Results
- A modern responsive website, making it easy for MRC’s team to manage, also allows them to update events and memberships quicker.
- Instant signup process – memberships are created much quicker
Client overview
The Model Railway Club (MRC) has been in service for over 100 years, with famous members including Peter Denny (builder of the iconic Buckingham Great Central layout) and C J Freezer (Former editor of the Railway Modeller magazine). The club’s exhibition at Westminster Hall was for much of the 20th Century ‘the’ exhibition.
The Challenge
The MRC had an outdated and unresponsive website, which didn’t help them when attracting new generations of members. They wanted their new website to do this, which would help them maintain their leading status nationwide.
They also wanted to attract a younger generation of modellers in their 20s, 30s and 40s, as well as modellers aged 8-14 for their monthly YMRC club.
Where we come in
Our goal was to produce the best model railway club website to complement the branding of the MRC and to maintain their leading position in the hobby.
We worked closely with the MRC to build a new responsive membership website, and online membership management tools using WordPress.
New responsive website
- We built the new website in WordPress with a bespoke administrator backend, web pages and blogs can now be added easily by MRC volunteers with minimal training.
- We used photos of their meetings and workshops for their website design.
- It is much more mobile-friendly, making it easier for younger members who prefer to sign-up and manage their membership on mobile devices.
Improved UX for the online signup process
The most important goal for the MRC website was to add instant online instant sign up for members to help MRC to boost their online membership acquisition. Previously it was a long drawn out process, sometimes taking up to three months for new members to join.
The simple and clear design of the MRC website helps visitors to understand the different types of membership. Members can choose their type of membership and frequency by simply clicking their chosen option on the drop-down menu underneath a membership listing.
The MRC’s new website includes an easy to use IT membership system, MRC volunteers can manage existing or new memberships easily.
Membership Portal
- The all-new membership portal makes it easier to help members renew their membership, access membership information, and book rooms for events.
- Future plans include a custom forum to allow MRC members to share ideas and discussions, and an online shop to sell merchandise.
New bespoke events management functionality
- A new events calendar and events management functionality was added to make this easier.
- Volunteers can upload and market new events, and members can easily view and book their places.
Website Hosting
The MRC website is hosted on Artonezero’s secure servers based in Telehouse North in London.
You can see the MRC’s all-new website by clicking here.
