Running a nonprofit organization presents some unique challenges. Not only does it involve juggling tight budgets, but it also means being creative when it comes to connecting with community partners and funding sources. That’s why a well-designed nonprofit website is key to achieving the brand recognition, respect and trust needed to grow your organization.
As with any other professional website, your nonprofit website should be:
- Easy to navigate and aesthetically appealing
- Compatible with all major browsers
- Mobile-friendly
- Accessible for those with low vision and other disabilities
- Filled with content, both video and text, that directly relates to your organization
- Appropriate for visitors of all ages
While the actual structure of your nonprofit website will depend on the size of your organization, your budget and your goals, there are some basic elements that all nonprofits need to include:
Adding a Mission Statement on Your Nonprofit Website
Your nonprofit mission statement lets website visitors know exactly what your organization does – it’s a snapshot that summarizes the key elements of your nonprofit.
Be sure to include a paragraph or two that clearly describes who your agency serves, how, and why. This information serves as the foundation for everything your nonprofit does, and it’s also one of the things potential donors look at when deciding which organizations to support.
Connecting via Social Media Links
Audience engagement is critical to the success of any business, and that’s especially true when it comes to nonprofits. This is often overlooked when developing a nonprofit website design, and that can be a costly mistake.
Include links to your social media feed on all pages, not just the home page. Not only does this help boost your search engine rankings, but it lets visitors instantly share your blog posts and page. This is a great way to amplify your messaging without spending a cent on advertising.
Who is Running the Show: Staff Profiles
Including staff profiles on your website lets visitors know there are real people behind the cause, and that can go a long way towards building trust in your nonprofit’s brand.
Showcase staff and volunteers by creating short bios that focus on how these people contribute to your cause. It’s also a good idea to include ‘action shots’ of staff and volunteers working with your organization, as that helps visitors visualize the work your nonprofit does.
Nonprofit Website Donation Page
Once you’ve given your website visitors plenty of motivation to support your organization, it’s time to seal the deal by asking for a donation.
Your donation page should be short and free from links that could distract potential donors. Keep your messaging brief, and make every word count. Break up any text into short blurbs, and whenever possible, use bullet points.
Use a secure online portal to collect donations so donors feel safe handing over their financial information. Consider offering a few options, such as a one-time donation or recurring monthly donation. Remember, this page is all about converting visitors into supporters, so building trust is key.
Getting By With Help From Friends
Need help with your nonprofit website? Give us a call here at Comit Developers or drop us a line through our contact form. Our nonprofit website design specialists are here to help amplify your online voice.
