A proper website for your WI — the programme, finally somewhere everyone can find it.

What a WI group website needs

Women searching for their local WI are usually trying to find out which institute meets near them, what night it is and whether newcomers are welcome. Each institute is its own charity within a wider federation, so visitors expect your own page with your own programme, not a national one.

What to publish

• Meeting day, time and venue, plus a clear welcome to visitors and how to come to a first meeting.
• The year's programme of speakers, demonstrations and outings.
• Interest groups such as craft, walking or book circles, each with a contact.
• Committee names or roles and a contact form rather than a private email address.
• Membership information: when you are open to new members, and a pointer to your federation for the national details.
• Photos and short reports from events, charity fundraising and the WI market or fair if you hold one.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on the federation's directory entry, which is often out of date for times and venue.
• Publishing a full programme as a PDF only, which is hard to read on a phone and invisible to search.
• Not saying visitors are welcome, so potential members assume it is closed.

Frequently asked questions