"We approached NetStrategies more than six years ago when we needed a better website with more useful features for our members," said Shawn Sample, NTCA Web master. "We wanted members to rely on NTCA as a valuable online resource," said Sample.

The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) is a non-profit association representing more than 580 small and rural telephone cooperatives and commercial companies. Their webmaster is Shawn Sample.

The Challenge

When NTCA needed a better website for membership they turned to NetStrategies.

"NetStrategies added two new member areas in '03 that continue to generate huge traffic with our members," said Sample. First we added insurance and benefits. "This section is a real hit with members; and for the past 4-5 years is one of the most visited areas of NTCA's website," she added. This popular area of the NTCA website helps retain members, according to Sample, because it improves member services.

NetStrategies designed NTCA's job center, another extremely popular area of NTCA's website. According to Sample it's a free service for members, but non-members must pay to post openings. This section brings in revenue and is self-serve, according to Sample. "People come to our website for this service alone," said Sample. "It is another wonderful example of NetStrategies using their expertise to improve our business." Sample added that the Job Center really increases the "happiness factor" with members.

"Our 2003 site redesign with NetStrategies included a content management system that allowed multiple NTCA staff to stay on top of updates," said Sample. "Now every department sends updates to the site every month. Our site started to grow in 2003 and continues to do so." she added.

In 2008 NetStrategies implemented new and improved navigation that made it even easier for members to find what they need.

"Our measurable results continue to increase," according to Sample. "Time spent on site increased. Numbers continue climbing for visits. Bounce rate is decreasing steadily." said Sample. "These are a few of the metrics we follow." Visits jumped 72 percent between March and December 2008. New visits rose 102 percent and return visits nearly 56 percent during that same time frame.

Sample added that downloading rates are astronomical. Materials once faxed or mailed are now online. This makes life much more efficient for both the association and members. "Thanks to NetStrategies our excellent website saves money and makes money," said Sample.

Netstrategies Delivers Rapid Response Time and More

Relationships that work add value.

"Rapid response time is what we value most about NetStrategies," said Sample. "In this business, you need to be fast. This is especially true if there is an online problem. Our members do not hesitate to alert us when an online service they use is unresponsive."

"Our Web hosts [NetStrategies] understand the immediacy of our online needs. That fast response is noticed and so valuable for me. When I ask for help, they deliver." she exclaimed.

Sample is quick to add, "There is so much more to our relationship with NetStrategies that I value. The staff is creative. When I have no idea how to solve a problem online, I can literally give it to NetStrategies with very little instruction and say ‘please help. Proactive is another NetStrategies virtue," said Sample. "They use their expertise with initiative. They often present me with innovative ideas to further improve our online presence. NetStrategies employs very talented people."

Measurable Results

NetStrategies delivers measured results.

"NetStrategies delivers real results," said Sample. "Thanks to NetStrategies the members love our website and we know this is true because we track it. If you follow our analytics reports the measurable results are astronomical. For example, the online job center generated more than 112, 040 visits from March through December 2008."

NetStrategies recently designed the eStore which is another great new online feature for NTCA members. According to Sample, eStore visits and purchases continue to grow. The technology makes purchases simple and secure for customers. Plus, Sample adds, it is uncomplicated for our finance department to track sales and inventory. "We sell some very cool products through the eStore, and again, members respond with visits," said Sample. Between March and December 2008, Google analytics calculated more than 6,762 page views in the online eStore.

The E-Mail alert was another NetStrategies idea that was simple to implement and a wonderful benefit to members, according to Sample. It is a no-cost benefit that pays off with free publicity. Members register for alerts on NTCA's website.

Valuable Testimonial

NTCA recommends NetStrategies.

Sample stated, "You can't go wrong with NetStrategies. They're great! NetStrategies is professional, efficient, and accommodating. When presented with a challenge, their experts always remain calm and collected. Then, they ‘get the job done.' Plus, the quality of their work is exceptional. They understand our organization, its mission and goals. It is so nice to have a vendor who takes the time to understand and appreciate why we exist. If you're looking for quality of service and rapid response rate, you'll love working with NetStrategies."