Why Your Website is Essential as a Nonprofit Organization

The way people interact online is changing; more and more people are spending time on social media, searching for answers on Google, and seeking communities that share their values. As the online space changes, so must your nonprofit, as well as how it operates and connects with its community.

For nonprofits and most businesses, a website is a backbone that provides structure and support to the entire body of an organization's online presence.. When someone is interested in learning more about an organization or considering making a donation, the organization’s website is the first place they’ll go.

Without a website, you risk losing potential donors and supporters, making it harder to build a strong foundation for your organization and continue working towards your mission for years to come.

So, by investing in a well-oiled website, your nonprofit will…

• Build trust with your audience online and in person
• Expand your reach and visibility
• Encourage monthly recurring donations
• Showcase volunteer opportunities

What to Consider Before You DIY Your Website

When you first establish your nonprofit, you may not be able to hire a professional to create your website. Instead, you’ll have to DIY your website in-house. While DIYing your website is a good alternative when the budget to outsource isn’t available, there are a few things you should consider before you get started.

• Establish your brand identity by nailing down your messaging or brand voice. Choose a color palette for your graphics and website design to keep your organization’s marketing materials cohesive. You should already have a brand identity before you start your website design. This will prevent your audience from being confused by mixed or unclear messaging and a homemade aesthetic.
• Make it functional, even if that means keeping it simple. It’s great to have beautiful aesthetics in your website design, but it won’t help your nonprofit if your readers/visitors struggle to navigate through your website to learn more about your mission and how to donate.
• Spend some time making your website mobile-friendly. It’s 2024, and a mobile-friendly website is a MUST that will help our organization get more visibility. 

If you opt to DIY your website design, double- and triple-check your work to ensure that all buttons and links are working properly. There’s nothing worse than someone excited to support your work only to be brought to a 404 page (*puts debit card away*)!

When to Trust a Professional with Your Organization’s Website Design

Most nonprofits will find it’s time to outsource their website design when their mission has evolved, or their organization has grown. They do not have the time, resources, or expertise to update their website themselves. 

Investing in website design is an investment in user experience and how your website visitors — donors, community members, and supporters alike — interact with and explore your website and organization.

The same applies to your marketing and reports. When your community has a hard time finding or accessing information and understanding the impact your organization has made, they leave. 

If you’re ready to show how your organizations changed people’s lives and not just how your donations are spent, book a discovery call with Acton Circle and have your story told in a way your supporters love (and understand).

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