The Tech Savvy Nonprofit

Episode 1: 5 Musts for Great Nonprofit and Foundation Websites

by Gretchen DeVault | December 4, 2018

In this episode of the Tech Savvy Nonprofit, we discuss five essential things that should be part of every nonprofit or foundation’s website.

1. Good Bones

  • Ability to update the site (easy-to-use CMS)
  • Runs smooth and is fast
  • Built mobile-first
  • Google Analytics
  • Optimized for search
  • Security

 2. The Right Messaging

  • Positioning. Clear and concise (rather than we do a bunch of programs).
  • Avoid the internal jargon.
  • Know your audiences and speak to them
  • What is your story? Make us love you more.

3. Navigation That is Easy to Follow

  • Don’t overwhelm your audience
  • If you have to direct people as to where to find things on your website, you have a navigation issue.
  • Don’t structure your menu like you structure your organization. Your audience doesn’t think in the terms you do.
  • Think like your audience!! How would they be looking for content?

4. Professional Design that Reflects Your Organization

  • Just because you are a nonprofit doesn’t mean your site should look outdate.
  • Part of design should be user experience.
  • Hire a professional.
  • Does the website reflect the experience a client/volunteer/member/potential donor has in person? It should!

5. Grows your impact

  • Websites are often forgotten about, but they are working for your org 24/7
  • Your website is not a flyer or business card
  • What organizational goals do you have tied to your website?
  • The content (messaging and imagery) makes the audience want to engage with your organization, whether it is via volunteering, donating or spreading the word
  • How are you making the case for your organization on an on-going basis?
Gretchen DeVault
Gretchen is an experienced web/graphic designer and marketing strategist with a whip-smart aesthetic and solid work ethic. She values intuition and a design process where strategy and human interaction intersect. With more than 15 years of experience working with a wide variety of boutique businesses, corporate and nonprofit clients, she has an established record of creating awesome for her clients.

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