International Volunteer HQ

International Volunteer HQ provides quality, affordable volunteering placements in 16 developing countries all over the world, with plans for new countries to be added in 2011.  IVHQ was a start-up company with the website officially launched July 2007 as a simple brochure website with a registration form.

In 2009 IVHQ requested an automated approach to their website to allow the streamlining of applicant communications to free staff up to concentrate on day to day management. The website was rebuilt in Drupal.

The website now manages the entire application process for IVHQ staff, with a structured workflow taking the registrations online, to the vetting and approval process, and dispatching a series of automated reminder emails prompting volunteers to submit required documentation and travel plans. The website also includes administration sections for the global country co-ordinators to manage their specific volunteers for all their programs.

International Volunteer HQ is an online business with a considerable online advertising investment including Google Adwords and the prominent global volunteer portals. Social Media is key for IVHQ, they have run a successful Facebook group with over 15,000 members, they are now in the process of migrating to a new Facebook page. This is supplemented with activity on Youtube, Twitter and competitions on the IVHQ website. Sparks provided the initial set-up and consultancy for link-building, Adwords and Analytics.

Through thorough research and attention to metrics, Sparks and IVHQ have been able to manage the mix of search, social media, and user-generated content to meet, engage and connect with new visitors then convert them into volunteers – driving substantial growth in the business.