Today, a <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/how-train-ai-chatbot-custom-knowledge-base">custom knowledge base</a> can be used to train an AI chatbot. The chatbot can then use NLP and machine learning to provide much more helpful real-time assistance to customers. This can not only reduce the load on customer service agents but also ensure that customers don’t have to wait for an available agent to get an answer to a question.&nbsp;</p><h4>Popular AI Chatbot Tools&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.talkdesk.com/cloud-contact-center/self-service-experience/autopilot/">Talkdesk</a> </li><li><a href="https://interface.ai/">interface.ai&nbsp;</a></li></ul><h3>Customized Member Experiences&nbsp;</h3><p>Credit unions can use AI software to provide a better, more personalized experience for customers. AI can analyze data to predict future behavior (known as predictive analytics). This can allow a credit union to anticipate customers' needs, opening up the possibility of offering services and products they may not have even considered.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, if a credit union customer frequently travels internationally, AI can detect this based on their transactions. The software can then customize recommendations for the customer, such as fraud prevention tips and no-fee foreign transactions.&nbsp;</p><p>Similarly, AI can be used to offer customers tips on financial wellness based on their spending habits. This can make customers feel more “seen” by their credit unions because they will be getting useful advice based on their actual needs, leading to increased trust and loyalty.&nbsp;</p><h4>Popular AI Member Engagement Tools&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a href="https://verticeanalytics.ai/">Vertice AI </a></li><li><a href="https://www.zingly.ai/solutions/digital-experiences">Zingly&nbsp;</a></li></ul><h3>Data-Driven Insights&nbsp;</h3><p>Artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to analyze vast amounts of financial data to develop actionable insights. AI software can analyze three types of data:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Transactional data includes all activities related to a customer’s financial transactions. This data can give credit unions insight into customers' spending habits, allowing them to offer services and products designed to meet their needs. </li><li>Behavioral data is information about how and when a customer interacts with the credit union (such as using the mobile app or online bill pay). This can determine what services and products are most helpful to customers, helping to shape decisions about where to invest. </li><li>Demographic data includes customers’ age, location, income level, occupation, and gender. This can help banks understand the unique customer needs of different groups. Financial institutions can leverage this to gain insights into the specific needs of various customer segments.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Using this data, AI analytics tools can help credit unions get a more comprehensive look at customer behaviors and preferences, which can guide them in their decision-making processes. For example, suppose AI software determines that a segment of credit union customers has a high level of disposable income but low savings levels. In that case, the credit union might decide to offer high-yield savings accounts to these customers or to develop a financial management application.&nbsp;</p><h4>Popular AI Analytics Tools&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a href="https://verticeanalytics.ai/">Vertice AI</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.zingly.ai/products/reporting-and-analytics">Zingly</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Build AI Automation Into Your Credit Union Website&nbsp;</h2><p>Artificial intelligence doesn’t have to be a scary, unknown thing. While the science behind AI is complex, these tools can be used straightforwardly to improve your credit union’s operations. From fraud detection to more personalized customer experiences, AI automation can be a boon to your business.&nbsp;</p><p>At Inclind, we know just how incredible the right AI tools can be for streamlining operations and boosting revenue. We work with credit unions to help them understand their options when it comes to AI automation. We can help you choose the tools that will help your credit union grow and integrate this software into your website and other software systems.&nbsp;</p><p>We're happy to chat if you’d like to learn more about our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-design">website design</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-development">development services</a> for credit unions, including AI integration. Fill out our online <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">contact form</a> or give us a call at <a href="tel:800-604-8139">800-604-8139</a> to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

AI For Credit Unions: 6 High-Impact Use Cases

<p>Credit unions have a reputation for truly being part of the local community, with bankers knowing their customers personally and even greeting them by name as they walk in the door. Today, many credit unions still offer that friendly, local environment - but they also need to provide digital tools for customers. A website is a must-have for any credit union, allowing customers to apply for accounts or loans, access online banking, and more.&nbsp;</p><p>A website is also a valuable source of information for credit unions. This data can be put to good use with customer relationship management (CRM) software, a tool that can be utilized to nurture and grow customer relationships, develop targeted <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/digital-marketing">marketing campaigns</a>, automate tasks, and more. Our list of the top CRM software for credit unions can help you pick a platform that is right for your credit union’s specific needs.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Delaware, Inclind works with <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/credit-unions">credit unions</a> throughout the country to help them build smart, effective websites. In addition to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/creative-web-services">website design</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/web-development">development</a>, we work with clients to help them discover tools that will maximize their investment in technology - and help their business or organization grow. If you’d like to learn more about working with our award-winning website design and development team for your credit union, reach out today.&nbsp;</p><h2>What Is a CRM?&nbsp;</h2><p>Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms are a specialized type of software that organizations use to track and manage their relationships with customers or clients. These systems handle all of a company’s interactions with both current and potential customers with a goal of improving relationships and growing profits.&nbsp;</p><p>CRM software can replace the patchwork of spreadsheets, databases, and apps that many businesses use to track client data. These platforms can hold and organize all relevant data, such as communications from customers, documents, sales leads, quotes, purchases, and tasks for each client or customer. It does this work automatically through the use of <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/ai-automation">artificial intelligence</a> (AI), which can reduce the burden on staff. For example, rather than an employee manually entering customer contact information and interactions into a spreadsheet, the CRM will update it automatically.&nbsp;</p><p>For credit unions, CRMs can be incredibly helpful. They offer numerous benefits, including:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>More precise targeting: </strong>CRMs allow credit unions to get a better understanding of their customers’ needs, allowing them to better market products and services to them. </li><li><strong>Greater efficiency: </strong>A CRM can increase productivity because all customer information and documents are stored (and updated) in a single location. More personalized service: Because your credit union will have a more in-depth understanding of its customers’ needs, you can provide better service, leading to increased customer retention. </li><li><strong>Better use of data:</strong> Your credit union website can be a goldmine of information when it comes to business needs. A CRM allows you to generate reports based on website data that can be used to track sales and trends, the success of various campaigns, and more. This can allow you to better tailor services to clients and grow as a business.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>CRMs aren’t just a nice thing to have - they are a necessity. This software is essential to providing optimal customer service and to increasing sales. Below, we discuss some of the features that are key for credit union CRMs and list our top choices for this software product.&nbsp;</p><h2>What Features Should a Credit Union Look For in a CRM?&nbsp;</h2><p>If your credit union doesn’t currently have a CRM platform, then you might be uncertain about what you need in this type of software. While every institution is different, there are some features that are particularly helpful for credit unions. This includes:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Automation: </strong>A good CRM platform will offer the option to create custom automations so that manual tasks are handled automatically by the platform. </li><li><strong>Document sharing:</strong> Credit unions often need to store and collaborate on documents such as signed loan documents and account applications. A CRM should offer an easy way to quickly share these documents between employees. </li><li><a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations"><strong>Integrations</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Any CRM that you license should be able to connect (integrate) with your existing software to share data. </li><li><strong>Security:</strong> Credit unions are required to safeguard customer data, so any CRM that you use should be secure, with access controls, encryption, and security updates. </li><li><strong>Analytics:</strong> A CRM should provide up-to-date customer data that can be used to generate reports on sales, customer satisfaction, campaign performance, and more. </li><li><strong>Mobile access:</strong> To ensure that your staff can access data when necessary, a CRM should offer mobile access (such as an app). </li><li><strong>Lead management:</strong> A credit union CRM should track and manage leads, including both potential clients as well as existing clients interested in new products, to allow for follow-up by your staff.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Depending on your credit union’s needs, you might look for other features as well. Keep reading to learn more about 9 great options for credit union CRMs.&nbsp;</p><h2>Best CRM Software for Credit Unions&nbsp;</h2><h3>Salesforce&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.salesforce.com/financial-services/cloud/">Salesforce Financial Services Cloud</a> is a fully customizable CRM that is a great choice for financial institutions that want software that is specifically geared towards banking. It allows credit unions to collect, store, and access data for better decision-making. Some of its features include AI for onboarding, disclosure, and consent processes, financial discovery, automation for customer service and self-service options, and a dashboard for viewing customer relationships and data in one place. Salesforce Financial Services Cloud’s pricing starts at $300 per user per month.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Highly customizable:</strong> Ideal for tailoring workflows to member engagement, lending, or marketing. </li><li><strong>Robust integrations:</strong> Connects with core banking systems, LOS, and third-party fintech tools. </li><li><strong>Strong automation &amp; AI (Einstein):</strong> Helps surface insights, detect churn risk, and improve cross-selling. </li><li><strong>Dedicated Financial Services Cloud:</strong> Offers features built for credit unions and banks.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Expensive:</strong> High licensing and customization costs, especially for smaller credit unions. </li><li><strong>Steep learning curve:</strong> Requires training and potentially a full-time admin to manage. </li><li><strong>Complex setup:</strong> Not ideal if you’re looking for a quick out-of-the-box deployment.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Microsoft Dynamics 365</h3><p><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365">Microsoft Dynamics 365</a> offers two products in one: both CRM and enterprise resource planning (ERP) for financial institutions. This makes it a great option if your credit union requires both customer data management as well as business insights. The platform uses AI to increase productivity and improve customer service. It seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products, offers Copilot AI to create more personalized services, and creates automated sales sequences. Pricing for Microsoft Dynamics 365 starts at $65 per user per month.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Tight integration with Microsoft tools:</strong> Seamless use with Outlook, Teams, Excel—great for internal collaboration. </li><li><strong>Modular flexibility:</strong> Use only what you need (e.g., customer service, sales, marketing). </li><li><strong>Security &amp; compliance:</strong> Strong support for data governance and regulatory compliance.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Customization-heavy:</strong> Can require significant developer time to tailor to credit union workflows. </li><li><strong>Unintuitive interface:</strong> Especially compared to lighter CRMs. </li><li><strong>Modest support for 3rd-party integrations: </strong>Integration with non-Microsoft tools can be less seamless.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>SugarCRM&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.sugarcrm.com/">Sugar CRM</a> is a good choice for credit unions and other financial institutions that want to retain more customers. It offers actionable insights based on historical data and AI. These analytics can be used to improve customer retention, support business growth, and automate marketing tasks. Some of its critical features include automations to optimize lead qualifications, a focus on individual sales, and the use of AI to provide insights. Sugar CRM plans start at $19 per user per month.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Strong workflow automation:</strong> Good for marketing campaigns, member lifecycle, and case resolution. </li><li><strong>Open platform:</strong> Flexible APIs allow for integrations with core systems. </li><li><strong>Great value: </strong>Good balance of features and affordability for mid-sized credit unions.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Unpolished interface:</strong> UI is less polished than Salesforce or HubSpot. </li><li><strong>Fewer financial industry-specific features:</strong> Would need custom modules for credit union workflows. </li><li><strong>Smaller vendor ecosystem:</strong> Much smaller ecosystem when compared to larger players.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Oracle NetSuite&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/home.shtml">Oracle NetSuite</a> is a good choice for credit unions that want an integrated, cloud-based CRM and ERP platform. It offers a 360-degree view of customers with a flow of information throughout the customer journey. It also offers simplified compliance and risk management, the ability to build customer profiles from website data, and segmentation to personalize customer experiences with targeted promotions. Oracle offers quotes for this product upon request.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Integrated with ERP:</strong> If your credit union uses NetSuite ERP, this is a seamless choice. </li><li><strong>Comprehensive view of member interactions:</strong> Marketing, service, and sales touchpoints in one place. </li><li><strong>Scalable for growth: </strong>Works well for credit unions expanding to offer more financial services.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Not built with financial institutions in mind:</strong> Requires custom tailoring for credit union use cases. </li><li><strong>Expensive: </strong>High cost and implementation effort. </li><li><strong>Geared towards larger organizations: </strong>Can feel overly enterprise for smaller institutions.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Creatio&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.creatio.com/">Creatio</a> is a good CRM option for credit unions that want to automate business processes. It uses marketing, sales, and customer service in one platform. This allows credit union employees to review data and analytics for the entire customer journey. Its features include a comprehensive database for tracking, capturing, and nurturing leads, a 360-degree view of clients’ history, loyalty, portfolio, and more, plus loan application management and automated debt collection tools. Creatio plans start at $25 per user per month.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>No-code customization:</strong> Staff with minimal technical background can build custom workflows. </li><li><strong>Strong process automation engine:</strong> Excellent for streamlining member onboarding, lending, and support. </li><li><strong>Specific banking features:</strong> Industry-specific templates available for financial services.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Smaller community: </strong>Less brand recognition/support ecosystem compared to Salesforce or MS Dynamics. </li><li><strong>Requires more in-house work: </strong>You’ll need more internal IT ownership for long-term success. </li><li><strong>May be incompatible with legacy systems: </strong>May need integration work for compatibility with legacy credit union systems.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>monday CRM&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://monday.com/crm/">monday CRM</a> is a great option for credit unions that want to close deals faster, offering visibility into the entire sales process. One of its great features is the ability to create boards for customer management, adding customized columns based on how your team works. Other features include custom automations for repetitive tasks, built-in AI for automatic lead evaluation, an analytics dashboard, and integration with more than 200 popular software tools. Plans start at $12 per month per team member.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>User-friendly and visually intuitive:</strong> Easy for teams to adopt without extensive training. </li><li><strong>Custom workflows: </strong>Adaptable for tracking member touchpoints and loan progress. </li><li><strong>Affordable:</strong> Pricing geared towards small-to-mid-size credit unions.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Not geared towards the financial service industry:</strong> Limited financial services features out of the box. </li><li><strong>Limited CRM functionality:</strong> More of a project management platform than full CRM—lacks native depth in reporting and automation. </li><li><strong>Limited integration support:</strong> Integrations with core systems often require third-party tools or middleware.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Nextiva&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.nextiva.com/">Nextiva</a> uses AI to allow credit unions to personalize the customer journey, providing real-time insights along the way. Employees can view insights from customer data and engage with customers from the platform. Other features include a centralized communications center for voicemails, chats, call notes, and more, advanced security, and automated application processing. Plans start at $20 peruser per month.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>All-in-one communication &amp; CRM: </strong>Great if your credit union uses voice/SMS/email channels heavily. </li><li><strong>Good for member service teams:</strong> Combines contact center tools with CRM capabilities. </li><li><strong>Low pricing:</strong> Affordable for smaller organizations.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Not tailored to financial institutions:</strong> lacks financial workflows or security nuances needed in credit unions. </li><li><strong>Not as robust: </strong>Limited automation and customization compared to more robust platforms. </li><li><strong>Basic analytics:</strong> Reporting isn’t as in-depth when compared to competitors.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>HubSpot CRM&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm">HubSpot CRM</a> is a popular brand for sales, marketing, and customer service. If your credit union is already using other HubSpot products, then its CRM may be a perfect choice. It allows users to track leads and customers throughout their journey by managing contacts, digital marketing, sales, leads, and more. Key features include one centralized dashboard for tracking contacts, emails, and leads, a meeting scheduler, and AI-enabled email templates. HubSpot CRM offers both free and paid plans, with paid plans starting at $15 per month for each user.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Very easy to use:</strong> Fast onboarding and intuitive UI. </li><li><strong>Great marketing automation: </strong>Strong tools for email campaigns, member nurturing, and lead tracking. </li><li><strong>Free tier available:</strong> Useful for smaller credit unions testing CRM features.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Less customizable:</strong> Can hit limits with complex workflows or integrations. </li><li><strong>Financial services features are limited: </strong>more geared toward sales/marketing teams. </li><li><strong>Costly to scale:</strong> Expensive at scale once you move beyond free/basic plans.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Vymo&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://vymo.com/us/">Vymo</a> is a mobile-first CRM that is great for any financial institution that wants to manage customer relationships on the go. It offers a unified platform that can be used to handle sales, collections, lending, and more. Some of its features include digital debt collection tools and options to help employees nurture client relationships. Pricing for Vymo is not publicly listed.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Purpose-built for financial institutions:</strong> Tailored for sales and relationship managers in banking and insurance. </li><li><strong>Mobile-first experience: </strong>Great for credit union staff on the go. </li><li><strong>Time-saving reporting &amp; automation:</strong> Strong activity tracking and automation for field teams.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><strong>Focus is mostly on sales productivity:</strong> Not a full-service CRM with deep marketing or support capabilities. </li><li><strong>Limited adoption:</strong> integration/local support may vary. </li><li><strong>Small community:</strong> Smaller ecosystem than platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Integrate Your Website With A Powerful CRM&nbsp;</h2><p>It is easy to get overwhelmed when deciding on technology products for your business or organization. Yet the right tool can transform your operations, allowing you to become more efficient while providing even better customer service and increasing profits. One great example of this type of technology is CRM software.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind knows how beneficial CRM platforms and other tech tools can be for our clients. When consulting with credit unions, we offer our expertise on how to make their website beautiful, functional, and useful for their business purposes. We can help you choose the right CRM for your credit union and can even integrate the software with your website and other tools for you.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’d like to learn more about our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-design">website design</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-development">development</a> services for credit unions, we’re happy to chat. Fill out our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">online contact form</a> or give us a call at <a href="tel:800-604-8139">800-604-8139</a> to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

The 9 Best CRM Options For Credit Unions

<p>Many people prefer to access content and services through the internet or apps rather than doing business in person. This includes banking at credit unions. Rather than go to a bank location, many customers would rather check their account balance, apply for a loan, or perform other transactions through a website. This makes it all the more important for a credit union website to be secure and accessible.&nbsp;</p><p>The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that businesses not discriminate against people with disabilities, meaning physical buildings and websites must be accessible. Technical standards for web accessibility should be used to make sure that everyone can access and interact with your website content, and that you don’t face legal issues. Our accessibility compliance services can help you determine any areas of improvement for your credit union website and help you make any necessary changes.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Delaware, Inclind works with clients throughout the U.S. - including <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/credit-unions">credit unions</a> - to help them build websites that look great and work well for everyone. We know that accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement but also a smart business decision. We work with our clients to ensure that people of all abilities can use their websites. If you’d like to learn more about our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-design">website design</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-development">development</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/support">support</a> services for credit unions - including accessibility compliance - reach out today to talk to our team.&nbsp;</p><h2>What Is Web Accessibility?&nbsp;</h2><p>If you live in the United States, you are probably familiar with the concept of accessibility, such as having curb cuts to make sure that people with wheelchairs can access sidewalks and streets. These types of physical modifications to buildings and infrastructure are required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specifically, <a href="https://www.ada.gov/topics/title-iii/">Title III</a> of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public accommodations and in commercial facilities.&nbsp;</p><p>What many businesses may not realize is that the same law that requires them to make their building accessible also mandates website accessibility. As a practical matter, it makes sense: as the internet is increasingly used to conduct business, it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Just as a person with a disability should be able to enter your building and open an account or take out a loan, they should also be able to use your website just as an able-bodied person would. Inaccessible web content often means that people with disabilities are denied equal access to information.&nbsp;</p><h2>Why Web Accessibility Matters&nbsp;</h2><p>From a business perspective, accessibility makes good financial sense. Beyond legal compliance, making your website accessible means more people can become potential customers. When your website is hard to use and inaccessible, you risk losing paying customers.&nbsp;</p><p>Ultimately, accessibility is about making sure that everyone can use your website. This can include everything from using high-contrast fonts so that screen readers work properly for the blind to including captions on videos so the deaf can understand the information communicated. Making accessibility part of your website is simply a good thing to implement - to avoid potential lawsuits and penalties and boost business.&nbsp;</p><h2>Ensuring ADA Compliance for Your Credit Union Website&nbsp;</h2><p>Per <a href="https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/">guidance</a> from the Department of Justice (DOJ), businesses open to the public—including credit unions—must comply with the ADA for their physical locations and websites. Importantly, the federal government does not currently have a law or regulation that sets out specific standards for web accessibility in detail. Instead, a more general rule is that businesses must ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities.&nbsp;</p><p>While this reality means that businesses have more options for ensuring accessibility, a lack of specific guidance can feel like a gray area. The DOJ refers to technical standards that can be used for website accessibility guidance, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (<a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/">WCAG</a>) and the <a href="https://www.access-board.gov/ict/">Section 508 Standards</a>. Below is an overview of what web content is required to comply with these standards.&nbsp;</p><h3>Perceivable&nbsp;</h3><p>Perceivable means that both the information and the user interface components are presented in a way that users can perceive. This may include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Providing text alternatives for content that doesn’t include text so that it can be changed into other forms (such as adding “alt text” to images) </li><li>Using captions for videos </li><li>Using audio descriptions or media alternatives for video content </li><li>Creating content that can be presented in different ways (such as a simpler layout) without losing information or structure </li><li>Not limiting content to a single display orientation (such as portrait or landscape) </li><li>Not using things like shape or color as the only visual way of conveying information </li><li>Making sure that any content that auto-plays for more than 3 seconds can be paused or stopped </li><li>Using high contrast colors </li><li>Allowing text to be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Operable&nbsp;</h3><p>Operable means that both user interface components and navigation are operable. This may include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Making all functionality operable through a keyboard </li><li>Ensuring that timing is not an essential part of an event or activity presented by the content (i.e., a user has to click quickly to access the content) </li><li>Giving the option to pause, stop, or hide moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating information </li><li>Warning users of time-outs due to inactivity </li><li>Not using any content that flashes more than 3 times in any 1-second period </li><li>Using titles for all pages that describe their topic or purpose </li><li>Having more than one way available to locate a web page within a set of pages </li><li>Using headings and labels to describe the topic or purpose </li><li>Not using dragging movements for operation unless a single pointer can achieve the action without dragging&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Understandable&nbsp;</h3><p>Understandable means that the information and operation of the user interface must be understandable. This includes:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Offering a way to identify specific definitions, words, or phrases that are used in an unusual way </li><li>Offering supplemental content for text that requires more advanced reading levels </li><li>Providing a way to identify pronunciation of words when it is necessary for context and understanding </li><li>Using consistent navigational mechanisms </li><li>Identifying input errors for users </li><li>Including labels or instructions when content requires user input </li><li>Ensuring that any authentication processes are accessible&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Robust&nbsp;</h3><p>Robust means that various user agents, such as assistive technologies, can interpret the content.&nbsp;</p><h3>Common Ways To Improve Accessibility For Your Site&nbsp;</h3><p>As a practical matter, this can mean doing things like:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Make sure that there is enough color contrast between the text and background. For example, you shouldn’t use gray text on a light blue background. </li><li>Do not use color alone to provide information, which can make it difficult for people who are color-blind or who have limited vision to understand that information. For example, if you put disclosures about loan terms in red when all other text is black, that might mean that certain people won’t be able to read the content. </li><li>If you use images or videos, provide text alternatives for people who use screen readers. For example, if you have a graphic that talks about interest rates for savings accounts, add alt text so that people using screen readers can also access that content. </li><li>For online forms, make sure that they are accessible. For example, if you offer new account applications on your website, it should be navigable using the keyboard instead of only the mouse.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>The Department of Justice has fined businesses for inaccessible websites. Individuals may also file a lawsuit against a credit union for accessibility issues. This makes it incredibly important that your website is fully accessible.&nbsp;</p><p>While these requirements may seem onerous, they will ultimately improve and make your website more accessible to a broader range of people, not just people with disabilities. Making your website easier to navigate and use is a win across the board. While the process can be time-consuming and technical, it is well worth the effort.&nbsp;</p><p>At Inclind, we offer <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessibility audits</a> to help our clients (including credit unions) comply with the ADA. We can analyze your current website for accessibility compliance and then offer you guidance on improving accessibility in terms of design, content, and functionality. We can even perform <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a> so your website can incorporate the latest technologies.&nbsp;</p><h2>Work with Inclind for an ADA-Compliant Website&nbsp;</h2><p>Many businesses look at accessibility as another expense instead of an opportunity. Making your website accessible is a great way to build your business as a credit union. Our team of award-winning designers and developers can help you determine what your website needs to become ADA accessible and then implement those changes for you.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind works with credit unions and other financial institutions throughout the United States to offer high-quality, technologically advanced <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services">web development</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-design">design</a> services. We have particular experience helping credit unions build highly functional, beautifully designed, accessible websites. Our full range of credit union website services includes <a href="https://www.inclind.com/support">support and maintenance</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">site redesigns</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/website-consulting">website consulting</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>We're available if you’d like to learn more about our website development services for credit unions - including accessibility compliance. You can fill out our online <a href="https://www.inclind.com/#link1">contact form</a>, call us at <a href="tel:800-604-8139">800-604-8139</a>, or hit the live chat button to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

ADA Website Requirements For Credit Unions

Credit Union Website Regulatory Compliance Checklist

Shaun Tyndall

<p dir="ltr"><span>For marketing teams juggling strategy, execution, reporting, and tech management often all in the same week, the pressure to do more with less is very real and on repeat. Time, tools, and bandwidth are stretched. But 2025 is bringing real momentum, thanks to a growing ally: </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation"><span>AI-powered marketing automation</span></a><span>.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Artificial intelligence isn't just a trend; it's transforming how small, mid-sized teams approach everything from </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-content-creation"><span>content creation</span></a><span> to </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-lead-nurturing"><span>lead nurturing</span></a><span>. And it's doing it in ways that feel less robotic and more like an extra teammate who's always on and learning.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>What's New: How AI Redefines Marketing Automation</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Marketing automation used to mean scheduled emails, triggered workflows, and CRM syncs. Now, AI adds nuance, prediction, and adaptability.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>AI-enhanced tools not only execute campaigns but also determine what to send, when, and the reasoning behind it. Here's what that looks like:</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Rather than just executing, today’s AI-enhanced tools analyze, recommend, and adapt in real time:&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/analytics/user-experience-analytics"><strong>Smarter Segmentation</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> AI tools build dynamic segments based on engagement patterns and buyer behavior.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><strong>Predictive Content:&nbsp;</strong><span>From subject lines to CTAs, AI suggests what resonates before campaigns launch.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/maintenance/performance-optimization"><strong>Performance Insights</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> It’s not just dashboards, AI explains why metrics shift and suggests fixes.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><strong>Behavior-Based Journeys:</strong><span> Instead of static triggers, journeys adapt live based on user actions.</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>This shift helps marketers move from guesswork to intentionality.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Tactical Use Cases for Real Marketing Teams</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Let’s keep this practical. Here’s how AI is showing up in everyday marketing tasks:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-email-marketing-automation"><strong>Email Campaigns</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Auto-generated A/B tests built from user history and persona data.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-social-media-management"><strong>Social Scheduling</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> AI-optimized post times and sentiment-aware caption writing.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-lead-nurturing"><strong>Lead Scoring</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Adaptive models that respond to changing behaviors and interactions.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/technical-seo"><strong>SEO Drafting</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Real-time content suggestions based on trending topics, not just keywords.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-content-creation"><strong>Content Repurposing</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> One blog post can become five social posts, three email intros, and a webinar teaser with minimal lift.</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>These capabilities are showing up in the tools teams already know across platforms like&nbsp;</span><strong>WordPress</strong><span> and&nbsp;</span><strong>Drupal</strong><span>, too.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Integrating AI with WordPress &amp; Drupal</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>AI-powered marketing doesn't live in a vacuum. It connects directly to the CMS platforms you already use. Both WordPress and Drupal offer growing support for intelligent marketing automation:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><a href="/services/wordpress-websites"><span>WordPress</span></a><span>: Plugins like MailPoet, Jetpack, and RankMath now feature AI content analysis, auto-personalization, and SEO-driven drafting assistance.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/services/drupal-websites"><span>Drupal</span></a><span>: With its API-first architecture, Drupal supports AI integration for real-time personalization, smart content tagging, and predictive analytics modules.</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>Whether you're launching smarter email flows or building behavior-driven landing pages, we help make your CMS an active participant in your marketing strategy, not just a container.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Insight from the Field</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><em><span>"AI has helped us shift from reactive to proactive marketing,”</span></em><span> shares Deserie Lawrence, Inclind Marketing Director. </span><em><span>"We're not waiting for data to tell us what worked; we're using AI to plan campaigns we already know are likely to hit and resonate in an actionable way. For a small internal team like ours, AI automation is paramount - it ensures we connect with the right people, communicate the right message, and convert interest into qualified leads that keep our sales pipeline healthy and steady."</span></em></p><p dir="ltr"><span>That kind of insight can be a game-changer, especially for lean teams with limited analytics capacity.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>How to Start Without Getting Overwhelmed</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>You don’t need a data science background—or a giant budget—to put AI to work.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Audit Your Stack:</strong><span> Tools like </span><a href="/solutions/hubspot"><span>HubSpot</span></a><span>, Mailchimp, WordPress, and Drupal already offer built-in AI features. Activate and experiment.</span><br><strong>Start Small:</strong><span> Test an AI tool for a recurring task, like content summaries or subject line testing.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Trust but Verify:</strong><span> Let AI handle the lift, then review and fine-tune.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Train the Team:</strong><span> AI is an assistant, not a replacement. A little upskilling goes a long way.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Let’s Build Smarter Together</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Can AI lighten the load for your team? It's safe to say that there's definitely an opportunity there. Whether you’re optimizing a campaign or upgrading your&nbsp;</span>WordPress<span> or&nbsp;</span>Drupal<span> site with AI-enhanced features, we’re here to help you go from scattered to strategic without losing the human touch that sets your brand apart.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>&nbsp;Our </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/free-ai-automation-consultation"><span>free AI Automation Consultation</span></a><span> would help our two teams identify what makes the most sense as a first step forward.&nbsp;</span></p>

AI and the New Era of Marketing Automation: Smarter, Faster, More Human

<p dir="ltr"><span>For small marketing teams, every minute and every resource matters. Between </span><a href="/solutions/analytics/campaign-performance-analytics"><span>managing campaigns</span></a><span>, </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-content-creation"><span>producing content</span></a><span>, tracking performance, and </span><a href="/solutions/analytics/user-experience-analytics"><span>engaging audiences</span></a><span>, the sheer volume of work can easily overwhelm.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>That’s where AI automation steps in - not to replace the marketer but to amplify the team’s capabilities, helping them streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and reclaim time for creativity and strategy.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>What Is AI Automation and Why It Matters for Small Teams</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>AI automation uses artificial intelligence to handle repetitive tasks, make smart decisions based on data, and connect systems and tools with minimal human intervention.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>For small teams, this means:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><span>Scaling operations without hiring more staff</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Responding faster to leads and opportunities</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Freeing up time to focus on high-impact work</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Improving consistency across marketing channels</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>Unlike traditional automation tools that follow rigid rules, </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation"><span>AI automation</span></a><span> can adapt, learn, and even predict behavior, making it ideal for today’s agile marketing environments.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Tactical Examples of AI Automation for Marketing Teams</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Here are just a few ways small teams can leverage AI automation today:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-lead-nurturing"><strong>Lead Nurturing</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Automatically send follow-up emails, score leads based on engagement, and route them to sales or nurture funnels.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-social-media-management"><strong>Content Scheduling</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Use AI tools to recommend the best times to post, auto-publish to multiple platforms, and repurpose content.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-chatbots-virtual-assistants"><strong>CRM Management</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Sync customer data between platforms, update contact records in real time, and flag duplicate entries.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-reporting-analytics"><strong>Reporting &amp; Insights</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Generate performance reports, highlight campaign trends, and suggest optimizations—without hours of manual spreadsheet work.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-email-marketing-automation"><strong>Email Personalization</strong></a><strong>:</strong><span> Create dynamic content blocks that adapt to user behavior, interests, or lifecycle stage.</span></li></ul><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Inclind's Insight</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>"</span><em><span>Small marketing teams are under pressure to deliver big results with fewer resources. AI automation helps level the playing field, giving teams the ability to move fast, stay focused, and execute smarter</span></em><span>."</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>— Deserie Lawrence, Marketing Director, Inclind</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>How to Get Started with AI Automation</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Not sure where to begin? You don't have to implement everything at once. Here's a simple way to approach automation without feeling overwhelmed:</span></p><ol><li dir="ltr"><strong>Start with One Workflow</strong><span>: First, pick a task your team often does, like sending new subscriber welcome emails, and automate that.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><strong>Use No-Code Tools</strong><span>: Platforms like </span><a href="/news/zapier-vs-make-vs-n8n-navigating-ai-powered-marketing-workflows"><span>Zapier, Make, or HubSpot</span></a><span> make it easy to build automations without writing code.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><strong>Involve Your Team</strong><span>: Ask your team where they're losing time or repeating steps. These are great places to introduce automation.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><strong>Track and Iterate</strong><span>: Once live, monitor the impact of your automation, adjust, and expand as your comfort grows.</span></li></ol><p dir="ltr"><span>The goal is progress, not perfection.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Take the First Step Toward Smarter Marketing</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>AI automation is not a luxury; it is paramount for small marketing teams aiming to accomplish more with fewer resources. Automating the repetition creates more space for strategy, storytelling, and human connection. Let's collaborate to identify where AI Automation can best impact your efforts and make it where our teams work smarter, not harder.&nbsp;</span></p>

Unlocking the Power of AI Automation for Small Marketing Teams

The 15 Best Internet Service Provider Website Designs

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Why Automation Matters Now More Than Ever</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Marketing today is high-speed, high-volume, and high-stakes.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Whether building personalized experiences, managing multiple platforms, or generating insights from scattered data sources, marketing teams are under constant pressure to do more with less.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>That's where&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation"><strong>AI-powered automation</strong></a><span> steps in. These tools don't just reduce manual tasks but also empower marketers to scale intelligently and focus on what really moves the needle: strategy, creativity, and impact.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>But with so many tools available, how do you find the right fit?</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Understanding the Options: Zapier, Make, and N8N</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Zapier</strong><span>,&nbsp;</span><strong>Make</strong><span>, and&nbsp;</span><strong>N8N</strong><span> are three standout platforms designed to streamline marketing workflows through automation. Each one is built with a different kind of user and use case in mind:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><span>Zapier: Best for quick wins and minimal setup</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Make: Ideal for building complex, scalable workflows</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>N8N: Great for teams needing full control over data and infrastructure</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>Here’s a look at how they stack up.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Zapier: Built for Simplicity and Speed</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Perfect for lean teams who want to move fast without technical overhead.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Connects with over 6,000 apps, including Google Workspace, HubSpot, and Slack</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ No-code interface designed for non-technical users</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Pre-built "Zaps" help automate common tasks quickly</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Runs in the background, set it and forget it</span></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Quick take:</strong><span> Zapier is a smart choice for marketing teams looking to </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/ai-lead-nurturing"><span>automate lead nurturing</span></a><span>, keep CRM records current, coordinate campaign tasks, and ensure their tools stay in sync without writing a single line of code.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Make: Custom Workflows Without the Code</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Designed for teams with more advanced needs—but still easy to manage.</strong></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Build&nbsp;</span><strong>multi-step workflows</strong><span> with conditional logic</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅&nbsp;</span><strong>Visual editor</strong><span> makes it easy to map out automation</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Supports&nbsp;</span><strong>custom functions</strong><span>, API calls, and error handling</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Balances power with accessibility</span></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Quick take:</strong><span> Make is built for marketing teams that need to design more advanced automation, like syncing multi-step customer journeys, triggering logic-based campaign flows, and connecting content operations across platforms, all with visual precision and without writing complex code.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>N8N: Control, Security, and Flexibility</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>An open-source solution for businesses with unique processes or strict data standards.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Self-hosted and fully customizable</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Connect to any API and define logic with JavaScript</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Supports advanced workflow scripting</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>✅ Backed by a vibrant open-source community</span></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Quick take:</strong><span> N8N is ideal for marketing teams that need full control over their automation. It offers </span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/custom-ai-automation-solutions"><span>custom workflows</span></a><span>, advanced API integrations, and secure, self-hosted solutions for teams with strict data or compliance requirements.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Inclind Insight: From the Front Lines of Automation</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><em>"Choosing an automation tool isn't just a tech decision; it's a strategic one. When workflows run smoothly, marketers can focus on impact instead of firefighting. The best tools fade into the background and let the team shine."</em><br><em>&nbsp;- Shaun Tyndall, Inclind Founder &amp; Director&nbsp;</em></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Ultimately, the best automation tool is the one that fits your workflow, your goals, and your team's technical comfort level. Here’s how to think about your options:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><span>If speed and simplicity are your top priorities,&nbsp;</span><strong>Zapier</strong><span> is a wise choice. It's built for marketers who want to automate everyday tasks quickly and without coding, and is ideal for small- to medium-sized teams that want to get up and running fast.</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr"><span>If your workflows involve more complexity, like conditional logic, branching paths, or syncing multiple platforms,&nbsp;</span><strong>Make</strong><span> offers the flexibility and visual control to keep your automation organized and scalable. It's perfect for teams that need more depth without diving into code.</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr"><span>If data privacy, customization, or infrastructure control are non-negotiables,&nbsp;</span><strong>N8N</strong><span> gives you full ownership. Its open-source, self-hosted model is designed for teams with in-house technical capabilities and needs to build automation tailored to highly specific use cases.</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>Each of these platforms serves a unique purpose, but they are all built to help marketing teams reclaim time, reduce friction, and drive smarter outcomes.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Turn Automation Into Advantage</strong></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale your automation game, the right platform can:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><span>Eliminate repetitive work</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Improve data accuracy</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Enhance </span><a href="/solutions/analytics/campaign-performance-analytics"><span>campaign execution</span></a></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Empower your team to work smarter, not harder.</span></li></ul><h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Need Help Choosing the Right Tool?</strong></h3><p><span>We're here to support your journey at every step. Inclind offers&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/ai-automation/free-ai-automation-consultation"><strong>free AI strategy consultations</strong></a><span> to help marketing teams select and implement the best-fit automation solutions. Whether choosing the right automation tools to augment your marketing team's output or thinking through workflows that make the most sense for your content goals, two teams' minds are often better than one. Let's chat!</span></p>

Zapier vs. Make vs. N8N: Navigating AI-Powered Marketing Workflows

The Best Content Management System Options for Government Agencies

<p dir="ltr"><span>AI chatbots are increasingly becoming commonplace on websites as AI technology improves. Using artificial intelligence, these chatbots can now respond intelligently to customer inquiries while maintaining your brand voice after being&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/how-train-ai-chatbot-custom-knowledge-base"><span>trained on your internal knowledge base</span></a><span>.&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>If you want to cut down on customer service costs, adding an AI chatbot is a great option. Building an AI chatbot is a multi-step process that requires a fair amount of programming knowledge. Our team can help you design and build an AI chatbot that can be integrated with your website, app, and across social media channels.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Inclind helps medium-sized businesses, membership organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits throughout the United States with their website design and development needs. We can help with website designs,&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/website-redesigns"><span>redesigns</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/integrations"><span>custom integrations</span></a><span>,&nbsp; and more - including AI chatbot integration. Reach out today to&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.inclind.com/#link1"><span>talk to a team member&nbsp;</span></a><span>about our services.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>What Is an AI Chatbot?</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot is a software coded and trained to analyze and respond to human speech. Chatbots use AI algorithms and technology such as&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/natural-language-processing"><span>natural language processing</span></a><span> and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/machine-learning"><span>machine learning</span></a><span>. An AI chatbot is trained with data sets comprised of large swaths of information. It also learns from conversations, saving that data to utilize in the future.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>AI chatbots have taken off in popularity. They are widely used to assist customers with inquiries. Rather than asking users to select from a predefined list of options, the AI chatbot can respond to questions and conversations using information from its knowledge base. It’s estimated that around&nbsp;</span><a href="https://bloggingwizard.com/chatbot-statistics/"><span>19% of all online businesses currently use AI chatbots</span></a><span> with chatbot adoption expected to grow at an annual rate of 23.3% until 2030.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>The Benefits Of Having An AI Chatbot On Your Site</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>AI chatbots are a great way to save employees time - and money. The AI chatbot is available 24/7 to provide personalized support.&nbsp; For example, if a customer wants to know if a particular item of clothing is available in youth sizes, the chatbot can respond instantly - without needing a customer service agent to respond to the inquiry.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>These chatbots can also boost business. They may offer recommendations tailored specifically to customers based on their purchase history, preferences, and past interactions. They can collect customer data, which allows companies to provide better, more personalized service.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>AI chatbots also meet customers where they are. Many people would prefer to browse for goods and services online rather than go to a store - and hate to make phone calls. With an AI chatbot, website visitors can get assistance without chatting with an agent.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Other benefits of AI chatbots include:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><span>Multilingual capacity, which means that customers from around the world can interact with your business in their preferred language</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Automation of routine questions, such as hours or whether a particular product is available</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Improved interactions based on customer history</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>The ability to connect data from the chatbot to your customer relationship management (</span><a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/best-crm-options-government-agencies"><span>CRM</span></a><span>) software for lead generation&nbsp;</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Better customer experience by personalizing customers’ journeys</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>The potential for anonymity for users who may not want to ask an agent a sensitive question</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>If you decide that an AI chatbot is a good option for your website, you will need to know how to build one. Inclind can help with that process, working with your organization to create both an AI chatbot and a custom knowledge base to train it.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>Building an AI Chatbot for Your Website</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>There are 2 primary options when it comes to building an AI chatbot. You can use an AI chatbot builder, a software that creates a chatbot. Alternatively, you can develop a chatbot from scratch. This allows you to create a more customized chatbot with more advanced features.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Define Your Use Case</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>To build a chatbot from scratch, you must start by defining your use case. In other words, why do you need a chatbot? Will it completely replace your customer service agents or supplement them? Are you trying to drive sales using a chatbot? Answering these questions can help you narrow down what features you want your chatbot to have and make it more useful to your business or organization.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>You will also need to consider where to deploy your AI chatbot. Typically, organizations will have a chatbot directly on their website. You can also add a chatbot to a mobile app and social media channels like Facebook Messenger. Make sure that where you place your AI chatbot, it can be integrated with your other software (such as CRM).</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Determine Your Tech Stack</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Once you understand what you want your AI chatbot to do and where you will place it, you must choose the proper technology for the job. There are lots of different options based on your needs. For example, AWS and IBM offer commercial chatbots that can be customized for fairly basic chatbots that answer customer questions. If you want a fully custom chatbot, you must use technology like Python machine-learning libraries and frameworks.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>You will need to include a few custom AI chatbots. This includes:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><span>Cloud infrastructure such as&nbsp;</span><a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/"><span>Microsoft Azure</span></a><span> or&nbsp;</span><a href="https://cloud.google.com/"><span>Google Cloud</span></a><span> so that you can scale computing power to your AI chatbot</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>A natural language processor (NLP) enables the chat box to understand and respond to inquiries like a human would. Several NLP platforms like&nbsp;</span><a href="https://aws.amazon.com/lex/"><span>Amazon Lex</span></a><span> and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.ibm.com/products/watsonx-assistant"><span>IBM Watson Assistan</span></a><span>t can be used to build an AI chatbot.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>AI/Machine Learning (ML) software to power the chatbot. Many different resources can be used to create AI/ML software, such as&nbsp;</span><a href="https://pytorch.org/"><span>PyTorch</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.tensorflow.org/"><span>TensorFlow</span></a><span>, and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://scikit-learn.org/stable/"><span>Scikit-learn</span></a><span>.</span></li></ul><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Create A Knowledge Base</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Next, you must build a custom knowledge base for your AI chatbot. Essentially, this is a library of information that trains your chatbot. A knowledge base typically includes internal data, such as product manuals and FAQs, public data that can provide standard answers to questions, and generated data, which is knowledge that you create to help your chatbot answer questions. For example, if you know that customers often ask about returns, you could write a few variations of the likely questions to help train the chatbot.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Train Your Chatbot</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Design the chatbot conversation once this custom knowledge base is complete. This is planning out the conversation flow. To generate a simple question-and-answer chatbot, create a decision tree (i.e., if a customer asks X, respond to Y and go to the next step). You will also have to train your chatbot to understand user intent so it can answer questions. Using AI, NLP, and ML can help your chatbot learn how to respond appropriately. Remember that these technologies empower your AI chatbot to learn - it will only improve over time.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Integrate Your Chatbot With Your Website</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Now, it is time to integrate your chatbot into your website and software and test it. This step aims to ensure that the chat interface is user-friendly and intuitive. To ensure the data is synchronized, you must check the chatbot is properly linked to your website and any software you use.&nbsp; You will also want to place it where it can connect to any necessary apps and that its overall design is consistent with your branding.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Testing involves checking both the functionality of the chatbot and its performance. How does it respond to questions? Does it provide fast, accurate responses? How does it handle heavy user loads? You should also ensure that you have security measures to prevent data breaches.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Publicly Launch Your Chatbot</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Launch your AI chatbot once the AI chatbot has been fully integrated and tested. Once it is on your website, app, and/or social media channels, monitoring its performance and updating it as necessary is important. For example, suppose you find the chatbot is consistently responding with an incomplete answer to certain queries. In that case, you might fine-tune the knowledge base to ensure that it is providing accurate responses.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Building an AI chatbot requires a fair amount of coding and tech skills - but the payoff can be immense. While AI chatbot builders can provide a fairly basic option, if you want to take full advantage of the benefits of this technology, a custom chatbot is the way to go. Inclind’s website designers and developers can work with you to design, develop, integrate, and launch a personalized AI chatbot that will benefit your business.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>Build a Smarter Website with Inclind</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>An AI chatbot is becoming almost mandatory for businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. An AI chatbot will save you time and money and allow you to serve your clients and customers. A custom AI chatbot can provide a more personalized experience and drive sales or donations.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>At Inclind, we are proud to provide the highest quality&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/custom-web-development"><span>website development</span></a><span> and&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/custom-web-design"><span>design</span></a><span> services to clients throughout the United States. Our team stays on top of the latest technology trends, including AI and ML, to provide creative, effective solutions to our clients.&nbsp; Our services include&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/react-applications"><span>react application development</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a href="/support"><span>support and maintenance</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/conversion-optimization"><span>conversion optimization</span></a><span>, and more. If you’d like to add an AI chatbot to your website, we can help you explore your options and develop a chatbot that works best for your needs.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>We're available if you’d like to learn more about our web services, including custom integrations for AI chatbots. You can fill out our</span><a href="https://www.inclind.com/#link1"><span> online contact form</span></a><span>, or call us at 1-302-856-2802 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</span></p>

How To Build An AI Chatbot For Your Website

A Better Beach Vacation Home Rental Experience for PenFed Realty

<p dir="ltr"><span>WordPress is the most widely used content management system (CMS) in the world, but it isn’t necessarily the best option for every website. With ongoing&nbsp;</span><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/12/wordpress-vs-wp-engine-drama-explained/"><span>lawsuits and controversy surrounding WordPress</span></a><span>, many site owners are considering the switch to Drupal. Drupal is more technically complicated to use, but it does have several advantages over WordPress. This is why some organizations choose to migrate their WordPress site to Drupal.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Migrating from WordPress to Drupal requires some technical knowledge and some time. However, with the use of Drupal modules, it can be done more easily - although it still requires multiple steps to make sure that the migration is performed properly. To avoid potential pitfalls with the process, you can work with Inclind’s team of experienced&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/wordpress-websites"><span>WordPress</span></a><span> and&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/drupal-websites"><span>Drupal</span></a><span> website&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/custom-web-design"><span>designers</span></a><span> and&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/custom-web-development"><span>developers</span></a><span>.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Inclind works with companies,&nbsp;</span><a href="/clients/non-profit-organizations"><span>nonprofits</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a href="/clients/government-website-design"><span>government agencies</span></a><span>, and organizations of all sizes to help them design, build, and&nbsp;</span><a href="/support"><span>maintain</span></a><span> smart, efficient websites. We offer a full range of services to help our clients maximize the potential of their digital assets. Reach out today to learn more about our website design and development services.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>Why Migrate from WordPress to Drupal?</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>WordPress is a popular CMS, used by more websites than any other CMS in the world. It is easy to use, requiring little to no coding knowledge. It is also very customizable, with the ability to change the design and functionality using a library of thousands of themes and plug-ins.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>While WordPress is great, it isn’t the only open-source CMS on the market.&nbsp;</span><a href="https://new.drupal.org/home"><span>Drupal</span></a><span> also offers&nbsp;</span><a href="/news/drupal-vs-wordpress-which-cms-better"><span>many benefits when compared to WordPress</span></a><span>. It does require some experience in website development, but it offers certain advantages over WordPress.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>There are several key reasons why an organization might choose to migrate its website from WordPress to Drupal:</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><span>Drupal offers a more flexible taxonomy system for handling large quantities of content. If your website has a lot of content, then Drupal might be a better fit.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Drupal is more secure than WordPress, with a cohesive codebase that leads to fewer cyber attacks due to vulnerabilities.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Drupal offers more flexible custom content types and content views, so it is better for websites that publish different types of content.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Drupal has built-in support for multilingual websites. If your website is used by people who speak different languages, then Drupal may be a better choice.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Drupal’s template system is easier to use than WordPress themes.</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Drupal has better user role and permission controls compared to WordPress, which is perfect if your organization needs to give many different employees access to the website’s administrative dashboard.</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>While Drupal isn’t the right choice for every organization, if you are curious about this CMS, you should consult with a web development and design team to discuss the pros and cons of WordPress and CMS. Inclind can help you decide whether or not to migrate your website - and can help you with the migration process. We can even schedule a demo to help you decide if moving to Drupal is the right choice for your organization.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>How to Migrate Your Site from WordPress to Drupal&nbsp;</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>The key to a successful migration from WordPress to Drupal is planning and preparation. If you want to avoid any big pitfalls, it pays to spend some time familiarizing yourself with Drupal’s interface, picking out a Drupal theme and modules, and making a backup of your WordPress site. These steps will help to make the transition much smoother.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Export Your WordPress Site</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Once you have backed up your WordPress site, the next step is to export your content. You can use the WordPress export tool, located in the Tools menu on your administrative dashboard. Choose Export and then select “all content.” This tool will export the content into an XML file. This is the file format that is used for importing your content into Drupal.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Once you have downloaded the XML file, you can confirm that the file is valid by using xmllint on the command line. If the entire file prints to the screen when you run xmllint mywordpressexport.xml, then your XML is valid. Otherwise, XML errors will be shown and you will have to make the appropriate fixes.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Install and Set Up Your Drupal Site</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>If you haven’t already done so, you should install Drupal. This is typically a fairly easy process, with some hosting providers offering one-click installation to make it incredibly simple. You will typically still have to make some choices with a one-click installation - such as the protocol, domain, folder, and version - but it still requires less work than a manual installation.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>With a manual installation, you will need to download CMS files, upload the files to your server, create a database, and then start the installation. This requires some technical knowledge that may require the assistance of a Drupal website developer.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Once Drupal is installed on your server, you will have to configure the site to complete the setup process. This includes a few steps:</span></p><ol><li dir="ltr"><span>Configuring email settings</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Adding users and configuring permissions</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Setting up Drupal content types and taxonomy</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Choosing a theme and customizing site design</span></li><li dir="ltr"><span>Picking modules to extend functionality</span></li></ol><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Install Drupal’s WordPress Migrate Module</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Drupal offers a specific module, WordPress Migrate, that can help you with the migration process. To use this module, you will also need to install a few other modules: Migrate Plus, Migrate Tools, and CTools. You will need to download each of these modules to complete the migration.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Migrate Content</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Once all of your Drupal migration modules have been installed, the next step is to perform the migration itself. From the Drupal dashboard, click on Admin, then Structure, then Migrations. Choose “Add import from WordPress.” At this point, you will want to select the XML file that you already saved during the WordPress export and click next.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Drupal will then ask you to either create new user accounts based on your WordPress setup or import these accounts into a single user account in Drupal. You can pick either option before proceeding to the next step: deciding whether you want to import your WordPress content tags and categories as tags in Drupal.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>You will then have to make other choices, such as deciding how to import your content. For example, your blog posts from WordPress should be imported as articles in Drupal. Pages in Wordpress can be imported as basic pages in Drupal.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>When you have chosen each option, you will click Finish. This will take you to a migration page with a list of the different types of content that you are importing from WordPress in a list form. Go down the list and click Execute beside each item to import that content to your Drupal Site.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Quality Check Your Site</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>While WordPress to Drupal migration is made simpler with the use of modules, it still requires some technical knowledge and experience with both WordPress and Drupal. Before you publish your Drupal site, you will want to take some time to make sure that the content has been imported correctly and that your site works as it should. This is also a great time to add functionality to your website with Drupal modules.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Once you are satisfied with your site and have worked out any issues, you can take your Drupal site live - and delete your old WordPress site.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>This guide provides an overview of how to migrate your site from WordPress to Drupal - but you might still be a little unsure of how to do each step. For example, configuring your Drupal site might be a challenge if you don’t have coding experience - or perhaps you are worried about importing your content correctly.&nbsp; If you are worried about your ability to successfully migrate your site from WordPress to Drupal, reach out to Inclind to learn more about how we can help you with the process.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>Get Help from a Seasoned Website Design and Development Team</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>While website migration from WordPress to Drupal isn’t common, it is a great option for many organizations. The process does require technical skill, from testing the validity of your XML file to installing Drupal and completing the content import. Our website design and development firm can help you through each step of the process, starting with a&nbsp;</span><a href="/services/website-consulting"><span>consultation</span></a><span> where we can help you decide if moving to Drupal is the right choice for your organization.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Inclind is a full-service web development and design company. We offer a full range of services, including website&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/website-redesigns"><span>redesigns</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/integrations"><span>custom integrations</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/accessibility-audits"><span>accessibility audits</span></a><span>, and&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/technical-seo"><span>technical SEO</span></a><span>. We can also perform&nbsp;</span><a href="/solutions/website-migrations"><span>website migrations</span></a><span> for clients - whether you are moving between WordPress and Drupal or another CMS entirely.</span></p><p><span>If you’d like to simplify your web hosting, design, and maintenance, we can help. Give us a call at 1-302-856-2802 or fill out our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.inclind.com/#link1"><span>online contact form</span></a><span> to get started.</span></p>

How To Migrate From WordPress To Drupal & Avoid Major Pitfalls

<p>When it comes to building a website, a content management system (CMS) is the way to go. Content management systems enable site owners to easily organize, edit, and display site content at scale.&nbsp;</p><p>WordPress is the most widely-used CMS platform in the world, and for good reason. It is low-cost, easy to use, and incredibly customizable. If you are debating between CMS platforms for your website, read on to learn some of the reasons why WordPress may be a great choice for your organization.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Delaware, Inclind works with businesses, government agencies, and organizations throughout the United States to help them design, build, and maintain their websites. Our award-winning <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/wordpress-websites">WordPress website designers and developers</a> use the CMS to develop unique and engaging sites. In addition to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/wordpress-websites">website design</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-development">development</a> services, Inclind can also assist with other site projects like <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">website redesign</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/technical-seo">technical SEO</a>. If you want to learn more about using WordPress for your website, reach out today to talk to one of our experts.&nbsp;</p><h2>Why Use WordPress? 27 Advantages To Using WordPress&nbsp;</h2><p><a href="https://wordpress.com/">WordPress</a> is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world. It is used by <a href="https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/cm-wordpress">61.7%</a> of all websites with a known CMS - or 43.4% of all websites worldwide.&nbsp;</p><p>A CMS is software that can be used to build websites easily. With a CMS, you can create a website without any coding knowledge. Launched in 2003, WordPress is one of the older CMS available.&nbsp;</p><p>While it was created as a blogging platform, WordPress is utilized today by corporations, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/wordpress-for-nonprofits">nonprofits</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/wordpress-healthcare-benefits-choosing-wordpress">healthcare companies</a>, government agencies, higher education, e-commerce shops, and other entities. It competes with other platforms like <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/drupal-vs-wordpress-which-cms-better">Drupal</a>, Wix, Squarespace, and Joomla. While many of these other CMS are widely used, WordPress is by far the most popular option for websites.&nbsp;</p><p>So, what exactly makes WordPress so beloved? There are lots of benefits to using WordPress, most of which boil down to user-friendliness and flexibility. Below, we list the top 27 advantages of using WordPress for your website.&nbsp;</p><h3>Simple Installation&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress can be used by novices and experts alike. It is incredibly easy to download, install, and set up. Its simple one-click installation requires no coding, meaning anyone can get started on a WordPress website with minimal effort.&nbsp;</p><h3>Easy to Use&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and manage a website - even for beginners. The administrative dashboard is intuitive and straightforward. This allows any authorized user (more on that later!) to find necessary functions without any technical expertise.&nbsp;</p><h3>Low Cost&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress is free to use. You can download and install the platform - and many themes and plugins - for no cost. While premium themes and plugins cost money, building a WordPress website for very little money is possible. It is a particularly cost-effective CMS compared to many proprietary platforms, making it a great choice for businesses and organizations with a range of budgets.&nbsp;</p><h3>SEO-Friendly&nbsp;</h3><p>Search engine optimization (<a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/technical-seo">SEO</a>) is the process of making your site easy to crawl and understand for search engines. When your website is optimized, it will rank higher in search results - which means that more customers, clients, or supporters will be able to locate it. WordPress is built to be SEO-friendly. There are also various freemium plugins that can be added to your WordPress site to boost its SEO capabilities with optimized content, meta descriptions, and keywords.&nbsp;</p><h3>Responsive Design&nbsp;</h3><p>These days, people are more likely to access a website through a smartphone or tablet than a laptop or desktop computer. WordPress themes are designed to be mobile-friendly. This can help to ensure that your website functions as it should - and looks great - on all devices.&nbsp;</p><h3>Open Source Software&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress is an open-source platform, which means that its source code is viewable by anyone. As a result, a global community of developers is constantly improving WordPress. This increases innovation and ensures that WordPress is up-to-date and secure.&nbsp;</p><h3>Accessibility&nbsp;</h3><p>An accessible website means that people with disabilities are able to interact with your website. WordPress works to meet web accessibility standards. A variety of themes and plugins include options to enhance accessibility, such as switching the site to a larger or high-contrast font to make it easier for people with limited vision to read it.&nbsp;</p><h3>Regular Updates&nbsp;</h3><p>The WordPress source code is regularly updated. This makes sure that it is secure and has the latest features. These updates improve existing functions, address vulnerabilities, and introduce new features.&nbsp;</p><h3>Multilingual Support&nbsp;</h3><p>If your website attracts visitors from around the world, then you will appreciate WordPress’ multilingual support. Using plugins, you can create a website that can be translated into multiple languages. This ensures that you can reach as many people as possible in their preferred language.&nbsp;</p><h3>Easy Updates&nbsp;</h3><p>Technology is constantly evolving - and that includes the code that underlies platforms like WordPress. Updates are required to ensure that your WordPress website, theme, and plugins are secure and have the latest features. Fortunately, these updates are simple - often requiring just a click to install from the dashboard. Many updates can also be scheduled automatically.&nbsp;</p><h3>Wide Variety of Plug-Ins and Apps&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress offers thousands of plugins and bits of code that can be used to add features to a website. WordPress boasts a marketplace of over 59,000 free plugins. This makes it possible to customize your website to your specific needs. Adding functionalities to your website is as simple as picking and installing a high-quality plug-in.&nbsp;</p><h3>Highly Secure&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress offers regular updates and security plugins to protect websites from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. By making sure that you keep your website updated and using plugins, you can protect it against hackers and other threats.&nbsp;</p><h3>Scalability&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress might have started out as a platform for bloggers, but it has grown over time. Today, a WordPress website can be used for everything from a wedding website to a Fortune 500 company site. This CMS is scalable, so its architecture can support websites with high traffic numbers without compromising performance. This makes WordPress a great CMS for websites of any size.&nbsp;</p><h3>Range of Themes&nbsp;</h3><p>A WordPress theme is essentially its design or how it looks and functions. Part of what makes WordPress great is that thousands of themes are available so that users can choose what works for them. Each theme has a different look and comes with different features, which can be further customized using plugins.&nbsp;</p><h3>Built-In Blogging Options&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress started as a blogging platform, so it isn’t surprising that its blogging capabilities are fantastic. It offers categories and tags as well as commenting systems. This makes it simple to create and organize blog content - and get engagement on blogs.&nbsp;</p><h3>Flexibility&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress can be used to create almost any type of website, from a relatively simple eCommerce store to a complex <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/membership-organizations">membership website</a> with a member portal to enterprise websites. With a flexible architecture, it can adapt to various types and sizes of websites.&nbsp;</p><h3>Multimedia Management&nbsp;</h3><p>Today, users expect a variety of media when they visit a website - such as videos and photos in addition to written content. WordPress allows website administrators to easily upload, edit, and manage all types of media. The built-in media library makes it easy to store and organize media to be accessed and added to a website when needed.</p><h3>Functionality&nbsp;</h3><p>The WordPress plugin and theme library is vast. This makes it possible to choose a design (theme) that is perfect for your business or organization. You can then customize your website using plugins to add various features. These options make it possible to build a highly functional website.&nbsp;</p><h3>Analytics and Reporting&nbsp;</h3><p>Understanding how people interact with your website is critical to maximizing its success and usefulness. WordPress easily integrates with plugins like Google Analytics. These plugins allow site owners to track key metrics, understand user behavior, and make decisions based on data.&nbsp;</p><h3>Social Media Integration&nbsp;</h3><p>In 2025, more people get news and information from social media than ever before. WordPress offers a number of options for seamlessly integrating social media with its websites. This allows visitors to share website content on social networks easily - and for your website to increase its reach.&nbsp;</p><h3>Great Community Support&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress was built by a community of coders - and this same community offers great support. The WordPress community is huge and offers a lot of tools and information, such as forums and tutorials, to help users with their sites. This makes it easy to get help for many technical issues without hiring an expert.&nbsp;</p><h3>Third-Party Integration&nbsp;</h3><p>Getting the most out of your website typically requires pairing it with other tools - like email marketing platforms to customer relationship management (CRM) software. WordPress easily integrates with third-party services. If you need to integrate software that doesn’t have a plugin, Inclind can help with a <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integration</a>.&nbsp;</p><h3>No Coding Knowledge Required&nbsp;</h3><p>Many WordPress themes offer drag-and-drop building options. This means that you won’t need to understand HTML or code in order to build a great website. These tools can make it easy to create even a complex website easily.&nbsp;</p><h3>Optimized Performance and Speed&nbsp;</h3><p>Nothing turns a user off faster when visiting a website than a slow-to-load site. Using plugins can help enhance a WordPress website's speed and performance. Tools like caching plugins can improve load times and performance, making your site more attractive to users. Improving load times can be done on any CMS platform. Still, it can be easier to improve load times for WordPress sites than other CMS platforms due to the available plugins and developer support.&nbsp;</p><h3>Administrative User Roles&nbsp;</h3><p>Businesses and organizations often need multiple people to manage a website - such as a person who creates and uploads content and another who manages the website itself. With WordPress, an organization can allow multiple users to access the administrative dashboard, each with an assigned role and permissions. In this way, an organization can ensure that their staff has access to the website - but only the access that they need.&nbsp;</p><h3>E-Commerce Options&nbsp;</h3><p>Many websites exist to sell goods and services online. WordPress offers a range of plugins (like <a href="https://woocommerce.com/">WooCommerce</a>) that make it easy to sell products. It can support different payment gateways and product listings so that businesses can create an online store that meets their needs.&nbsp;</p><h3>Ability to Self-Host&nbsp;</h3><p>With WordPress, it is possible to build a site using the platform - and then host it through a third-party company. This makes it possible to choose a hosting service that works for your website. It can often improve website speed and performance since you will have the flexibility to choose any hosting provider.&nbsp;</p><h2>Ready to Build a WordPress Website? Give Inclind a Call!&nbsp;</h2><p>WordPress makes it easy to build a beautiful, functional, and efficient website. It is great for all types of businesses and organizations, from <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/healthcare-organizations">healthcare practices</a> to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/credit-unions">credit unions</a> to large corporations. While WordPress is user-friendly, a website design and development agency can help you build a secure, high-performing site.&nbsp;</p><p>At Inclind, we are skilled at working with WordPress to create feature-rich websites to meet our clients’ unique needs. Our technical know-how and design savvy make it possible for us to work with a CMS like WordPress to make a stunning, effective website. We work with a range of clients, utilizing our knowledge of technology, business needs, and regulations that govern the industry to build great websites.&nbsp;</p><p>Interested in learning more about our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/wordpress-websites">WordPress design and development services</a>? Fill out our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">online contact form</a> or give us a call at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

The Top 27 Benefits & Advantages Of Using WordPress

<p>If you have ever had to call an automated service line, you know firsthand the frustration of having to hit a button repeatedly or yell “agent” into the phone over and over until you can talk to someone about your problem. Fortunately, technology has given us far better customer service tools. This includes AI chatbots.&nbsp;</p><p>An AI chatbot is essentially an automatic customer service representative that can provide instant, relevant answers to questions. AI chatbots can be trained on a custom knowledge base to respond to customer queries. You don’t have to train an AI chatbot - it will train itself based on the custom knowledge base that you develop.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Delaware, Inclind works with clients throughout the United States to help them build smart, effective websites. Our services include everything from <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-design">website design</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">redesign</a> to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a> so that you can modernize your website with an AI chatbot trained on a custom knowledge base. Reach out today to talk to a member of our team about our services.&nbsp;</p><h2>Benefits of AI Chatbots&nbsp;</h2><p>An <a href="https://cloud.google.com/learn/what-is-artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) <a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/chatbots">chatbot</a> is a piece of software that essentially acts like a customer service agent by simulating human conversation. When a visitor to your website clicks on the chat tool, the chatbot responds instantly. AI chatbots have become incredibly popular, and are used across all industries from <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/healthcare-organizations">healthcare</a> to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/e-commerce-websites">e-commerce</a> to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/utility-companies">utility companies</a>.&nbsp;</p><h3>Better User Experience&nbsp;</h3><p>Because AI chatbots use advanced language models and conversational AI technology, they are more sophisticated than the automated customer service options of the past. For users, there are many potential benefits to an AI chatbot. Benefits include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Getting an answer instantly rather than waiting for a customer service agent to be available to help;&nbsp;</li><li>Getting personalized service and suggestions;&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to communicate in many languages;&nbsp;</li><li>24/7 availability;&nbsp;</li><li>The potential for self-service options to complete tasks independently and&nbsp;</li><li>No need to repeat your issue or answer the same questions repeatedly.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>All of these advantages of AI chatbots ultimately benefit your business. When your customers are more engaged and feel like they are being heard, they tend to have more brand loyalty. Think of it this way: will your customers be happier if they can get an answer to a question late Friday night or if they have to wait until Monday morning?&nbsp;</p><h3>Cost-Effective Support Solutions&nbsp;</h3><p>AI chatbots are also a cost-effective option for companies. After an initial investment in the technology, these chatbots eliminate the need for 24/7 staffing - and can reduce labor costs overall. Instead of having your employees respond to basic inquiries, they can focus their energy on resolving bigger issues for customers. This can improve the overall quality of customer service and keep your staff happier as well.&nbsp;</p><h3>More Leads &amp; Sales&nbsp;</h3><p>Chatbots can also help to boost sales by generating leads and promoting other items. For example, if a customer asks about a specific product and service, the chatbot might be able to offer upgrades or complementary items to meet their needs.&nbsp;</p><p>AI chatbots can also capture customer data directly, which can be used to glean insights about them. Instead of your employees entering information manually whenever a customer calls, the chatbot will collect the necessary information for you. This can also improve marketing efforts, as you will be able to improve your product and service offerings based on the information that visitors provide to the chatbot.&nbsp;</p><h3>Better User Retention&nbsp;</h3><p>Finally, AI chatbots have become fairly standard on websites and apps. Customers expect to get their questions answered quickly without making a call or waiting for an agent to be available. Not having an AI chatbot can turn customers off or make your business or organization seem less reliable or technologically advanced.&nbsp;</p><h2>What Is a Custom Knowledge Base?&nbsp;</h2><p>While AI chatbots have a lot of advantages, they aren’t that useful for your company if they don’t provide relevant information. After all, AI is only as good as the information that it relies upon to generate answers.&nbsp;</p><p>A custom knowledge base is a library of information designed to meet your organization's needs. There are both internal and external knowledge bases. An internal knowledge base is used by employees and may contain information like HR policies. An external knowledge base is customer-facing and offers information about products and services so that people can find what they need without the help of a customer support representative.&nbsp;</p><p>An AI chatbot can be trained to use a custom knowledge base to integrate the two technologies. The knowledge base functions as the chatbot’s database - allowing it to get answers. The chatbot interprets the queries that it receives, finds the right answer in the content available in the knowledge base, and then develops an answer to the question. In some ways, it is like asking a librarian to help you find the answer to a question - except that the chatbot can answer instantly.&nbsp;</p><h2>Training an AI Chatbot with a Custom Knowledge Base&nbsp;</h2><p>If you’ve invested in AI chatbot software for your website, or you’re considering doing so, you’ll want to make sure it has the capability to be trained on your own datasets. A chatbot that has been trained with your own knowledge base can provide quick and accurate answers to customers’ questions. It can also eliminate the need for employees to respond to simple, repetitive questions.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, if you run a healthcare facility, visitors to your website may wonder what insurance providers you accept. While this information is likely already on your site, you’re bound to get some users reaching out about it. When your AI chatbot is trained using a custom knowledge base, it can quickly respond to a query about this subject without your staff having to answer a call or email about it. So, how do you train your AI chatbot with a custom knowledge base?&nbsp;</p><h3>Choose A Knowledge Base Platform&nbsp;</h3><p>The first step is to set up the knowledge base. You will need to choose a platform for the knowledge base to start. There are plenty of options available, such as <a href="https://www.zendesk.com/">Zendesk</a>, <a href="https://document360.com/">Document 360</a>, and <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence">Confluence</a>. A custom integration can ensure that your knowledge base software can communicate with your existing technology stack. Don’t have time to create a knowledge base? Many chatbots will allow you to enter your website URL so that you can train the bot on your website content.&nbsp;</p><h3>Build Your Knowledge Base&nbsp;</h3><p>Next, you will need to identify the information that you want to include in your knowledge base. The key here is to ensure that the data you provide is relevant and accurate. One way to achieve this goal is by performing an audit of the questions that customers most often ask. You can develop a knowledge base that will meet users’ needs using this information.&nbsp;</p><p>After you have identified the proper data to include in the knowledge base, you will need to set it up. Depending on the software that you choose, you will have to create categories and subcategories for the information and then write or input articles that provide answers to frequently asked questions. Make sure that any articles that you include in the knowledge base are easy to search and clearly written.&nbsp;</p><h3>Training Your Chatbot&nbsp;</h3><p>When it comes to training your AI chatbot, all that you have to do is integrate your knowledge base with your AI software. The beauty of artificial intelligence is that it trains itself on the information that you provide to it. As long as your knowledge base is solid, your AI chatbot will provide great answers to user queries.&nbsp;</p><p>Of course, you will have to make sure that your knowledge base is up to date. If something about your products and services changes, you should update your knowledge base. Notably, that same knowledge base can be used as a direct resource for customers (like an online library), so updating it will benefit both customers using the chatbot and those searching your website themselves.&nbsp;</p><p>You should also regularly review the chatbot’s performance and the knowledge base’s helpfulness using analytics. You can look at key metrics such as customer satisfaction, how often customer issues are resolved on the first contact, and the deflection rate (how many customers could solve their problems with self-service resources). Using this information, you can fine-tune the knowledge base so that your AI chatbot can better help your customers.&nbsp;</p><h2>Take Your Website Further with Inclind&nbsp;</h2><p>Artificial intelligence doesn’t have to be scary. The reality is that it can be incredibly helpful, providing accurate information quickly. The trick is to make sure that it can train itself using a well-developed custom knowledge base.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind works with businesses across the United States to provide high-quality <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-development">website development</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-design">design</a> services. We utilize the latest technologies to ensure that our clients get the most out of their websites. Our range of services includes <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessibility audits</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-migrations">website migrations</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a>, and more. Our team can help you set up and train a chatbot for your site.&nbsp;</p><p>We're available if you’d like to learn more about our web services, including custom integrations. You can fill out our<a href="https://www.inclind.com/#link1"> online contact form</a>, or call us at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

How To Train An AI Chatbot With A Custom Knowledge Base

<p>Customer relationship management (CRM) software is widely used worldwide to increase sales and better manage customer interactions. In the public sector, CRM systems can manage how <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/government-website-design">government agencies</a> interact with constituents. This type of software can also be utilized to maintain transparency, manage data, and comply with regulations.&nbsp;</p><p>While the biggest market for CRM software is for the private sector, there are also a lot of great CRM options for government agencies. A good CRM system should make a government agency more efficient through data management, request management, workflow automation, and reporting. We have put together a list of some of the best government CRM software available to help you pick a system that will work well for your agency.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Delaware, Inclind works with government agencies of all sizes throughout the United States. We offer a full suite of <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-design">website design</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/custom-web-development">development</a> services, including website design, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">redesign</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/support">support and maintenance</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your government agency integrate CRM software into your website, reach out to talk to a member of our team.&nbsp;</p><h2>The Value of CRM Software&nbsp;</h2><p>Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a type of technology that can manage an entity’s interactions with constituents, customers, and the general public. Typically, someone refers to CRM as a software system that can generate leads, manage contacts, and boost productivity.&nbsp;</p><p>Like many other technology products, CRM software was created to help businesses become more profitable. In the corporate world, CRM software can be used to provide more optimized customer service, retain customers, and analyze customer behavior to increase sales. For example, CRM software can track customer queries about a particular product and then prompt the sales department to send targeted emails about that product to customers who have expressed interest in it.&nbsp;</p><p>Government agencies can also use CRM software to complete their work better and achieve their goals. While they may not be trying to make sales, their success is often defined by how well they serve citizens and achieve certain targets. A CRM system can streamline specific processes and provide insights. For example, if your government agency responds to citizen requests—such as requests to repair potholes for a local government agency—the software could track the requests and automatically notify constituents when they are completed.&nbsp;</p><p>A good CRM software program for a government agency will have some features that you may not find on a corporate CRM system - or that have been tweaked for government use. This may include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Case and service request management to track and manage cases and requests from constituents&nbsp;</li><li>Citizen data management to store and manage information about constituents, such as contact details and interaction history&nbsp;</li><li>Workflow automation to improve efficiency and reduce errors through automation of routine tasks&nbsp;</li><li>Security and compliance to meet the applicable regulations&nbsp;</li><li>Analytics and reporting to offer insights into operational performance and service delivery&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Any software program you choose should also be able to integrate with other technologies your agency uses, such as communication platforms and financial processing software. Inclind can build a custom integration to ensure your CRM software works well with your website and other technology.&nbsp;</p><h2>Best CRMs for Government Agencies&nbsp;</h2><p>A CRM system can be a valuable tool for government agencies. It can streamline many processes and help your agency provide better service and value to citizens. Below, we discuss some of the top CRMs that are specifically geared toward government use.&nbsp;</p><p>Keep in mind that the specific CRM that you choose will depend on a number of different factors. This includes your agency’s size, scope, and particular needs. For example, suppose you run a public works department for a small town. In that case, you probably won’t need a more expensive enterprise software to manage service requests for things like leaf collection from your citizens - but a less costly solution could work for the town government as a whole. If you run a large state agency that manages a lot of constituent requests and funding, then you may need more capabilities.&nbsp;</p><p>Similarly, the type of data your agency handles will impact the CRM you choose. If you collect and manage sensitive data—like Social Security Numbers—you will want to ensure that your CRM complies with all government security standards. Other factors to consider include whether the software can integrate with existing agency systems, the experience of anticipated users (i.e., can they handle learning a more complicated system?), budget, and whether the software company offers comprehensive support and training. Inclind can work with you to help pick CRM software for your government agency and build a custom integration to ensure that it works smoothly with your agency’s technology. We can even provide ongoing support and maintenance.&nbsp;</p><h3>Salesforce Government Cloud&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.salesforce.com/government/cloud/">Salesforce Government Cloud</a> is a comprehensive CRM platform for government agencies. It is flexible and secure, with features like case management, data management, and workflow automation. It also meets government security standards like FedRAMP and DoD IL4. This product can also be easily integrated with other government systems and third-party applications.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Robust data security and compliance with government regulations.&nbsp;</li><li>Integration capabilities with various government systems.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Pricing may be higher compared to other solutions.&nbsp;</li><li>Complexity might require dedicated training for staff.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Granicus&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://granicus.com/">Granicus</a> is a CRM platform focused on engagement and communication with the public. It offers tools for managing communication, including social media, SMS, and email, and features for organizing public records, government events, and meetings. Like other CRMs, it also offers analytics and reporting, with a heavier emphasis on communication effectiveness.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Robust email marketing tools and advanced analytics.&nbsp;</li><li>Seamless integration with other government systems.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>May be more difficult to scale for larger agencies.&nbsp;</li><li>Lacks some advanced features found in other CRMs.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Oracle Public Sector CRM&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.oracle.com/government/">Oracle Public Sector CRM</a> offers comprehensive tools for managing interactions with constituents and tracking and resolving service requests and cases. The product incorporates data protection to ensure compliance with government security regulations. It can also be readily integrated with other Oracle products to provide detailed analytics on service performance and citizen engagement.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Strong data management and analytics capabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Very customizable to meet specific government requirements.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Implementation can be complex and time-consuming.&nbsp;</li><li>May require significant IT resources for maintenance.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Microsoft 365 Dynamics for Government&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/government">Microsoft 365 Dynamics for Government</a> is a special CRM offering from Microsoft that is only available to federal, state, and local government agencies in the United States. It has a number of great features, including integrated citizen and service data that combines constituent data with service request management. It also has tools for financial and compliance management, process automation, security, and analytics. For government agencies already using Microsoft products, it integrates easily with tools like Office 365 and Azure.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Integration with other Microsoft products enhances productivity.&nbsp;</li><li>Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Strong security and compliance features.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Customization may require additional development resources.&nbsp;</li><li>Licensing structure can be complex to navigate.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>CivicPlus&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.civicplus.com/">CivicPlus</a> is a CRM option that focuses more heavily on local government. This product—part of a suite of solutions—focuses on improving constituent engagement and communication. Its main features include service request management, communications, events, and feedback tools, analytics and reporting, and seamless integration. If your agency is mainly concerned with getting citizens more active and involved, CivicPlus is a good choice.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>User-friendly interface with customizable workflows.&nbsp;</li><li>Focus on community engagement and communication.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>May not offer the same depth of features as larger CRMs.&nbsp;</li><li>Limited scalability for larger government entities.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>OpenGov&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://opengov.com/">OpenGov</a> is a cloud-based CRM specifically for government agencies. It offers solutions for budgeting and reporting, citizen engagement, analytics and data visualization, and financial system integration. These tools allow citizens to access information and provide feedback and for government employees to work more efficiently. This software can help a government agency use data to make optimal decisions, improve financial transparency and accountability, and enhance citizen access to government information and services.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Strong focus on budgeting and financial management.&nbsp;</li><li>User-friendly dashboards and reporting tools.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Primarily focused on financial aspects, lacks some broader CRM features.&nbsp;</li><li>Integration with other systems may require more additional effort.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Accela&nbsp;</h3><p><a href="https://www.accela.com/">Accela</a> is a CRM that emphasizes improving service delivery and constituent engagement. It offers some tools that other CRMs may lack, such as permitting and license management. It also includes many standard features, such as workflow automation, mobile access, and citizen request management. If you run an agency that handles a lot of permits, licenses, and service requests, then Accela can be a great CRM choice.&nbsp;</p><h4>Pros&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Specializes in permitting, licensing, and code enforcement.&nbsp;</li><li>Cloud-based platform offers flexibility and scalability.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Cons&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Platform support response times can be slow.&nbsp;</li><li>Customization options may be limited without additional development.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Contact Inclind for a Custom CRM Integration&nbsp;</h2><p>Government agencies are not typically known for being efficient. Yet with the right software, that can change. CRM software can ensure that your government agency responds to constituents promptly, resolves requests, and achieves its mission.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind works with government agencies of all sizes, helping them navigate the often daunting world of website design and development. We understand the unique requirements that government agencies have, such as <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessibility</a> for all users and secure storage and use of data. We can help your government agency become more streamlined and efficient through a custom integration with the latest in CRM technology.&nbsp;</p><p>We're available to talk if you’d like to learn more about our web services for government agencies. You can fill out our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">online contact form</a> or hit the live chat button to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

The Best CRM Options For Government Agencies

The 20 Best Waste Management Company Website Designs

<p>Energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword - it is necessary in a changing world. Today, most energy companies offer various programs to help customers reduce energy usage and save money on their bills. However, if customers don’t know about the programs, they won’t be able to take advantage of them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through smart marketing, energy companies can keep customers informed and engaged on things like energy efficiency programs. Offering toolkits, home energy usage analysis, customer testimonials, and factoids can all be great ways to market your programs directly on your website. Creating this content can also lead to higher brand engagement and affinity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, we offer a full suite of <a href="/clients/utility-companies">website design and development services for energy companies</a>. Our services include initial website design and development, <a href="/solutions/website-redesigns">website redesigns</a>, <a href="/support">support and maintenance</a>, and <a href="/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a> to take your marketing efforts to the next level. Reach out today to talk to a team member about your website design and development needs.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Great Ways to Market Your Energy Efficiency Programs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Marketing includes everything a company does to promote and sell consumer products or services. It often includes a mix of traditional advertising - like mailers and newspaper ads - as well as more modern formats, like digital ads and social media marketing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One of the biggest marketing assets many energy companies have at their disposal is their website. This is a place that customers will visit to get information, pay their bills, or report an outage. It makes sense that you market your energy efficiency programs directly on your energy company website.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are a lot of different ways to promote your programs. However, one of the best ways to market your company’s energy efficiency programs on your website is by offering smart, relevant content that interests and appeals to customers. Below, we have outlined some great options - with real-life examples - for energy efficiency program marketing.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image1.png"></p>
<h3>Create a “Lower My Bill” Toolkit&nbsp;</h3>
<p>One of the most effective forms of marketing is providing information that your customers already want. When it comes to energy efficiency, a great way to do this is to give your customers information about how they can save money by taking advantage of your programs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, Duke Energy offers a “<a href="https://www.duke-energy.com/home/savings">Lower My Bill</a>” toolkit on its website. Users can click on each area of the house to find ways to save money with practical tips and its energy efficiency programs. This includes everything from switching light bulbs to LEDs to scheduling an energy efficiency assessment through Duke Energy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can replicate (and improve on) this concept on your own website. You might use graphics, videos, or other content - such as buttons - to take customers directly to your own programs and services.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image3.png"></p>
<h3>Provide Energy Efficiency Facts&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Energy companies are the experts when it comes to things like cutting energy use and costs. They have direct access to usage data - and highly educated employees who can provide facts and information. Establishing subject matter expertise is a great way to market your energy efficiency programs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>New York’s ConEdison has an entire page devoted to <a href="https://www.coned.com/en/save-money/tips-to-lower-your-bill">facts about energy efficiency</a>. This includes everything from what temperature your refrigerator should be set to how swapping out your window coverings seasonally can save money. This information is pertinent, may not be widely known, and is helpful to customers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your energy efficiency facts don’t have to just be about things customers can do to save energy. It could also include information about how reducing energy use impacts the environment. It should also have links or calls to action for your energy efficiency programs.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image5.png"></p>
<h3>Show Customer Testimonials&nbsp;</h3>
<p>For many people, the idea of energy efficiency is a bit vague. Will participating in these programs really make a difference? Providing real-world examples of how taking advantage of your energy efficiency programs can help your customers see the value in it- which is a smart marketing tactic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, Georgia Power has <a href="https://www.georgiapower.com/business/save-money-and-energy/commercial-energy-efficiency-program/customer-testimonials.html">customer testimonial videos</a> on its website. They specifically highlight business customers’ experiences with their Commercial Energy Efficiency Program. A series of videos features business executives explaining how these programs and rebates saved them money and reduced maintenance costs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Putting testimonials - from residential and/or commercial customers - on your website is a way for your customers to see exactly how these programs can benefit them. It is also a smart use of other forms of media, like video, that are appealing to customers. You can also utilize these videos on social media, YouTube, and other channels beyond your website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image4_0.png"></p>
<h3>Offer Personalized Information&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Many energy company customers simply aren’t aware of how much energy they use - or what they could do to lower their bills. While information about what everyone can do (such as upgrading their insulation and installing weather strips) is useful, personalized data can be even more powerful. Specifically, you can market your energy efficiency programs by analyzing your customers’ energy usage and linking them to ways to cut costs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>FirstEnergy Corporation has a <a href="https://www.firstenergycorp.com/save_energy/home_energy_analyzer.html">home energy analyzer</a> on its website that does just that. Customers can choose to register with the company. They will get graphs on their home’s major sources of energy usage along with specific tips on cutting their usage - such as by enrolling in specific energy efficiency programs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a utility company, you already have the necessary data about your customer’s energy usage. You can use a <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integration</a> to provide this information to site visitors in a way that is accessible and helpful. You can then link to energy efficiency programs that are targeted based on each customer’s specific needs.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/energy-saving-ideas.jpg"></p>
<h3>Establish an Incentive Program&nbsp;</h3>
<p>A great way to get customers to engage with your energy efficiency programs is by offering incentives to do so. You can market these programs directly on your website, providing rebates, discounts, and/or bill credits for participating in certain programs. For example, given that using smart thermostats can significantly cut energy usage, you might offer customers a bill credit for buying and installing one.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Duke Energy offers incentives through its EnergyWise program, which aims to shift energy usage away from peak times (like heat waves). Customers can get money back on their bills by buying more energy-efficient appliances and making other smart energy choices.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With rising energy costs, your customers want to save money on their bills. Marketing your energy efficiency programs to them as a way that they can keep more of their hard-earned money is a smart idea.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Create a Smarter Energy Company Website with Inclind&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you want to promote your energy efficiency programs and enroll more customers, you will need to spend some time and money on marketing. Taking advantage of an existing digital asset - your website - is a smart way to accomplish this goal. You can engage your customers and get more people interested in these programs with helpful content.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, our team of award-winning website designers and developers have specific experience working with energy companies throughout the United States. We work collaboratively with our clients to help them create effective websites built to drive traffic and maximize conversions. If you want to promote your energy efficiency programs, we can help you come up with ways to do just that on your website.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you’d like to learn more about our web design and development services for energy companies, we’re available to talk. You can fill out our online <a href="/#link1">contact form</a> or call 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your energy company website.</p>


5 Ways To Market Your Energy Efficiency Programs On Your Website

<p>WordPress is an extremely popular content management system (CMS) used to build websites of all types - including energy company sites. It works simply by downloading the software and selecting a theme and plugins. The theme sets out the framework and design of your site, while the plugins add functionality like contact forms.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are more than 30,000 WordPress themes available for websites. Most of these themes have a general purpose, although some were designed specifically for certain industries, such as the energy sector. We have made a list of our favorite WordPress themes that can be customized for your energy company website.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, we have deep experience working with <a href="/clients/web-design-oil-gas">energy companies</a> across the United States. We use WordPress and other CMS to help our clients build smart, functional, well-designed websites, complete with <a href="/solutions/technical-seo">technical SEO</a> and <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>. If you’d like to learn more, <a href="/#link1">reach out</a> to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What Is a WordPress Theme?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A WordPress theme is essentially a skeleton upon which you can build a website. It includes a collection of templates, style sheets, and code files that change how a WordPress site looks to users. On the back end - what you see as the website administrator - you will still see the same WordPress software and functionality.&nbsp;</p>
<p>WordPress themes allow you to determine how your site looks and acts when visitors come to your website. For example, if you choose a mobile responsive theme, it may hide certain elements on the page when a visitor comes to your site using a smartphone or tablet.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Themes consist of a few basic elements:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>A parent theme template which are files that determine the overall layout, design, and functionality of your site.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Child theme templates are available with some WordPress themes. These “child themes” allow you to change and customize your theme’s template files without affecting the parent files.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), which is a coding language that allows you to change the visual elements - like font and color.&nbsp;</li>
<li>PHP File determines the theme's back-end functionalities.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Page Builder is usually software that allows you to create pages using drag-and-drop technology. This way, you can change the website appearance and edit content without getting into the files themselves.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Additional plugins may come standard with some WordPress themes to make it more functional. For example, if you choose a theme designed for membership sites, it will likely come with a membership plugin.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>WordPress themes allow you to download software that will change both how your website looks and acts without having to do any coding yourself. They are an integral part of building any WordPress site.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>15 Top WordPress Themes for Energy Companies&nbsp;</h2>
<p>While there are specific energy WordPress themes - particularly for green energy businesses - most energy companies utilize a multi-purpose theme that can be customized for their uses. Below, we have listed some of our top WordPress website themes that can be used for energy company websites.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/sierra.jpg"></p>
<h3>Astra&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wpastra.com/">Astra</a> is a popular all-purpose WordPress business theme. It comes with dozens of different start sites for different industries, many of which can be fully customized for energy companies. With so many options to choose from, you can pick from a niche that suits your business - such as energy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Astra is lightweight, fast, reliable, and compatible with most major plugins and page builders. It is also compatible with popular drag-and-drop builders for WordPress sites, which makes it easy to customize your energy company website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/seedprod.jpg"></p>
<h3>SeedProd&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.seedprod.com/">SeedProd</a> is not a standard WordPress theme. Instead, it is a theme builder that gives you the tools that you need to make a business website from scratch. It uses drag-and-drop functionality along with ready-made theme templates. This allows you to import themes and then customize them easily.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It also features built-in landing page templates that can be customized to match the style of your business website. SeedProd is beginner-friendly, with an AI website builder option to set up a website and add content.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/solarglow.jpg"></p>
<h3>Hello Elementor&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://elementor.com/products/hello-theme/">Hello Elementor</a> is a lightweight theme that offers fast load times. It is also compatible with most plugins, including ones that energy companies can utilize to create options such as member portals. Its code can also be changed to customize a website more fully.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hello has more than 1,000,000 installations - which is a testament to just how versatile it is. It is highly customizable, meaning an energy company can use it as the building block for its website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/divi.jpg"></p>
<h3>Divi&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/divi/">Divi</a> is a premium WordPress theme, which means that you will have to purchase it. However, it is considered the most popular of all themes because it is so easy to customize using its front-end visual editor. This tool lets you preview changes in real-time as you add elements and change the site's look. It also allows you to do split testing, which allows you to test variations of different elements on your site to make sure that it is optimized.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Divi has more than 2,000 pre-designed layouts that allow energy companies to pick a style that suits them. It is also responsive and fast, so your customers won’t get frustrated waiting for it to load.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/avada.jpg"></p>
<h3>Avada&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://avada.com/">Avada</a> is a versatile WordPress theme with its drag-and-drop page builder tool. It also has a one-click demo importer and back-end editor, which lets you get a site up and running quickly by importing one of 95 pre-built websites. There are also more than 300 pre-constructed pages, all of which can be customized using more than 120 design elements.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Like Divi, Avada is a premium theme. However, it does not have a front-end visualizer, so you won’t see any changes you make to your website in real-time. It is optimized for Gutenberg and is considered a high-resolution and widget-ready theme.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/greenly.jpg"></p>
<h3>Greenly&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/greenly-ecology-green-energy-wordpress-theme/23183002?srsltid=AfmBOoptivqIHvU7QLxSmgdLlRP-85D_xyIYwkiI2iz0k9HShFDV9Ana">Greenly</a> is a theme that is designed for alternative energy companies. It offers a modern, professional design. It is also easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface for editing and support for Elementor and WPBakery page builder plugins. There is also a one-click sample content wizard to make it even simpler to set up your website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/kallyas.jpg"></p>
<h3>Kallyas&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://kallyas.net/">Kallyas</a> is a multi-use theme with more than 70 demo sites that can be easily imported. The built-in editor, the Zion builder, allows you to make live edits to the site. It also offers plenty of design options to customize your energy company website fully.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image4.png"></p>
<h3>Enfold&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/enfold-responsive-multipurpose-theme/4519990">Enfold</a> is a responsive, multi-purpose theme that can be used for a variety of industries. It comes with 36 pre-built demo sites that can be installed with a single click. Its back-end page builder lets you edit and preview your changes before taking your site live. One of its bigger advantages for smaller energy companies is that it has a simpler dashboard that makes it easier to use.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image10.png"></p>
<h3>Energy&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/energy-solar-and-alternative-energy-wordpress-theme/19153629?irgwc=1&amp;clickid=wm-wES04HxyPRNwRP7QjnXbsUkCxi918Z2hDWI0&amp;iradid=275988&amp;irpid=1416972&amp;iradtype=ONLINE_TRACKING_LINK&amp;irmptype=mediapartner&amp;mp_value1=&amp;utm_campaign=af_impact_radius_1416972&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=impact_radius">Energy</a> is designed for solar energy and other green energy companies. It has a search-engine-friendly markup and a great, attractive, clean layout. It is compatible with many popular plugins, like Yoast and WooCommerce, and has a comprehensive set of unique landing pages. It also comes with Ajax contact form and Google Maps integration.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image6.png"></p>
<h3>Hestia&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themeisle.com/themes/hestia/">Hestia</a> is a simple, elegant, multi-purpose theme for businesses. For energy companies that do not require extensive themes and customization settings, Hestia is a great choice. It is easy to navigate for users and includes pre-built sections for a quick start. It can also be integrated with popular page builder plugins like Elementor. The paid version of Hestia can be used to add additional functionality, such as video backgrounds.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image8.png"></p>
<h3>X Theme&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/x-the-theme/5871901">X Theme</a> is a popular choice for business websites like energy companies. It is a multi-purpose site that comes with a front-end page builder and 27 pre-built demo pages. It also comes with four different stacks (designs) - flat, minimal, all-purpose, or magazine - that can be used for different types of businesses.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/image13.png"></p>
<h3>Mai Success&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.studiopress.com/themes/mai-success/">Mai Success</a> is another premium WordPress theme that is used by a lot of businesses. What makes it different is that it is block-based. That means you can customize the theme to your energy company’s needs using different block styles. It also has a one-click setup wizard, is mobile-responsive, and is known for its speed.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/corporate.jpg"></p>
<h3>Corporate&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themify.me/themes/corporate">Corporate</a> is a responsive WordPress theme that allows energy companies to showcase their services. It comes with Themify Builder, which has drag-and-drop functionality, responsive grids, reusable layout components, and styling. You can edit this theme in both the front and back ends of the website. It is also highly customizable with features that allow you to ensure that your website reflects your energy company branding.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/ireccoo.jpg"></p>
<h3>iRecco&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/irecco-wind-solar-energy-wordpress-theme/25363747?srsltid=AfmBOorB6Uz-iJIOpuuX4Olg7xr_FBCCOCZP0A4Sr_NaTKMQkKF4p6q2">iRecco</a> is a multi-purpose theme designed for alternative energy companies like solar and wind. It offers more than 100 options to customize the website's appearance, flexible portfolio modules, an Elementor header builder, and custom post types. It is also translation-ready for energy companies that serve customers who speak various languages.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/solaren-theme.jpg"></p>
<h3>Solaren&nbsp;</h3>
<p>As the name implies, <a href="https://themeforest.net/item/solaren-solar-renewable-energy-elementor-template-kit/50278901?srsltid=AfmBOorkwV2AVClvKJ7SfTERXg3bVZ_Sr_OBpCf6jhZjsaCv0em3JEZ4">Solaren</a> is a WordPress theme that is designed for solar energy companies. It features a modern design with special 3D effects and animations to make websites pop. It utilizes advanced customization fields (ACF) for simple customization, along with custom page templates and preloaded effects for a more streamlined user experience.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Build Your Energy Company Website with Inclind&nbsp;</h2>
<p>WordPress themes are the basis for all WordPress sites. Choosing the right one is important, as it sets the tone for how your website looks and works. Using a multi-purpose WordPress theme is often a great choice for energy companies, as these themes can be customized to meet your specific needs. However, a great website requires more than a good theme.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, we offer website development and design services to energy and utility companies utilizing WordPress, Drupal, and other CMS. We can help you pick the right theme or create a custom theme from scratch. In addition to website designs and redesigns, we offer ongoing <a href="/support">support and maintenance services</a> to help keep your website running smoothly. Our goal at each step is to ensure that our clients get exactly what they need based on their input and our technological know-how and experience. If you’d like to learn more about our web design and development services for energy companies, we’re here to talk. You can fill out our online <a href="/#link1">contact form</a> or call 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>


The 15 Best WordPress Energy Company Themes

<p>Water treatment facilities provide a vital service to customers. Having a website is a necessity for these companies, as it offers not just a way to pay bills but also provides critical information. The design of these websites is particularly important, as a diverse range of people uses these sites.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A water treatment website should provide pertinent information to users, like current news, contact information, and ways to reduce usage or conserve water. It should also allow customers to pay their bills, access their accounts, report outages, and more. As a utility company, it is vital that a water treatment website is also accessible to people with disabilities and those who may not speak English.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, our award-winning website designers and developers work with <a href="/clients/utility-companies">utility companies</a> and <a href="/clients/government-website-design">government agencies</a> - like water treatment companies. We work with clients across the United States to help them build attractive, functional websites. Reach out today to learn more about our website design, development, and <a href="/support">support and maintenance services</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>15 Top Water Treatment Website Designs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Water treatment companies provide a necessary service - if not exactly sexy. Many water treatment companies are part of a government agency, which means that they might not have flashy websites…or even a separate website.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, water treatment facility websites must still be well-designed, providing necessary information to customers and other stakeholders. Ideally, a water treatment facility site should include the following:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>A user-friendly design that is easy to navigate&nbsp;</li>
<li>A customer portal where users can access their accounts and pay bills&nbsp;</li>
<li>A way to report emergencies and service issues&nbsp;</li>
<li>Contact links&nbsp;</li>
<li>Pertinent news, such as alerts about droughts or service interruptions&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Ideally, a water treatment facility website will also include necessary information - such as water conservation tips, links to perform a usage analysis, and info about lead in pipes. Like all websites, a utility company website should also include search engine optimization (<a href="/solutions/technical-seo">SEO</a>) features, have simple navigation features, and be <a href="/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessible</a> to all users.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Perhaps unsurprisingly, most water treatment websites use shades of blue as the main colors and images of water. Yet, they often differ in several key respects when it comes to other aspects of design. From the navigation menu placement to accessibility buttons, these websites can vary considerably. Below, we have assembled a list of some of the best water treatment facility websites.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/monroe-county-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Monroe County Water Authority&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.mcwa.com/">Monroe County Water Authority</a> serves customers in upstate New York. Its website makes it fairly easy to find useful, up-to-date information. This includes a news bar towards the top of the screen, a search function, and graphics with commonly accessed info like bill pay and lead reduction measures. It also offers accessibility options, plus a dedicated customer support chatbot. All these features combine to ensure that utility customers can get to exactly where they need to go on this website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/cincinnati-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Greater Cincinnati Water Works&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/water/">Greater Cincinnati Water Works</a> has a more barebones website as part of the City of Cincinnati site. However, it still does a great job providing the necessary info while operating as a subsite. A scrolling box offers pertinent news, while a menu alongside the left of the screen has all of the most common options that customers may want to click. As you scroll down, you will see colorful CTA buttons and quick contacts for ease of use.</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/louisville-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Louisville Water Company&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://louisvillewater.com/">Louisville Water Company</a> has a highly functional website designed to ensure that all its customers can get the information they need, with a button right at the top to translate the site into different languages. A news alert at the top keeps customers informed, while the red triangle symbol lets customers report a problem easily. A customer portal allows customers to pay bills and manage their accounts.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/truckee-meadows-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Truckee Meadows Water Authority&nbsp;</h3>
<p>California-based <a href="https://tmwa.com/">Truckee Meadows Water Authority</a> has a simple, attractive website that works. It features a large video across its home screen that is subtle and serene, showing gently flowing water and raindrops. The login button is prominent, allowing quick access to customer accounts. Buttons along the bottom of the video provide direct links to key areas of the website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/seattle-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Seattle Public Utilities&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.seattle.gov/utilities">Seattle Public Utilities</a> is a great example of how color can be used to steer users effectively. The website uses shades of blue and white for most of its design features, including a translate button and pull-down boxes for key information. It then uses colorful images for buttons with FAQs, effectively drawing visitors’ eyes to these areas.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/aqua.jpg"></p>
<h3>Aqua&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.aquawater.com/">Aqua</a> is a water company that offers service across eight states. Its website is a picture of simplicity, with a scrolling video muted by a signature color of blue. White text on the blue background provides high contrast for people using screen readers and other accessibility tools. A lighter color of blue for a “pay my bill” button directs attention to this frequently-visited area of the website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/nj-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>New Jersey American Water&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://amwater.com/njaw/">New Jersey American Water</a>’s website encourages customers to create or log into an existing account right from the home page. This is a smart strategy, as it helps more consumers use its online system. It also has an important news alert bar across the top, which is echoed by a red alert button below. A button also allows users to translate the website into Spanish, which increases accessibility for customers who may not speak English.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/cobb-county-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Cobb County Water System&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.cobbcounty.org/water">Cobb County Water System’</a>s website is a section of the Cobb County government website. Its site is focused on the basics. You can translate it into a different language, increase the font size, or search the site from the top of the screen. There is also a contact button at the bottom along with a menu bar at the top. This website isn’t elaborate - but it is effective.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/fairfax-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Fairfax Water&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.fairfaxwater.org/">Fairfax Water</a>’s website uses color smartly to highlight where customers are most likely to want to go - its portal. Otherwise, the website uses shades of blue to create a cohesive look. There are also large buttons on the right side of the screen for easy access to other key areas of the website.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/miami-dade-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Like many other municipal water authorities, the <a href="https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/home.page">Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer</a> website is part of the county’s website. While it is a subpage of the main site, it contains all of the necessary information with a clean design. One cool feature of this site is a header bar at the top with information specific to water customers - paperless billing. As you scroll, some buttons direct you to other areas of the website, such as a department directory and conservation tips.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/mesa-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Mesa Water District&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.mesawater.org/">Mesa Water District</a> has a clean, smart design. On a large underwater photo across the home page, a row of buttons provides links to key parts of the site - like bill paying and tips on how to save water. The website also includes its website at the top left of the screen, which is a welcome feature at a time when many companies make it difficult or impossible to find a phone number.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/ouc-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>OUC&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.ouc.com/">OUC</a> is both a power and water treatment company. Its website does a good job of making information easy to find, with a bold blue box with white graphic buttons that take users directly to where they want to go. There is also a large login box and a search bar to make it simple to get the information you want.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/pittsburgh-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.pgh2o.com/">The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority</a> website offers a more unusual feature - a split home screen where users can click to scroll left or right. The design is effective because it doesn’t automatically scroll - which would make the home page visually cluttered and difficult to navigate. The company also uses a green contrast feature to highlight the customer portal.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/irvine-ranch-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Irvine Ranch Water District&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.irwd.com/">Irvine Ranch Water District</a> website is straightforward and effective. It has a green button at the top to lead the eye towards its customer service option. A menu bar provides other navigation options, and an accessibility button gives people with disabilities options. Social media buttons at the top direct users to various platforms - often the best place to find current information.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/golden-state-water.jpg"></p>
<h3>Golden State Water Company&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.gswater.com/">Golden State Water Company</a> website does something different from most water treatment companies. Rather than having a menu bar across the top, it places the menu on the right side of the screen. This makes for a cleaner design without visual clutter. Visitors can also pause the scrolling pictures, which is great for anyone who finds that feature distracting.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Design A Better Water Treatment Website With Inclind&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A well-designed website isn’t a “want” for water treatment companies - it’s a “must.” A water treatment company website should be user-friendly and accessible. It should also include necessary information as well as a customer portal for bill pay and account access.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Inclind offers full-service <a href="/services/custom-web-development">website development</a> and <a href="/services/custom-web-design">design</a> services for utility companies like water treatment facilities. We have in-depth experience building websites for critically important utilities and understand the unique needs of these companies. Our services include website design and <a href="/solutions/website-redesigns">redesign</a>, <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, <a href="/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessibility audits</a>, and more.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We're available if you’d like to learn more about our web services for water treatment companies. You can fill out our online <a href="/#link1">contact form</a>, or call us at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>


The 15 Best Water Treatment Website Designs

<p>In the past, marketing and advertising were pretty straightforward affairs. You might place an ad in the local newspaper, send out a mailer, or even pay for a spot on the radio or TV. Today, marketing is a lot more complex - but it also has the potential to reach even more people. It is also much more possible to get real-time, measurable analytics about your marketing efforts through the use of technology.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One important aspect of any marketing strategy is content marketing. For energy companies, this can include written content as well as audio and visual content, such as blog posts, podcasts, videos, and images. Our examples of great energy company digital marketing can help you decide what type of content marketing would work best for your business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, we offer a full range of website design and development services for <a href="/clients/web-design-oil-gas">energy companies</a>. Our work includes <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, <a href="/solutions/website-redesigns">website redesigns</a>, <a href="/support">support and maintenance</a>, and <a href="/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a> so that you can maximize your marketing efforts with a clean, well-designed website. Reach out today to talk to a member of our team about your website design and development needs.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What Is Content Marketing?&nbsp;</h2>
<p><a href="https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/content-marketing">Content marketing</a> is a type of digital marketing strategy. Instead of pitching a product directly to potential customers, it focuses on creating relevant and consistent content - like blog posts or videos - to attract and retain an audience. The goal of content marketing is ultimately to get people to take a specific action, such as buying a product or service.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are four basic types of content marketing: written content such as blogs, audio content like podcasts, videos, and images. Most businesses - including energy companies - use a combination of these content forms to reach audiences on their websites, through social media, and with ads. For example, a business might establish a YouTube channel with content relevant to its products or services and then also share written content on its website on similar topics.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Content marketing can help to build brand awareness. It is also a great way to build trust because customers will view your business as an expert in the field when they see timely, informative content from you. When you establish trust, customers are more open to engaging with your company - such as by signing up for service.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This type of marketing can also set your company apart from the crowd. Anyone who spends any time online these days is besieged by spam and ads. Content marketing is different because it isn’t a direct sales pitch. Instead, it offers valuable information that puts the customers first.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Content marketing is also necessary in the modern age. One of the top ways customers find companies is through online searches. Consistently updating your website with helpful information demonstrating your company’s expertise can improve your search engine rankings, a practice known as search engine optimization (<a href="/solutions/technical-seo">SEO</a>).&nbsp;</p>
<p>For most companies, content marketing isn’t just a nice extra - it is a necessity. If you want to add content marketing to your overall digital strategy, we have some great ideas for how you can do that as an energy company.</p>
<h2>Examples of Great Content Marketing for Energy Companies&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Understanding the need for content marketing is the first step. You will then need to do the hard work of developing and implementing a strategy. We have listed a few great examples of different types of content marketing from energy companies that you can use to help you get started.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/georgia-power.jpg"></p>
<h3>Georgia Power’s Dedicated Social Media Center&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.georgiapower.com/">Georgia Power</a> understands that a lot of its customers get their news and information from social media. That is why it opened up a state-of-the-art social media center in its Atlanta headquarters. At this center, the company offers updates on severe weather and power outages, plus relevant information on things like energy efficiency, solar energy, and safety tips. When severe weather occurs, the center is staffed 24/7 to provide updates and respond to customer inquiries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The company also communicates with more than 6,000 customers per month with questions about billing, service, payment options, and more. It uses digital tools to respond to most customer inquiries over platforms like Twitter and Facebook in as little as 10 minutes. Most online chat requests get a response in under a minute. Outside of weather emergencies, the center is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/firstenergy.jpg"></p>
<h3>FirstEnergy’s Online Resources&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Energy company <a href="https://www.firstenergycorp.com/west_penn_power.html">FirstEnergy Corporation</a> has a smart section on its website that offers tips and tricks for saving energy. This section doesn’t try to sell customers anything. Instead, it provides information about everything from programs and incentives offered in various states to home energy analyzer tools to information about smart meters and electric vehicles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is an excellent example of content marketing because it offers information that customers can use to lower their energy bills during an era of rising costs. Although the company doesn’t directly benefit from distributing this content, it helps build brand loyalty and shows that FirstEnergy is a trustworthy company. &nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zrfSdZ_vS5o?si=0B0cPUyrtSoWIlbj" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3>Chevron’s Informative YouTube Channel&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Oil giant <a href="https://www.chevron.com/">Chevron</a> has a diverse marketing strategy, which isn’t surprising given its size. It is active on social media and regularly updates its website, “newsroom,” with informative content. It also has a YouTube channel with more than 40,000 subscribers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Offering videos is a great way to engage with consumers more directly. Many of these educational videos explain basics, like how energy is produced. There are also employee spotlights and videos for specific regions of the country and world. These videos don’t come across like commercials - instead, they build trust because they simply seek to provide information to the public.</p>
<div style="border-radius:6px;height:200px;margin-bottom:20px;overflow:hidden;width:100%;">
<iframe style="height:200px;width:100%;" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" allow="clipboard-write" seamless src="https://player.captivate.fm/episode/02123b52-7993-4e4c-9159-7d91ecfff0b3"></iframe></div>
<h3>National Grid’s Clean Energy Podcast&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.nationalgrid.com/us">National Grid</a> is an energy company serving the Northeastern United States. Its website includes traditional content marketing techniques like press releases, videos, and images. The company also has a podcast dedicated to exploring clean energy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Anyone interested in alternative energy can find these podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. They are also available directly on National Grid’s website. The episodes are not devoted to the company’s products but instead focus on important issues - like how energy-intensive generative AI can be - that interest a wider audience. Again, this is a great way to build trust - National Grid isn’t doing a hard sell but simply providing relevant content.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/duke-energy.jpg"></p>
<h3>Duke Energy’s Multi-Faceted Approach&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.duke-energy.com/home">Duke Energy</a> uses a multi-pronged approach to content marketing to reach its customers where they are. In addition to social media - complete with graphics and videos on Facebook, Instagram, and X - the company has a newsroom on its website and a YouTube channel. Its “<a href="https://illumination.duke-energy.com/">Illumination</a>” site also offers what it deems enlightening and informative stories.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This website—a subsite of the main Duke Energy page—uses text and photos to reach people. For example, one of the featured posts includes vintage images of one of its steam stations. Stories about employees who all work for the company are also included. This type of content feels much more organic than a hard sell, which is why it works well as a content marketing strategy.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Take Your Energy Company Website Further with Inclind&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Like every other business, energy companies need smart, engaging websites to meet customer needs. Of course, simply having a website isn’t enough. You should also utilize digital marketing strategies like content marketing to meet customers where they are and build a reputation as a credible, trustworthy brand.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Inclind offers award-winning website design and development services to energy companies throughout the United States. We pride ourselves on providing technologically advanced solutions with a more comprehensive approach to helping our clients thrive. We can help you build a customer-friendly website and utilize our skills to ensure you get the most out of your site and other digital properties. If you’d like to learn more about our web design and development services for energy companies, we’re available to talk. You can fill out our online <a href="/#link1">contact form</a> or call 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>


Digital Marketing For Energy Companies: Great Content Marketing Examples

<p>Drupal is an open-source content management system (CMS) that is incredibly popular with <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/drupal-government-benefits-choosing-drupal-your-government-site">government agencies</a>, big corporations, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/drupal-for-healthcare">healthcare practices</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/drupal-for-higher-education">higher education institutions</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/news/drupal-for-nonprofits">nonprofits</a>, and small businesses. It allows users to design, build, and manage websites with relative ease. Worldwide, it is used by <a href="https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/cm-drupal">1.3% of all websites</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>While <a href="https://new.drupal.org/home">Drupal</a> isn’t as popular as WordPress, it still has a lot of benefits. It has great security, is infinitely customizable, and is incredibly scalable. However, there are drawbacks to using Drupal - including a steep learning curve, labor-intensive updates, and a more complex administrative panel.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind is a website design and development agency that works with nonprofits throughout the United States. We work with a range of CMS, including <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/drupal-websites">Drupal</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/wordpress-websites">WordPress</a>, based on the specific needs of each individual client. We offer a full range of services, from initial design and build-outs to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">redesigns</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessibility audits</a>. <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">Reach out</a> to talk to a team member about our design and development services.&nbsp;</p><h2>Pros of Using Drupal for Your Website&nbsp;</h2><p>Compared to WordPress, Drupal has a relatively small market share for websites globally. That being said, people who use Drupal for their website truly love it. The underrated CMS has a lot going for it, including the ability to customize your website to make it exactly what you want it and a high level of security.&nbsp;</p><h3>Completely Customizable&nbsp;</h3><p>Drupal is an open-source platform, meaning the software's source code is available to anyone. As a result, Drupal can be highly customized with thousands of module themes and taxonomy management tools. Webpages can be customized quickly with Drupal’s drag-and-drop page-building features through <a href="https://www.drupal.org/project/gutenberg">Gutenberg</a>. Gutenberg is versatile enough to allow users to build a website that is exactly what they want.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, a medical practice could use a module to create a patient portal. A nonprofit organization could use an event management module to create online registration for an annual charity walk. By using modules, themes, and other tools, developers can create a website that is exactly what you need.&nbsp;</p><h3>Quick Start-Up&nbsp;</h3><p>Time Drupal is extensible, which means that it starts as a blank slate. This allows users to build their site exactly how they want it using tools like content types. This means that developing an idea or a more complex data structure in Drupal can take a fairly short time. Once a working prototype is developed, you can build it out using contributed modules or your own coding.&nbsp;</p><h3>Great Security&nbsp;</h3><p>Drupal is known for being highly secure. Open source software does tend to be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks because anyone can access the code. However, Drupal has a great security team that works around the clock to provide patches and fixes. You can even subscribe to Drupal’s security email notifications to be alerted whenever a new patch is released.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, Drupal has user management options and secure access control to protect your content. This can ensure that unauthorized users can’t gain access to your website.&nbsp;</p><h3>Community Support&nbsp;</h3><p>Drupal has a huge online community of people who work on and use Drupal for websites. The developers at Inclind are actually active community members, with Inclind being a Drupal-supporting partner. Users, administrators, and developers come together to share both code and support. This can make it a lot easier to get help if you are having an issue with your Drupal site. It also means more time and money is spent developing Drupal themes and modules.&nbsp;</p><h3>Scalability&nbsp;</h3><p>One of the biggest benefits of using Drupal is its scalability. This means that it can support large volumes of site visitors and spikes in traffic. With a more modern web development framework, Drupal is capable of supporting even large websites without the need to redevelop a website.&nbsp;</p><p>During the initial site build, you will need to define expected user loads and traffic spikes so that the system can be designed to support it. This feature allows even major websites - like the White House website - to be designed using Drupal.&nbsp;</p><h3>Accessibility&nbsp;</h3><p>Federal law - specifically, the <a href="https://www.ada.gov/">Americans with Disabilities Act</a> - mandates that websites be accessible to people with disabilities. Drupal meets accessibility standards the World Wide Web Consortium sets, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. These guidelines provide policies for making content accessible to people with disabilities, such as using high-contrast fonts for people who use screen readers.&nbsp;</p><p>Drupal also uses <a href="https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/HTML5">HTML5</a> for its semantic structure, which is how a website organizes and labels HTML, as well as <a href="https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Accessibility/ARIA">Accessible Rich Internet Application</a> standards. This allows Drupal sites to structure content in a logical way, which can make screen readers more functional.&nbsp;</p><h2>Cons of Using Drupal for Your Website&nbsp;</h2><p>Of course, every CMS has its downsides - and that includes Drupal. One of the biggest knocks against Drupal is that it requires more coding knowledge than other CMS. This can make it difficult to run if you don’t have someone on your team capable of learning how to manage the website - or the budget to hire someone for maintenance and support.&nbsp;</p><h3>Big Learning Curve&nbsp;</h3><p>Drupal is not as user-friendly as other CMS, such as WordPress and Joomla. This can make it harder for inexperienced website administrators to manage content, create sites, and customize their sites. It definitely takes some time and effort to learn how to build and manage a site using Drupal. For some entities, that reality may be a turn-off - although Drupal is making great strides to make its CMS more user-friendly.&nbsp;</p><h3>Speed and Performance Issues&nbsp;</h3><p>Drupal sites are incredibly customizable and scalable. This is usually done with the addition of modules. This can lead to speed and performance problems. For example, if your website uses too many modules at one time, it could increase the load on the server - and slow down your site.&nbsp;</p><p>These third-party modules may not always have the best coding - which can cause performance issues. Using only high-quality, highly rated modules is one way to prevent performance and speed issues.&nbsp;</p><h3>Challenges with Doing Full Updates&nbsp;</h3><p>Like any other CMS, Drupal - and its modules - will require updates. Generally, updating most modules is easy. However, doing updates to full versions of Drupal - such as upgrading from one version to the latest one - can be difficult. These updates usually have to be done manually, which can take a significant amount of time. In addition, older modules are no longer compatible with the latest version, which can mean a loss of site functionality.&nbsp;</p><h3>Module Compatibility&nbsp;</h3><p>Using modules is a great way to customize your Drupal website. However, some modules conflict with each other - which requires custom configurations, taking up valuable time and money.&nbsp;</p><p>As your site gets larger or requires more customization, most users simply add more modules. The result is that these modules are running their own code on top of each other, which can lead to crashes, slow speeds, and errors. This is a particular problem with larger websites.&nbsp;</p><p>You can address compatibility issues by retooling or modifying modules when you install them. An experienced website developer can help you make sure that all of the modules that you use work well together.&nbsp;</p><h2>Interested in Building a Great Website? Contact Inclind Today</h2><p>Drupal is a great software platform that is low-cost to start. It can also easily be customized and scaled. However, there are some downsides to using it, including the need for some coding knowledge and the difficulty of updating the software and various modules.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind works with businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and other entities throughout the United States. We offer a full suite of services, including website design and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">redesign</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/support">support and maintenance</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/website-consulting">website consulting</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>. If you choose Drupal or another CMS platform for your nonprofit, our team can help you create a beautiful, functional website.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’d like to learn more about our design and development services, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

The Pros & Cons Of Choosing Drupal For Your Website (Complete List)

<p>If you have a phone, laptop, tablet, or other device, you have probably been asked to opt into push notifications at some point or another. Sometimes, these notifications prove to be nothing more than an annoyance, like a game app telling you that you haven’t played in a while. For other apps, these notices are a great way to learn about sales or get important information.&nbsp;</p><p>For utility companies, push notifications can provide a vital link between the company and its customers. By implementing push notifications, you can offer your customers the information they need about their accounts and services. To implement push notifications, you must ensure that the option is integrated with your website and/or app and get permission from users to send them.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind works with <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/web-design-oil-gas">utilities</a> throughout the United States to help them build efficient, effective websites. Our award-winning collaboration of website designers and developers knows how to build custom integrations for websites and apps to make push notifications a reality for your utility company. If you’d like to learn more, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/#link1">reach out</a> to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.&nbsp;</p><h2>What Are Push Notifications, and Why Are They Important?&nbsp;</h2><p>A push notification is a message that can be sent directly to mobile devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, or to a computer via a web browser. They can be sent by an app when a user has that particular application installed or by a website when a visitor is using it. Users have to enable push notifications for the app or website to be able to send these notices.&nbsp;</p><p>Push notifications are different from in-app messages or even texts. They can appear on a lock screen or with other notifications (such as breaking news alerts). They can even be personalized with a unique tone.&nbsp;</p><h3>Types Of Push Notifications&nbsp;</h3><p>There are three main types of push notifications:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Banner notifications:</strong> Banner notifications are messages that pop up and then disappear. For example, if you have an airline app installed on your phone, you might get a banner notification that alerts you that it is time to check in for your flight.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Alerts:</strong> Alerts are similar to banner notifications but stay on a phone’s screen until the user manually deletes them.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Badge notifications:</strong> Badge notifications are small icons - usually a red flag or number - on an app’s icon. This alerts users of a new message or other content. For example, your podcast app might have a badge notification that lets you know that new podcasts have been downloaded to your device.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Applications For The Utility Industry&nbsp;</h3><p>Push notifications are an effective way to help users stay engaged with an app - or to re-engage if they haven’t opened an app in a while. They are also a great way to share important information, particularly in an urgent manner.&nbsp;</p><p>When these notifications are timely, relevant, and personalized, recipients are more likely to open them. For utility companies, a push notification about discounts for buying energy-efficient appliances sent out at 5 a.m. won’t necessarily be welcome. However, an alert about a planned power or water outage is incredibly important - and something that users will be happy to receive so that they can plan their days.&nbsp;</p><p>There are some ways that utility companies can ensure that their app users don’t turn off push notifications. Primarily, you want to ensure that any messages you send are relatively short, personalized, and necessary. A push notification about a bill coming due - sent with enough time for the user to make the payment - is an example of a personalized, relevant, and critical notice.&nbsp;</p><p>For utility companies, push notifications can be incredibly important for a few key reasons. Sending alerts about events related to utilities - such as work being done in the area - can help keep customers more informed and less likely to be angry at your company. Notifying customers about things like approaching due dates for bills can also reduce the likelihood of past-due bills and the challenges associated with late payments.&nbsp;</p><h2>Implementing Push Notifications for Utilities&nbsp;</h2><p>If you have decided that you want to add push notifications for your utility customers, there are a few steps that you must take in order to implement them. This includes both technical steps as well as legal and practical steps.&nbsp;</p><h3>Create An Integration With A Push Notification Service&nbsp;</h3><p>First, you will need to actually create the ability to send push notifications in your app or on your website. There are different push notification services for websites that an experienced website developer can add to your site - or they can build a <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integration</a> to allow your website to send push notifications. You can install a messaging module to perform the same service for apps.&nbsp;</p><p>All major browsers support push notifications through application programming interfaces (API). Google uses Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for mobile devices for push notifications, while Apple uses Apple Push Notification Service (SPNS).&nbsp;</p><h3>Create A Notification Opt-In&nbsp;</h3><p>Second, you will need permission to send push notifications. Both <a href="https://developer.apple.com/documentation/usernotifications/asking-permission-to-use-notifications">Apple</a> and <a href="https://source.android.com/docs/core/display/notification-perm">Android</a> require users to “opt-in” before app developers can send push notifications. Generally, the third-party platform that you integrate with your website or app will ask users to opt-in to receive these messages.&nbsp;</p><p>You can do some things to increase the odds of customers opting into your utility company's push notifications. First, you should make the value of these notifications clear, such as by providing timely information about their account and any disruptions to service in their area. You should also reassure users that you won’t spam them (or send too many notifications) and note that it’s easy to opt-out anytime.&nbsp;</p><h3>Segment Your Audience&nbsp;</h3><p>Third, you should understand how push notifications work for your platform - and ensure you follow best practices when sending push notifications. Your app or website developer should have set up a system where each user is assigned a push token, or unique identifier, for marketing purposes. Marketers should then set up segmentation criteria for each notification. When sending out a push notification, the app should identify users who should receive it based on the segmentation criteria. Notably, there are caps on the number of times that you can send a notification to each push token - so that you aren’t spamming users.&nbsp;</p><h3>Implement Tracking &amp; Analytics&nbsp;</h3><p>Fourth, you should make sure that you are tracking data from push notifications to determine their effectiveness. Our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/analytics">measurement and analytics</a> services can help you easily track your opt-in rate, delivery and click rate, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion</a> rate. This will allow you to fine-tune your notifications and refine your process for sending them.&nbsp;</p><h2>Thinking about Adding Push Notifications? We Can Help&nbsp;</h2><p>Push notifications are a great way to increase customer engagement and share important information. To add them to your website or mobile app, you will need to enable or integrate the appropriate software and get permission from users. Once that is done, you can send timely updates to your customers about everything from account status to planned outages.&nbsp;</p><p>At Inclind, we provide development and design services to utility companies throughout the United States. In addition to building and designing smart, user-friendly websites, we also offer services such as <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/support">support and maintenance services</a>. For each of our clients, we work hard to understand your needs and then use the appropriate technology to bring your vision to life.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’d like to learn more about our web design and development services for utility companies, we’re available to talk. You can fill out our online <a href="https://www.inclind.com/#link1">contact form</a> or call 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

How To Implement Push Notifications For Utilities

<p>Government agencies need functional websites - just like every other sector of the economy. A website is the perfect way to communicate important information, whether it’s how to apply for a building permit, where to file your taxes, or when your trash will be picked up each week. Having a well-designed, secure website should be a top priority for every government agency, from local government to state and federal agencies.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.drupal.org/">Drupal</a> is an open-source content management system (CMS) that can be used to build websites for all types of organizations - including government agencies. Drupal requires a bit more coding skills than other content management systems. However, it is a great choice for government websites because it is highly secure, compliant with relevant privacy laws, and scalable.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind is a collaboration of award-winning website designers and developers. We work with government agencies to build functional and attractive <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/drupal-websites">Drupal websites</a>, including design and development, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">website redesigns</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a>, and continued <a href="https://www.inclind.com/support">support and maintenance</a>. If you want to create or update a website for your <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/government-website-design">government website</a>, reach out to learn more about how we can help.</p><h2>What Is Drupal?&nbsp;</h2><p>In the past, building a website required knowledge of how to code - which limited the ability of the average person to have their own website. If a person or business wanted a site, they would typically have to pay someone to create one for them. Today, content management systems - <a href="https://www.oracle.com/content-management/what-is-cms/">CMS</a> - can be used to build a website with little to no coding experience.&nbsp;</p><p>A CMS can either be open-source (like <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/wordpress-websites">WordPress</a> and Drupal) or proprietary (like <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/aem-websites">Adobe Experience Manager</a>). The main difference between the two is that with an open-source CMS, the source code is available to anyone - which isn’t the case for proprietary software. This makes open-source CMS less expensive and often more customizable. As an open-source CMS platform, Drupal is maintained by a community of developers. It is free to download, although you typically pay for certain features and customizations.</p><p>Drupal is PHP-based and permits the use of <a href="https://www.drupal.org/project/gutenberg">Gutenberg</a> for building pages. It uses themes and modules - similar to WordPress’ themes and plugins - as a core part of its system. When building a website, a user will start by picking a theme. They will then add modules to add certain features, such as making the website <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessible</a> or including contact forms.&nbsp;</p><p>There are more than 3,000 Drupal themes and over 47,000 modules. Many of these themes and modules are available free of charge or low cost. This makes Drupal a more cost-efficient way to build a highly customized website for a government agency.&nbsp;</p><h2>Why Drupal Is Great for Government Websites&nbsp;</h2><p><a href="https://websitebuilder.org/blog/drupal-statistics/">More than half</a> of government websites around the world are built using Drupal. People rely on government websites for benefits, services, and information. That is why it is so critical that a government site can handle a lot of traffic and is secure.&nbsp;</p><p>There are a few key reasons why Drupal is so popular for government agencies. Below, we break down some of the top reasons why this CMS might be the best option for your government website.&nbsp;</p><h3>Scalability&nbsp;</h3><p>Drupal is built using modular architecture. It uses different tools, like lazy loading, caching, CSS optimization, and image compression, to make sure that its websites load quickly. This helps to make sure that your website performs well - which is incredibly important given that demand for certain government websites might be incredibly high at certain times (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people needed to access information about shutdowns and vaccines).&nbsp;</p><p>This modular architecture makes Drupal a very “scalable” CMS. In other words, it is easy to scale up your digital presence with Drupal because you can run multiple websites on one CMS. If you need to add a new website that addresses a specific issue, you can do that from the same CMS. You can also easily add features such as making your website available in multiple languages.&nbsp;</p><h3>Security&nbsp;</h3><p>Government agencies are prime targets for cyberattacks, whether the goal is to steal confidential information, achieve a political goal, or simply cause chaos. For this reason, government websites must be secured to prevent ransomware attacks, data breaches, and fraud.&nbsp;</p><p>Drupal is an excellent choice for government websites because it is well-known for its high levels of security. In addition to having high standards for coding, Drupal has a strict review process for any coding that is used on its platform - making it the most secure open-source CMS. Drupal also has its own <a href="https://www.drupal.org/drupal-security-team">security experts</a> who work to make sure that the platform is as secure as possible.&nbsp;</p><h3>Accessibility&nbsp;</h3><p>Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), websites are required to be accessible. This means that everyone should be able to access the information on a website, regardless of their disability. Having an accessible website is particularly important for government agencies, as a failure to do so could mean constituents are blocked from getting information, services, and/or benefits.&nbsp;</p><p>Drupal is a great CMS for accessibility. Drupal includes many standard accessibility features so that websites built on the platform are automatically more accessible. These features include adding alt text to photos, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and semantic HTML markup to assist screen reader technology. There are also specific modules for Drupal that can be used to improve accessibility, such as Editoria11y, CKEditor Accessibility Auditor, and All in One Accessibility.&nbsp;</p><h3>Affordability&nbsp;</h3><p>Most government agencies do not have huge budgets for things like website design and development. This means it may be impossible to use a proprietary CMS, which can be incredibly expensive. Fortunately, Drupal is a fairly low-cost CMS - particularly for a relatively straightforward website.&nbsp;</p><p>The cost to build a website using Drupal can vary considerably. It is free to download, and many themes and modules are free - as is a lot of community support from developers. However, once you start adding more complex features, custom development, and design and branding work, the cost can rise to $30,000 to $40,000 or more. This is still typically far less expensive than most proprietary software costs.&nbsp;</p><h3>Multilingual Capability&nbsp;</h3><p>There is no official language in the United States. In our increasingly diverse country, it isn’t unusual for many constituents in a given area to speak various languages. Government websites should be available in the most common languages spoken in that region to make sure that everyone can get access to the information that they need.&nbsp;</p><p>Drupal automatically includes a language translation feature that makes it simple to build a multilingual website. This feature can detect the probable language of visitors using their URL, browser settings, and IP address. It can then translate the website into another language - which means that your government website will be more accessible to a broad swath of the population.&nbsp;</p><h2>Building a Government Website? Contact Inclind for Help&nbsp;</h2><p>Government websites have unique needs compared to other industries. Government agency websites must be both secure and accessible. They should also be scalable and flexible to expand the website as needed as your mission changes. Our team of outstanding website designers and developers can help you build a site for your government organization using Drupal. We can also offer website maintenance and support.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Delaware, Inclind works with a range of businesses and organizations throughout the United States to help them build secure, functional, and attractive websites. We understand the concerns that government agencies often have when it comes to building and maintaining a website. We use our knowledge of these needs, the latest technology, and the types of attacks that governments will likely face to help our clients build the best possible website using Drupal, WordPress, or another CMS.&nbsp;</p><p>We are always here to talk if you want to learn more about our web design, development, and support services for government organizations. You can call 800-604-8139 or fill out our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">online contact form</a> to talk to one of our team members about your government website.</p>

Drupal For Government: The Benefits Of Choosing Drupal For Your Government Site

<p>The internet is the go-to destination for individuals looking to find healthcare information. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/02/01/majority-of-adults-look-online-for-health-information/">over half of all Americans (59%) use the internet to look for health or medical information</a>. On any given day, a person might search for conditions based on their symptoms, book an appointment online, or even see their healthcare provider virtually. This reality makes it all the more essential for medical practice to have a comprehensive and easy-to-use website.&nbsp;</p><p>For many healthcare entities - and other organizations - WordPress is a great open-source content management system. It is both user-friendly and easy to customize, which means that your medical website can be designed to accommodate how both you and your patients will use it. WordPress also offers great security features and a variety of plug-ins to make optimizing sites for search engines easier.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Delaware, Inclind works with healthcare entities throughout the United States as they design, build, and maintain their websites. Our award-winning website designers and developers use WordPress and other content management systems as part of our full suite of services, from website design and development to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">redesign</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/technical-seo">technical SEO</a>. If you want to learn more about using WordPress for your medical site, reach out today to talk to one of our experts.&nbsp;</p><h2>What Is WordPress?&nbsp;</h2><p><a href="https://wordpress.com/">WordPress</a> is an open-source content management system or CMS. It is essentially a type of software that can be used to create and manage a website - without any specialized knowledge of computer programming or coding. Because it is open-source, anyone can access the code to use or change it for free.&nbsp;</p><p>WordPress websites are built using themes and plugins. The theme is the overall layout and look of the website, while plugins allow you to customize the website. When you build a WordPress website, you will start by choosing a theme from a library of thousands of both free and paid options. You will then build out your website by adding plugins (with both free and paid versions) for different features.&nbsp;</p><p>WordPress started as a platform for bloggers but is now used by major corporations, nonprofits, and other organizations throughout the world. In fact, <a href="https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/cm-wordpress">43.7%</a> of all websites globally use WordPress. This includes websites for major healthcare providers like the Mayo Clinic, which uses WordPress for some of its external and internal websites.&nbsp;</p><h2>Benefits of Using WordPress for a Medical Website&nbsp;</h2><p>WordPress is so popular because it is relatively low-cost, easy to operate, and endlessly customizable. Many medical sites are built using WordPress because it has so many advantages. In fact, approximately <a href="https://www.ilovewp.com/resources/medical/wordpress-for-hospitals/">24% of all hospital websites worldwide are built on WordPress</a>. Below, we break down some of the reasons why you might choose WordPress for your healthcare website.&nbsp;</p><h3>WordPress Is User-Friendly&nbsp;</h3><p>As noted above, WordPress began as a way for bloggers to create their own websites. Its beginning means that this CMS is dedicated to ensuring that anyone can utilize the software - even if they don’t have any coding knowledge or experience. To this day, WordPress is one of the most straightforward content management systems to use.&nbsp;</p><p>Building a website starts with choosing a theme to set the framework for the website. From there, you can add plugins for additional features like translating content into another language or contact forms. Even if you have very little technical knowledge, you can probably build a basic WordPress site on your own.&nbsp;</p><p>Once your site has been created, you can manage it through WordPress’ administrative dashboard - which is fairly intuitive to use. Through the dashboard, you can add new pages, publish blog posts, and optimize your website for search engines (known as search engine optimization, or SEO).&nbsp;</p><p>Because WordPress is so easy to use, it is possible for smaller medical practices to run their websites on their own. While you may still need assistance with bigger tasks - like installing custom integrations or making sure that the site is HIPAA-compliant - doing things like changing out featured photos and publishing blog posts is easy to do on your own.&nbsp;</p><h3>WordPress Is SEO-Friendly&nbsp;</h3><p>In the past, word-of-mouth and traditional advertising were enough for most healthcare practices to have a steady flow of patients. Today, medical practices need a multi-faceted approach - which includes a digital presence. An important feature of this strategy includes ranking high on search engine results.&nbsp;</p><p>Search engine optimization makes it easy for search engines to crawl and index your website, which means that you may rank higher in search engine results when someone searches for something like “best chiropractor near me.” WordPress is built with SEO in mind.&nbsp;</p><p>There are a multitude of different plug-ins that you can use to enhance <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/technical-seo">SEO</a> with features like keyword optimization, sitemap generation, and meta-tag management. This can help to ensure that your website appears on the first page of results when people perform searches for medical practices.&nbsp;</p><h3>WordPress Is Mobile-Friendly&nbsp;</h3><p>Today, most people visit websites on their smartphones or tablets - not on a laptop or desktop computer. This makes it all the more important to have a website that performs well on mobile devices. In the website design and development world, this is referred to as mobile optimization.&nbsp;</p><p>Many WordPress themes are mobile-responsive, which means that they automatically adjust the layout and design to fit the screen based on what device the visitor is using. This leads to a better user experience, which means that people are less likely to click away from your website. It also can help with search engine rankings.&nbsp;</p><h3>WordPress Can Easily Be Customized&nbsp;</h3><p>WordPress offers nearly 60,000 free plugins - plus tens of thousands of paid plugins. These plugins are site add-ons that can increase your website’s functionality. There is a plugin for almost anything that you might need or want for your website, whether you need a patient portal, bill pay features, or <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessibility</a> options.&nbsp;</p><p>Of course, because WordPress is an open-source CMS, the quality of these plugins may vary. Before adding any plugin to your site, you should make sure that it has good reviews. Once installed, you will need to update your plugins to make sure that they are secure.&nbsp;</p><h3>WordPress Has Great Content Management Options&nbsp;</h3><p>One of the most important factors for SEO is fresh, relevant content. Regularly updating your website with new content is a great way to establish yourself as an authority and boost your search engine rankings. WordPress makes it incredibly easy to manage content on your site, whether you are adding blog posts, videos, or patient testimonials.&nbsp;</p><p>This feature makes it possible to have a website that is regularly updated with the latest news for your patients. For example, if you want to let patients know that the flu and COVID vaccines are in stock - and the benefits of getting vaccinated - you can draft a blog post about it. This will not only provide important information to the public but benefit your website as well.&nbsp;</p><h3>WordPress Has Robust Security&nbsp;</h3><p>For medical practices, one of the biggest challenges with having a website is making sure that it is secure and HIPAA-compliant. To protect against cyberattacks and data leaks, WordPress offers a range of plugins that are designed to make sure that your website is safe. These features can help to safeguard sensitive information.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, WordPress offers automatic updates to make sure that your medical website is running the latest - and most secure - version. You can also add features like two-factor authentication for patient portals to prevent unauthorized access.&nbsp;</p><p>Of course, automatic updates are only offered for minor releases. Major releases - such as new versions - will typically require a manual update. If you need help with that aspect of WordPress, our maintenance and support team can help keep your website safe and secure.&nbsp;</p><h3>WordPress Offers Community Support and Resources&nbsp;</h3><p>As an open-source CMS, WordPress has the advantage of having an entire community of website designers and developers who contribute to its growth. This includes everything from creating themes and plugins to offering support to website owners.&nbsp;</p><p>In comparison to proprietary CMS, this makes it a lot easier - and often less expensive - to get the assistance that you need. If you don’t have a dedicated information technology staff, this feature makes WordPress very attractive.&nbsp;</p><h2>How Inclind Can Help You Build an Outstanding Medical Website&nbsp;</h2><p>WordPress is one of multiple content management systems that makes it simple to build a functional, efficient website. It is great for healthcare websites, given its built-in SEO, ability to customize the website, and security features to keep patient information private. Although WordPress is user-friendly, you might still need some help to design, build, and maintain a more secure and effective website with features like online bill pay and patient portals.&nbsp;</p><p>At Inclind, we are adept at working with WordPress to create beautiful websites that are chock-full of the features that healthcare entities need. We understand the laws that govern medical sites and the importance of both making information accessible and keeping it secure. We work with a range of healthcare practices, from independent doctor’s offices to larger medical groups. Our team can help you choose a CMS that is right for your unique needs.&nbsp;</p><p>Interested in learning more about our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/wordpress-websites">WordPress design and development services</a> for <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/healthcare-organizations">medical websites</a>? Fill out our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">online contact form</a> or give us a call at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>

WordPress For Healthcare: The Benefits Of Choosing WordPress For Your Medical Site

<p>Most of us interact with websites, applications, and other digital platforms on a daily basis. As consumers, we have probably gotten frustrated or annoyed by a hard-to-use website or difficulty getting help when we need it. That is why customer experience is so important in <a href="/services/custom-web-design">web design</a> and <a href="/services/custom-web-development">development</a>, particularly for critical service providers like <a href="/clients/web-design-oil-gas">utility companies</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Customer experience includes every interaction that you have with your customers. By crafting a comprehensive, proactive strategy, you can improve customer experience - and customer retention. Incorporating the latest trends - like personalization and automation - can help your utility company stay ahead of the curve.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Inclind works with clients in the energy industry to help them build smart, responsive websites that will keep customers happy. Our award-winning collaboration of website designers and developers stays on top of the latest technology and CX trends to make sure that your website works for you and your customers. If you’d like to learn more, <a href="/#link1">reach out</a> to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What Is Customer Experience?&nbsp;</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.zendesk.com/blog/why-companies-should-invest-in-the-customer-experience/">Customer experience</a> - commonly referred to as CX - is how a business interacts with its customers throughout every aspect of their relationship. It is about more than just implementing certain features, such as a customer portal. It involves setting the tone for how customers feel about your company as a brand.&nbsp;</p>
<p>CX is incredibly important for helping you differentiate your brands from others. In fact, a recent study found that <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/insights">89% of companies believe that CX is the new competitive battlefield</a>. Customers want the companies they do business with to know and respect them. Delivering more personalized interactions can improve customers’ perception of your business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is a major difference in the positive and negative customer experience outcomes. Bad experiences can often result in lost business, with 73% of consumers stating that they would switch to a competitor after multiple bad interactions with a brand. A good experience can increase brand loyalty and customer retention, with 60% of consumers stating that they buy goods or services from brands based on the service they receive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Good CX means that your customers should leave an interaction feeling satisfied. This can include easy-to-use customer portals, self-service customer service options, and the ability to connect with customer service from any device.&nbsp;</p>
<p>By contrast, a bad CS can leave a customer feeling disappointed or frustrated - as though your company does not care about them as an organization. This often comes from things like nonresponsive customer service, hard-to-navigate websites, and marketing that isn’t targeted to meet customer needs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, consider a situation where a customer is experiencing a problem with their service. They log onto their <a href="/news/best-utility-website-examples">utility company website</a> for answers - and quickly find an article in the self-help library that helps them figure out exactly what to do. They had a few questions and could easily chat with a customer service agent to get information. This is an example of a good customer experience that can leave a customer with a good impression of your business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, picture a scenario where that same customer went to your website but couldn’t locate the self-help library. They attempted to talk to a customer service agent, but all they got was a chatbot that didn’t give them any useful information - and they also couldn’t find your customer service number on the website. In this situation, the customer would likely walk away frustrated and may even consider switching utility companies.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We have all been in the second situation with a company. It can be really upsetting to simply not get the information or help you need, particularly when you’re paying for a product or service. Building good customer experience into your website - particularly CX that uses smart new technology - is a great way to increase brand loyalty and retain customers.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Top Customer Experience Trends for Utility Companies&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The utility market is ever-changing - and increasingly competitive. If you run a utility company - or are simply responsible for its website - consider embracing these CX trends. Putting these technologies into place can help your company gain an advantage over others in the field - and keep your customers happy.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-11/image2.png"></p>
<h3>Personalization&nbsp;</h3>
<p>One of the top CX trends for utility companies is one that has become popular across all industries - personalization. Customers want personalized experiences more than one-size-fits-all solutions. Using data analytics can be a great way to offer tips and recommendations for individual customers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>By integrating data analytics software with your website and marketing tools, you could provide customers with things like targeted pricing data, ideas for energy-efficient upgrades, and recommendations to reduce usage based on how they use energy. This is helpful information for customers - and will increase their satisfaction with your company. A <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integration</a> with various software tools can help you personalize your website for better CX.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Self-Service Options&nbsp;</h3>
<p>In 2024, many customers are more technologically adept - and don’t want to talk on the phone. A robust self-service portal is a must for outstanding CX. Your customers should be able to use these portals to track usage, pay bills, and manage their accounts. Having great self-service options is also smart for utility companies, as it can reduce call center volume and the need to hire additional agents.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-11/image3.png"></p>
<h3>Automation&nbsp;</h3>
<p>When something goes wrong with your utility service, it doesn’t always happen Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Automation tools like artificially intelligent (AI) chatbots can provide customers with information like real-time outage updates, account information, and tips. These chatbots can often handle more routine requests so that your customer service agents can focus on more complex issues and on helping people who aren’t as tech-savvy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Automation can also help with CX in other ways, such as predicting equipment failures. For example, you could use AI to alert customers to a potential issue before it happens so that they can take proactive measures.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-11/image4.png"></p>
<h3>Sustainability&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Customer experience (CX) isn’t just about picking a service and paying for it. It extends to every aspect of your interactions with customers. Incorporating sustainability into your CX can be a great way to improve CX, especially as more people than ever before are concerned about energy efficiency and going “green.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, you could offer your customers more sustainable products, like smart thermostats. You could also provide information about ways to go green, including your company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Advanced Use of Technology&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Technology has evolved quite a bit since many utility companies were first founded. Taking advantage of this technology can improve customer experience in quite a few ways. For example, your company could use automatic meter reading (AMR) to get real-time usage information rather than relying on estimates or sending workers out to read meters manually.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Other technologies, like smart grid technologies and advanced metering infrastructure, can provide customers with a more efficient and convenient experience. These systems should all be integrated so that data can be seamlessly shared across all channels and between departments.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>More Availability on Digital Channels&nbsp;</h3>
<p>While it is possible to make generalizations about how people like to interact with the companies that they do business with, the reality is that everyone is different. The best way to improve customer experience as a utility company is to offer plenty of options so that you can meet customers where they are. In other words, you shouldn’t just have one option for getting in touch or seeking help but offer a range of choices - such as phone, email, chat, an app, and social media.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-11/image5.png"></p>
<h3>Proactive Communication&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Rather than wait for customers to contact you when there is a problem, utility companies can improve CX by utilizing smart technologies to contact customers first. For example, if there is a planned power outage, you can reach out to customers to let them know so that they can prepare. If a customer has a bill that hasn’t been paid, you can contact them so that they can avoid late fees or service disruptions.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Improve CX with Inclind&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Customer experience isn’t just an option for businesses in 2024—it should be considered a necessity. Building a website that incorporates the latest technology can help you improve CX and customer retention. It can also reduce your costs and increase efficiency—an all-around win.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, we offer a full range of web development and design services for utility companies. Our services include everything that you need to make your customer experience outstanding, from <a href="/services/website-development-consulting">design consultations</a> to <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, <a href="/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a>, and <a href="/support">support and maintenance services</a>. We work collaboratively with our customers to help them develop a CX strategy that works for them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you’d like to learn more about our web services for utility companies, we’re available to talk. You can fill out our online <a href="/#link1">contact form</a> or call 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>


The Top 7 Customer Experience Trends For The Utility Industry

<p>WordPress is one of the leading content management systems (CMS) for nonprofits. It offers many <a href="/news/wordpress-for-nonprofits">benefits</a>, including its relatively low cost and ease of use. An underlying theme is at the base of any WordPress site.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The theme forms the backbone of any WordPress website. Choosing a theme is a big decision. It can affect site speed, usability, functionality, security, and more. Our list of the best WordPress themes for nonprofits will help you narrow down the list and make the right choice for your organization.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Based in Delaware, Inclind is comprised of a team of some of the brightest website designers and developers in the industry. We work with <a href="/clients/non-profit-organizations">nonprofits</a> throughout the country to help them design, develop, and <a href="/services/wordpress-maintenance-support">maintain their WordPress websites</a>. Our team can help you with your initial website design, a <a href="/solutions/website-redesigns">website redesign</a>, <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, and more. To learn more about how we can help you build a standout nonprofit WordPress website, <a href="/services#link1">reach out</a> today to talk to one of our experts.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The Best WordPress Nonprofit​ Themes&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing a nonprofit WordPress theme? Here are a few of our favorites to help.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image17.jpg"></p>
<h3>Astra&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wpastra.com/">Astra</a> is a lightweight WordPress theme, which means that it won’t <a href="/news/common-reasons-why-your-wordpress-site-slow">slow down your website</a>. It’s also incredibly flexible, with a specific template for nonprofits. When you download this theme, you can choose the layout, headers, colors, and fonts and customize how your website will look. You can also add a retina version of your logo to the site. Astra integrates well with most plugins and is already set up to be search-engine friendly.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image5.jpg"></p>
<h3>SeedProd&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.seedprod.com/">SeedProd</a> is a website builder that operates with drag-and-drop functionality. With SeedProd, you can build your site without any coding knowledge. The process starts with a template that serves as the base for your website. From there, you can add elements and design your site exactly how you want it to look. While you’re editing, you can see a preview of your customizations to know how they will look before your site is published.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image10.jpg"></p>
<h3>Nayma&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://artisanthemes.io/wordpress-themes/nayma/?ref=syedbalkhi">Nayma</a> is a WordPress theme that includes templates for various organizations, including nonprofits. Building a website with Nayma is easy, as you can install a website with demo content and then customize it to your own. You can also use drag-and-drop modules to design your own page layouts.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image19.jpg"></p>
<h3>Essence Pro&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.studiopress.com/themes/essence/">Essence Pro</a> is a WordPress theme specifically for nonprofits, religious organizations, and charities. It has great speed and performance and can easily be optimized for mobile. It includes page templates for things like blogs, landing pages, and archives. It also has widget-ready areas to drag and drop or add code to your site for widgets.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image2_0.jpg"></p>
<h3>Faith&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/faith/">Faith</a> is a free WordPress theme for nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, and churches. It has multiple page layout options and a home page with a content slider, welcome message, and a space for testimonials.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image8.jpg"></p>
<h3>Exodus&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://churchthemes.com/themes/exodus/">Exodus</a> is a WordPress theme forreligious and spiritual organizations, such as churches and temples. Its standard homepage comes with a slider and call to action, while you can add pages for ministries, staff profiles, events, and locations. It also has a multimedia sermon management page option.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image26.jpg"></p>
<h3>Ultra&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themify.org/ultra/#Foundation">Ultra</a> is a WordPress theme that can be used for a range of websites, including non-profit organizations. It starts with a pre-made website with a visual content editor so that you can see what you are doing as you build your website. You can also easily add a storefront if your nonprofit wants to sell items.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image4.jpg"></p>
<h3>Maisha&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.anarieldesign.com/themes/charity-wordpress-theme/">Maisha</a> is a modern WordPress theme for nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits. This theme offers a homepage that has different layouts, including multiple slider styles and headers. Beyond that, you can add a blog, an eCommerce store, and other types of pages.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image25.jpg"></p>
<h3>Landing&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themify.me/themes/landing">Landing</a> is a multipurpose WordPress theme that can be used by nonprofits to create engaging profits and garner more donations. With built-in tools and elements and built-in drag-and-drop technology, it is relatively easy to build a website using this theme. It also has preset layouts, custom post types, and integrations with third-party apps.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image6.jpg"></p>
<h3>Charity Fundraiser&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/charity-fundraiser/">Charity Fundraiser</a> is a WordPress theme built for nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, and religious organizations. It is compatible with popular plugins so that you can create a customized website and has a visually appealing look. It also includes social media integration, is translation-ready, and supports right-to-left languages like Arabic and Hebrew.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image24.jpg"></p>
<h3>Divi&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/divi/">Divi</a> is a WordPress theme that can be used to build any type of website, including nonprofit/charitable websites. It has a number of pre-set layouts and demos, which means that it’s easy to choose a website that has already been built and then simply change out individual elements (such as your nonprofit logo) to customize your site.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Divi features a drag-and-drop page builder to simplify website construction. The visual builder may not be quite as intuitive as other popular page builders, but once you understand how it works, you can build pages quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image15.jpg"></p>
<h3>OceanWP&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://oceanwp.org/">OceanWP</a> is a free WordPress theme that offers several templates for websites. It’s a lightweight, fully responsive theme that can help you build a site with all of the basic features that you need. This includes a donate now button, a custom logo, an image slider, and icons for social media. You can also add plugins for more features.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image21.jpg"></p>
<h3>Zeko&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.anarieldesign.com/demos/?theme=Zeko">Zeko</a> is a WordPress theme specifically for charities and nonprofits. Its templates are optimized for mobile and include page templates, blog options, eCommerce capability, and unlimited colors. It is easy to use and helps nonprofits create professional-looking websites without coding knowledge.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image18.jpg"></p>
<h3>Grassroots&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.organizedthemes.com/theme/grassroots/">Grassroots</a> is a WordPress theme designed for charities, nonprofits, and similar organizations. It supports fullscreen video backgrounds, which help to create attention-grabbing landing pages. It also supports eCommerce features through WooCommerce and allows users to set up a contact form and donation plugins.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image20.jpg"></p>
<h3>Revive Charity&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/revive-charity/">Revive Charity</a> is a free WordPress theme for nonprofits, foundations, and religious organizations. It is simple to use, with lots of customization options. It is also compatible with donation plugins so that you can raise money using PayPal, Stripe, and other payment processors.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image11.jpg"></p>
<h3>Maranatha&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://churchthemes.com/themes/maranatha/">Maranatha</a> is a WordPress theme for religious and spiritual nonprofits with a more modern design. The homepage supports both full-screen video or image backgrounds with a parallax effect as visitors scroll. It also includes features like a sermon management page for uploads of video, audio, and other files and an events calendar.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image12.jpg"></p>
<h3>Idyllic&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/idyllic/">Idyllic</a> is a free WordPress theme that is great for smaller nonprofits and charitable organizations. It has a flexible design that can be customized with navigation menus, calls to action, widgets, and more. It includes a cool feature that allows you to spotlight donors as well as easy integrations with eCommerce platforms.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image1_0.jpg"></p>
<h3>Top Charity&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/top-charity/">Top Charity</a> is a WordPress theme built for non-profits. Its theme is both dynamic and highly customizable, making it perfect for fundraising campaigns and generating donations. It also has options for events and eCommerce and is translation-ready. It offers a variety of layouts, each of which can be customized with options like left or right sidebars and full-width templates.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image14.jpg"></p>
<h3>Benevolent&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/benevolent/">Benevolent</a> is a free WordPress theme for nonprofits. It features a homepage with a custom menu, slider, and call-to-action. You can also add custom widgets to the home page and a sidebar. The theme includes a translation feature and is optimized so that the page loads quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image23.jpg"></p>
<h3>NGO Charity Hub&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/ngo-charity-hub/">NGO Charity Hub</a> is a WordPress theme for charities and nonprofits. It is user-friendly, easy to customize, and optimized for both mobile devices and search engines. It is also translation-ready and has many options for full customization.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image22.jpg"></p>
<h3>Saved&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://churchthemes.com/themes/saved/">Saved</a> is a WordPress theme for religious and nonprofit organizations. Its modern style is made easier with a drag-and-drop layout, a video background, a content slider, and more. This theme also includes custom widgets, logo support, a range of colors, and the ability to include church content (such as sermons).&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image7.jpg"></p>
<h3>Forward&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.organizedthemes.com/theme/forward/">Forward</a> is a WordPress theme that is built for nonprofits. It features a clean, streamlined design that can be easily customized with your brand’s logo, colors, fonts, and more. You can add staff profits, sponsors, an email signup form, and other features.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image16.jpg"></p>
<h3>Foundation&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.organizedthemes.com/theme/foundation/">Foundation</a> is designed for charitable foundations and nonprofit organizations. It offers a standard welcome message that can be customized, followed by calls to action. This theme is meant to help with fundraising, with options like a “thermometer” to show fundraising progress. Social sharing functionality can help you maximize donations through social.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image13.jpg"></p>
<h3>Wildlife&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/wildlife-lite/">Wildlife</a> is a WordPress theme specifically designed for animal-related nonprofits like conservation organizations and animal shelters. The theme is fully responsive and optimized for mobile. The homepage has slider sections and customized sections, and all pages can be customized with features like backgrounds, full-width templates, and right sidebars.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image3.jpg"></p>
<h3>Give&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/give-ngo-charity-wordpress-theme/43118605">Give</a> is a charity theme built to work with Elementor’s page builder plugin. The theme features a custom premium Elementor add-on that extends the builder's functionality. The theme includes everything you need to easily get your charity site up and running. It integrates easily with the <a href="https://givewp.com/">Give WP plugin</a>, which is one of the most popular donation form plugins for WordPress. You can get started building your site with six different premade designs available for the theme.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Build a Great WordPress NonProfit Website with Inclind&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Choosing a theme for your website can be daunting, as it forms the basis for your entire site. You might not be fully aware of what features each theme offers or whether it’ll work for your purposes. Our website design and development team can offer you their insight and guide you toward a theme that will work best for your nonprofit organization. As <a href="/services/custom-web-development">custom web developers</a>, we also have the capability to custom-code a unique theme for your organization.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Inclind offers the highest-quality website design and development services to clients throughout the nation. We have significant experience working with nonprofits and understand how their needs differ from those of for-profit businesses. We collaborate with our clients to help them build a fantastic, effective website for their unique needs (and budget!). We have experience with all types of CMS, including <a href="/services/wordpress-websites">WordPress</a> and <a href="/services/drupal-websites">Drupal</a>, and will offer our expert opinion about what will work best for your organization.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you’re interested in learning more about our WordPress design and development services for nonprofit organizations, fill out our online <a href="/services#link1">contact form</a> or give us a call at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>


The 25 Best Nonprofit WordPress Website Themes

<p>In recent years, there has been a push towards more sustainability and alternative energy sources. Nevertheless, our country - and the world as a whole - remains dependent on oil and gas as fuel sources. Oil and gas companies play a prominent role in our economy, even as many explore options for a more sustainable future.&nbsp;</p>
<p>An oil and gas company should have a website that explains what it offers and its mission. Ideally, this website should also include necessary information like a customer portal and should be accessible, easy to use, and optimized for mobile. We have collected some of the best examples of oil and gas company websites - ranging from small businesses to major multinational corporations - to inspire you as you embark on your own <a href="/services/custom-web-design">website design</a> or <a href="/solutions/website-redesigns">redesign</a> project.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, we help <a href="/clients/web-design-oil-gas">energy industry</a> clients design, develop, and maintain great websites. Our award-winning collaboration of website designers and develops stays abreast of the latest technology to make sure that you are getting the highest quality, most effective website possible If you’d like to learn more, <a href="/#link1">reach out</a> to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What an Oil and Gas Company Website Should Include&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Like any other industry, oil and gas companies should have a website. Whether you’re a local company that supplies heating oil to customers or a major international corporation, a website is a modern way to reach people—and something that consumers, other businesses, and stakeholders expect a reputable operation to have. When it comes to website design, oil and gas companies should focus on a few key elements.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>User-First Design&nbsp;</h3>
<p>First, the website should be user-friendly. Visitors want to be able to access important information quickly and easily. If you hide information under layers of menus, you might turn off potential customers, which can impact your search engine rankings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A simple, intuitive layout makes it easy to get information. This may include things like a dropdown menu, a search function, or buttons to take visitors to important pages. Try to eliminate visual clutter by cutting out details or elements that aren’t necessary. You may also work with your website designer to create a “map” to visualize how users will get to each page.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Accessibility Features&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Second, you want your website to be <a href="/solutions/accessibility-audits">accessible</a> to everyone. This may include features like using high-contrast fonts or tools to translate the website content into different languages. Many apps can make both accessibility and translation easy, which means that as many people as possible will be able to visit and use your website.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Technical Structure Optimized For Search Engines&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Third, your website should be developed with a technical hierarchy and structure conducive to the latest <a href="/solutions/technical-seo">search engine optimization</a> (SEO) best practices. Many designers and developers don’t fully understand SEO, which can lead to the production of sites that don’t drive results. It’s important to work with a team that deeply understands how search engines work and assess web content.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Engaging Content&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Fourth, your website should have fresh content in different formats. In the early days of the Internet, having a static website was the norm. Today, visitors expect new content and for content to be presented in a variety of ways, including text, pictures, videos, and infographics.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Mobile-Friendly Design &amp; Clear CTAs&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Finally, there are other elements that should be included in any oil and gas company website. These include mobile optimization (since many people access websites on their phones or tablets), a way to contact your organization, plenty of calls to action (CTAs), and branding consistent with your company’s overall marketing scheme. An experienced website design and development agency like Inclind can help you implement these best practices when building your website.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>15 Top Oil and Gas Company Website Designs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you’re building an oil and gas website from scratch - or are embarking on a redesign project - having some examples can help you get started. Below, we have rounded up some of the best oil and gas company website designs for inspiration.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/total-energies.jpg"></p>
<h3>Total Energies&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://totalenergies.com/">Total Energies</a> is a French multinational energy and petroleum company. Its website makes great use of color, with red pulled from its logo to highlight key information—like the stock price at the top right corner and contact information. Total Energies also has a dropdown menu to change the language and a scrolling graphic that offers additional information about the company.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/coterra.jpg"></p>
<h3>Coterra&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.coterra.com/">Coterra</a> - formerly known as Cabot Oil &amp; Gas - is a​ Texas-based hydrocarbon company. Its website does a great job of using a full-screen photograph to create visual impact. Coterra also keeps it simple, with dropdown menus, a search bar, and the current stock price all available at the top of the screen. A branding message takes center stage, encouraging investors who may be interested in buying stock.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image2.jpg"></p>
<h3>Apex Oil&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://apexoil.com/">Apex Oil</a> is a smaller St. Louis-based company that provides distribution, storage, and transportation of petroleum products throughout the United States. Its website is relatively basic, with a rotating photo of its operations, a short description of its work, and drop-down menus. This simplicity keeps the focus on its products and services - which is a great way to generate new leads.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/murphy.jpg"></p>
<h3>Murphy Oil Corporation&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.murphyoilcorp.com/">Murphy Oil Corporation</a> is a hydrocarbon exploration company based in Houston. Its website highlights sustainability, with a pull-down menu and an alert about a sustainability report across the top. This is a smart addition, given the concerns that many consumers and investors alike have about the environment. It also includes a portal for royalty owners to log in and access information.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image5.png"></p>
<h3>Shell&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.shell.com/">Shell</a> is a British multinational oil and gas company. While it has long been known for its oil and gas, its website features some new “greener” products - like liquified natural gas - that are more sustainable. This commitment to sustainability is also highlighted by a pull-down menu specific to the topic.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image3.png"></p>
<h3>Petro&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.petro.com/">Petro</a> is an East Coast-based energy company that provides propane and heating oil to consumers. Because its focus is on customers, its website offers a different experience. There is a customer login, a payment portal, and a customer hub. The website also includes specific calls to action to encourage people to buy products and services from Petro.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/oxy.jpg"></p>
<h3>Oxy&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.oxy.com/">Oxy</a> is a multinational oil and gas company with operations in the United States, the Middle East, and Latin America. Its website is clean, with a modern design that focuses on its commitment to the environment, with a button directly in the center of the page that takes you to its sustainability focus. Oxy’s website utilizes a simple color scheme that is visually appealing.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/marathon.jpg"></p>
<h3>Marathon Petroleum&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.marathonpetroleum.com/">Marathon Petroleum</a> is an Ohio-based petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company. Its website uses a striking graphic as a background, with a bold red button that directs visitors to its energy solutions page. Another great feature of this site is the prominent search bar at the top right of the screen.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/world-oil.jpg"></p>
<h3>World Oil&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://worldoil.com/">World Oil</a> isn’t an oil and gas company, but a media outlet that focuses on the industry. Its website is notable for a few features. First, it offers multiple opportunities to connect or subscribe with the company - at the top and bottom of the screen as well as in a popup. It also includes key stats along the top of the screen, which is critical information for anyone interested in oil and gas. Finally, there is a dropdown menu of topics that functions like a virtual library.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/national-oil.jpg"></p>
<h3>National Oil Corporation&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://natloil.com/">National Oil Corporation</a> is a propane delivery company based in the Midwest. While its website isn’t fancy, it provides the necessary information. It is also easy to use, with contact information and a search bar easily accessible at the top. In addition, the website features a link to place an order and a payment portal.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/coleman.jpg"></p>
<h3>Coleman Oil&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://colemanoil.com/">Coleman Oil</a> delivers fuel and lubricants to companies throughout the Western United States. Its website knows that its customers don’t have a lot of time to waste on clicking around, so it gets right to the point. A customer portal is easy to find, along with links to services, locations, and forms.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/mansfield.jpg"></p>
<h3>Mansfield Energy&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://mansfield.energy/">Mansfield Energy</a> is a Georgia-based oil and gas company that offers a variety of fuel solutions. Its website is clean and bold, enticing visitors to click and learn more about its services. It also includes a button for “FuelNet,” which is a portal through which customers can order and manage fuel deliveries.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/image1.jpg"></p>
<h3>Sinclair Oil&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.sinclairoil.com/">Sinclair Oil</a> is an American gas station chain. The company plays off of its fun dinosaur logo with the use of green - and a reference to DINO. The limited text means that it is relatively easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether you own a gas station and need to schedule a delivery or a consumer looking for a location.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/conocophillips.jpg"></p>
<h3>ConocoPhillips&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.conocophillips.com/">ConocoPhillips</a> is an American oil and gas company. Its website reflects its mission, with text overlaying a photo across the center of the screen. It also includes a tab with the current stock price for the company, plus links to its global business units at the top. American investors can also gain information about dividends and more from a pull-down menu.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="height:auto;width:100%;" src="https://backend.inclind.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-10/atlas.jpg"></p>
<h3>Atlas Oil&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.atlasoil.com/">Atlas Oil</a> is a fuel delivery company based out of Houston, Texas. Its website shows how a company can use its brand colors effectively on a website, with its main colors of blue, orange, and white featured prominently. Buttons underneath the center text take you to services, while visitors can also request a quote from the top right corner.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Looking to Build a Better Oil and Gas Website? Give Us a Call&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Like any other business, oil and gas companies should have a smart, effective website to drive profits. Depending on the type of business you run, the website might be geared more towards individual customers, investors, or the general public. Features like portals are a great way to make sure that your clients stay connected.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Inclind, we offer a full range of web development and design services for oil and gas companies and other businesses. We can walk you through the website design and development process, which may include <a href="/solutions/website-migrations">website migration</a>, <a href="/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, <a href="/solutions/conversion-optimization">conversion optimization</a>, and more. We also offer <a href="/support">support and maintenance services</a> to keep your website running smoothly after the initial build is complete.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you’d like to learn more about our web services for oil and gas companies, we’re available to talk. You can fill out our online <a href="/#link1">contact form</a> or call 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.</p>


The 15 Best Oil & Gas Company Website Designs

Revitalizing the Digital Experience for Dover Federal Credit Union

<p>Building a website can be an intense process. Once it’s complete, you may feel a sense of accomplishment - and relief that you don’t have to do it again. However, as technology changes, you will almost certainly have to update your website - which may include migrating to a new version of your content management system.&nbsp;</p><p>Drupal 7 will no longer be supported by January 2025, putting any website that uses it at risk. Now is the perfect time to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-migrations/drupal-7-to-drupal-10">migrate your Drupal website from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10</a>. Our complete guide to performing this migration will help you through the process, from analyzing your current modules to conducting a quality check before launching.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind has significant experience working with Drupal to design, build, and maintain websites for <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/non-profit-organizations">nonprofits</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/government-website-design">government agencies</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/healthcare-organizations">healthcare practices</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/clients/higher-education">educational institutions</a>, and other organizations. If your website is running on Drupal 7, we can perform the migration process for you to make sure that it is secure and functional on Drupal 10. Reach out to <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">talk to a team member</a> about our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/drupal-websites">Drupal website design and development services</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2>Why Migrate from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10?&nbsp;</h2><p>Like other content management systems (CMS), Drupal is updated periodically. These new versions ensure the platform includes the most advanced technology and is as secure as possible.&nbsp;</p><p>Drupal 7 was introduced in 2009, 15 years after its release. Multiple updates, including Drupal 8 and 9, have since been released. The current version of Drupal is Drupal 10.&nbsp;</p><p>Drupal has announced that January 5, 2025, is Drupal 7’s “<a href="https://www.drupal.org/about/drupal-7/d7eol/partners#:~:text=After%205%20January%202025%2C%20Drupal,and%20may%20face%20compatibility%20issues.">end of life</a>.” This means that this version will no longer receive security and compatibility updates. As such, any website still running on Drupal 7 will be vulnerable to cyber threats and may have compatibility issues. These websites may also violate compliance standards set by laws like​​ FedRAMP, PCI, HIPAA, and SOC 2. This is why Drupal <a href="https://www.drupal.org/drupalorg/blog/its-time-to-migrate-from-drupal-7-let-me-show-you-how-to-start">recommends</a> that all users migrate from Drupal 7 to 10 - if they haven’t already done so.&nbsp;</p><p>If you choose to stay on Drupal 7 after January 2025, then your website will be at risk. Not only will you face security issues - with no updates or patches to fix them - but you won’t be able to access any support from Drupal after this time. In addition, because your website will be flagged as insecure, you won’t be able to integrate the site with third-party software (most of which won’t work with end-of-life software).&nbsp;</p><p>There really is no question—if your website is running on Drupal 7, you must migrate it before January 2025. Below, we outline the steps to help you perform the migration. If you are unsure about doing this work yourself, reach out to Inclind to talk to our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/drupal-websites">Drupal website developers</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2>How to Migrate Your Website from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10&nbsp;</h2><p>Once you have made the decision to migrate your website, you will have to figure out exactly how to do it. Read on for a step-by-step guide to the process. If you have questions or are worried about your ability to do this work yourself, you can always contact Inclind for <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/drupal-maintenance-support">Drupal maintenance and support</a>.&nbsp;</p><h3>Review Your Current Website&nbsp;</h3><p>For better or worse, migrating your website to the latest version of Drupal is a big job. This makes it a perfect time to go over your current website and figure out what you want to keep and what can go. Think of it as planning for the future of your website with an eye towards its structure, design, function, and content.&nbsp;</p><p>Do a little research into Drupal 10. What are the ways that you can use some of its new features to make your website better? Keep that in mind as you analyze other parts of your site, including:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Structure - is it easy to navigate? Can the user experience (UX) be improved?&nbsp;</li><li>Content - do you need all of the existing content? Can you simplify any parts of your website? Does your content need to be optimized for SEO?&nbsp;</li><li>Design - is your website design out of date? This is a great time to refresh it with more modern elements.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>You should also think hard about how big of a job this migration will be - and whether your internal team is equipped to handle it. If not, then you will want to work with a website developer to assist in the migration and ensure that your site is optimized.&nbsp;</p><h3>Check the Availability of Your Modules in Drupal 10&nbsp;</h3><p>Drupal relies on modules to add functionality to your website. You might have installed these modules when the site was first built 5, 10, or even 15 years ago, but many of these modules may be incompatible with Drupal 10.&nbsp;</p><p>There are two ways to check module compatibility. You can go to the Drupal website and check each module manually. Alternatively, you can install a tool (like Upgrade Status) that will scan your website and check the compatibility of each module.&nbsp;</p><p>If your modules aren’t compatible with Drupal 10, then you will need to find new ones to replace them. However, even if they are, you may want to look for new modules with better technology anyways. This can upgrade the functionality of your site.&nbsp;</p><h3>Create Your Drupal 10 Website&nbsp;</h3><p>Before you can migrate your website, you will need to create a new website in Drupal 10. Create the website just as you did when you first set up your website, and then install the modules that you selected. You will then need to set up your website using Layout Builder with blocks, content types, menus, forms, and media types.&nbsp;</p><h3>Update Your Site Code&nbsp;</h3><p>If you have any custom coding on your website - including custom themes and modules - then they will need to be re-coded from scratch to work with Drupal 10. Once this work is done, you can install them on your new Drupal 10 website.&nbsp;</p><h3>Migrate Your Data to the New Site&nbsp;</h3><p>The next step involves the actual migration process. If your site is light on content, you can probably migrate it manually. If you have a lot of content, then you will want to use a tool to migrate the content automatically such as the Migrate API, Migrate Plus, Migrate Scanner, and Migrate Tools.&nbsp;</p><p>Before you get started, you will want to make sure that all of your content and data on your Drupal 7 site has been cleaned up and that your site is running the latest version of Drupal 7. You should also back up your data so that you have a copy in case there is an issue with the migration. Talk to your staff about not updating the site during the migration process, and check your URLS to make sure that they will redirect to the new site.&nbsp;</p><p>When performing a migration, you will want to finish the migration for one content type (such as text) before starting on other types of content. This can save time with the migration since the initial transfer will be a template for the next transfer.&nbsp;</p><h3>Test the Site&nbsp;</h3><p>Once your migration is complete, it is time to do a quality assurance (QA) check. Go through your new website and make sure that all content and data has been migrated correctly. You will also want to make sure that it works properly across devices (including computers, phones, and tablets) and that it is both secure and accessible.&nbsp;</p><h3>Launch Your Site&nbsp;</h3><p>The final step in the process is to launch the website. Once QA is done, you should update your site’s DNS settings to direct to your new Drupal 10 website. Make sure that you check your logs for 404 errors or other errors that may indicate that your old site isn’t redirecting to the new one. You should also secure your old site so that it isn’t accessible by the public.&nbsp;</p><p>Many organizations like to announce that they have a new website, especially if they have any new features that benefit their clients or customers. You can let people know via social media or email - and make sure to point out everything that is better about the website!&nbsp;</p><p>Migrating to Drupal 10 can be complicated, especially if you aren’t familiar with coding. Drupal is known for requiring a bit more tech know-how than other CMS like WordPress. If you are a bit wary of doing the migration yourself, reach out to Inclind for help.&nbsp;</p><h2>Migrate Your Drupal 10 Site with Inclind&nbsp;</h2><p>If your site is still running on Drupal 7, then you will need to take action in the next few months to update it to Drupal 10. While the migration process takes some time and skill, it is necessary to protect the integrity and viability of your website. If you’re nervous about the process, we can help.&nbsp;</p><p>Inclind is a collaborative team of award-winning website designers and developers that works with clients throughout the United States. We offer a full range of services, including <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/drupal-websites">Drupal website design</a> and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/website-redesigns">redesign</a>, <a href="https://www.inclind.com/solutions/integrations">custom integrations</a>, support and maintenance, and <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services/website-consulting">website consulting</a>. If you have a Drupal website that is running on an outdated version, we can help you with the entire migration process - including helping you choose the best modules for your needs and creating custom code.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’d like to learn more about our Drupal website design and development services, we’re happy to help. Fill out our <a href="https://www.inclind.com/services#link1">online contact form</a> or give us a call at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your Drupal website.</p>

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