Seattle Communities Online
Tools at a Glance
To view Goals and Pathways chart click here.
| Tools | Use this tool if | Limitations | Important features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blog | ||||
Blogger |
you want to upload content frequently and have new posts always at the top of your website. |
limited number of templates available. |
WYSIWYG editor, video-tutorials, mobile and email posting. |
Free |
Wordpress |
see above. |
dashboard is complicated-looking, number of features could be overwhelming. |
WYSIWYG editor, integrated calendar and polling tools. |
Free* |
| Wiki | ||||
Wetpaint |
you want a collaborative space for all community members to participate in. |
lots of ads, group participation required to be successful. |
“droplets,” easy ways for members to post information and events, easy to navigate. |
Free* |
Wikidot |
see above. |
number of features could be overwhelming to new user. “More than just a wiki.” |
easily integrated blogging tool, easy to embed google gadgets, youtube videos, and flickr photos. |
Free* |
Ning |
you want the above, with social networking capabilities. |
used mostly for like-minded groups: cat-lovers; tri-athletes, moms. |
unique member profiles, visually appealing, photos and videos, chat. |
Free* |
| Website | ||||
Googlesites |
you need an easy tool to update a calendar and post images and text. |
very basic layout, only works well with other google products, gadgets. |
integrates with google calendar, easy to edit. |
Free |
| Social Networking | ||||
Facebook |
you want an easy place to post information and the people you want to reach have FB accounts. |
Facebook pages have standard layout, you can only reach people with Facebook accounts |
allows you to easily send information to Facebook members who are part of your “group,” no web skills necessary, tweeting. |
Free |
Twitter |
you want to post short, frequent updates (“tweets”) to your “followers.” |
requires “followers” to be useful, should not be primary web tool |
easy way to send community updates, without requiring a lot of time or mass emails, you can tweet it. |
Free |
| Integrated Online Tool | ||||
Wild Apricot |
you need to integrate your contact database with your web presence. might want sign-in functionality for your members. |
unnecessary features for a small organization, expensive to upgrade. |
you can update your website, send mass emails, and track your membership, and have event registration. |
Free - $250, depending upon ad-support and number of contacts. |