Top 5 Ways to Create a Successful Website

Gone are the days of pamphlets, brochures and information packets. Okay, those days may not be completely gone, but by no means is it the most practical or cost effective way to build your organization’s supporter base. It may work with an older generation who is uncomfortable tinkering around a computer keyboard, but social media and web design are the most productive ways to connect to both new and established donors.

As Christmas approaches I tend to stay away from the mall filled with anxious shoppers, crowded aisles and lines ten people deep. Online shopping is how I tackle my gift list and I think there are some valuable lessons to be learned from their marketing tactics.

1)     Capture the Donor’s Attention – Graphics, pictures and bold titles make your message stand out. In my opinion, you only have a few seconds to capture a person’s attention online or else they will quickly type in another word in the search engine. If your pictures seem outdated, if your titles are mundane and if your layout looks unprofessional, why would someone be motivated to give? Your organization must be outdated, mundane and unprofessional. On the flip side, don’t cram everything into your home page which may overwhelm your online guest.

2)     Make it easy to maneuver – What is the point of your website and who is going to visit it? Are you announcing to volunteers that there is a place to sign up for an upcoming work day? Can donors RSVP to a holiday event? Have you made online giving as simple as a couple of clicks? If people can’t find what they’re looking for, they just may give up. (Actually, it might be a good idea to ask a donor to journey through your website and get their honest opinion about it. Does it work in the real world?)

3)     What’s your brand? – Your charity is a brand and you should market it as such. That means having the same logo and “feel” on your letterhead as on your staff polo shirts as on your website. Consistency shows that you know what your goal is, who your clientele is and that you know your identity.

4)     Your message is your hook – People who look up your website probably already have an interest in your mission. Let people know how exciting your non-profit is and the successes you are having. Keep your articles around 400 words or else you may bore your reader.

5)     Keep it up to date – If it’s December and you still have your Halloween party pictures up, chances are your donor is going to leave your website. Change it up every couple of weeks so your donors will have a reason to return.

The Internet is probably the greatest resource non-profits have to gain information, reach out to donors and find new methods of fundraising. Having a strong website can be a destination for social media posts therefore gaining the attention of more supporters to your cause.

If your non-profit needs a cost-effective website solution, check out WIX today.