How to Improve Your Nonprofit's Website: Nonprofit Website Design Tips
You don't have to have a subpar nonprofit website. I'm Kelly, the nonprofit marketing nerd, and I help nonprofits amplify their mission through effective marketing. My team designs nonprofit websites in a week, and we've encountered many poorly designed sites. In this post, we'll discuss four common types of bad websites, how to improve them, and best practices for nonprofit web pages.
1. Avoid the "Trifold Brochure" Website
One of the most common issues we see with nonprofit websites is that they read like trifold brochures. These sites are filled with blocks of text that are overwhelming and boring.
Why It's a Problem
A trifold brochure website often contains:
Extensive text blocks
Jargon and statistics that bore readers
Dense information that scares away visitors
How to Fix It
To fix this, think of using snackable content. Break up your text with headers, bullet points, and images to make it easy to read. Here are some tips:
Use Snackable Content: Break up your text with headers, bullet points, and images to make it easy to read.
Write for Lazy Readers: Give visitors highlights on the homepage and allow them to dig deeper if they want.
Add Personality and Tone: Make your content engaging by adding the personality, brand, and tone of your organization.
Share Impact Stories: Use storytelling to connect with your audience on an emotional level.
At Nonprofit Marketing Nerd, we have a phrase called "write and design for lazy readers." Your homepage should be like that. Imagine you're giving a TED Talk, not a lecture. Make it punchy and entertaining.
2. Modernize Your Outdated Website
Another common issue with nonprofit websites is that they look old and outdated. If your site looks like it hasn't been updated since the days of dial-up internet, it's time for a change.
Why It's a Problem
An outdated site can have:
Broken links
Pixelated images
Clip art
A design that looks like it was made in the 90s
How to Fix It
Use a Modern Platform: Platforms like Squarespace for nonprofits offer easy-to-use templates and modern design options.
Regular Updates: Keep your content fresh and up-to-date.
Engaging Visuals: Use high-quality images and videos to make your site visually appealing.
Having a modern website is crucial not just for relevance but also for usability and pride in your organization. An outdated website can make people question your organization's relevance and existence.
3. Ditch the Stock Photos
Many nonprofits rely heavily on stock photos, but this can make your site look inauthentic. Your nonprofit website should showcase the real people, stories, and impact of your organization.
Why It's a Problem
Stock photos can:
Look overly slick and perfect
Appear inauthentic and disconnected from your organization
Fail to show the real impact of your nonprofit
How to Fix It
Your nonprofit website should show the heart, soul, and impact of your organization. Use real photos from:
Volunteer Events: Capture the energy and engagement of your volunteers.
Community Events: Show your nonprofit's involvement and impact on the community.
Staff Engagements: Highlight the people behind your organization.
If you don't have a lot of photos, even smartphone images from events can be valuable. Authenticity trumps perfection every time. Level up by getting images of impact stories.
4. Make Donations Easy
A website that makes it difficult for visitors to donate is leaving money on the table. Your nonprofit web pages should make it easy for people to give.
Why It's a Problem
Some nonprofits still rely on outdated methods like:
Only offering a PayPal link
Providing a lengthy description of how donations are tax-deductible
Requiring donors to mail checks
How to Fix It
Integrate a user-friendly, visually appealing donation form on your website. Here are some key features:
Suggested Donation Amounts: Provide donors with easy choices.
Less Than Three Clicks: Ensure the donation process is quick and straightforward.
Visually Appealing: Make the form attractive and engaging.
Many nonprofits already use a CRM with an easy-to-use form that can be embedded on their website. At Nonprofit Marketing Nerd, we are big fans of Donorbox for collecting donations online. It's:
Easy to Use: Both for the nonprofit and the donor.
Visually Appealing: Forms look great on websites and are customizable.
By using a platform like Donorbox, nonprofits can raise more money through their websites and improve their overall user experience.
Best Practices for Nonprofit Web Pages
In addition to addressing the common issues above, here are some best practices for nonprofit web pages:
Focus on User Experience
Responsive Design: Ensure your website works well on all devices.
Fast Load Times: Optimize images and other elements to reduce loading times.
Clear Navigation: Make it easy for visitors to find the information they need.
Highlight Your Mission and Impact
Impact Stories: Share real stories of how your nonprofit is making a difference.
Clear Mission Statement: Make sure your mission is front and center.
Transparency: Provide clear information about your programs, funding, and impact.
Engage Your Audience
Blog and Updates: Regularly update your website with new content, such as blog posts, news, and event information.
Social Media Integration: Link to your social media accounts and encourage visitors to follow you.
Email Sign-Up: Offer a newsletter sign-up form to keep your audience engaged.
Improving your nonprofit website can significantly impact your success. By avoiding common pitfalls like overwhelming text, outdated design, stock photos, and complicated donation processes, you can create a more engaging and effective online presence.
Remember, a well-designed nonprofit website should:
Use snackable content
Be modern and easy to update
Showcase real photos and stories
Make it easy to collect donations
If any of these issues sound familiar, you're not alone. Improving your website can make a big difference in how you connect with supporters and achieve your mission. If you want to discuss your website or learn about our nonprofit website services, use the link below to sign up for a complimentary coffee and consulting session. Good luck with leveling up your nonprofit's marketing!
