This is the first issue of the Nonprofit Sunday Site Tips Newsletter. I hope it helps you create + maintain a better nonprofit website.
Let’ get to it... here are 5 nonprofit website mistakes to avoid.
Big Mistake 1: Poor Mobile Optimization
More than 55% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices. 92.3% of internet users access the internet using a mobile phone.
Here are 3 key nonprofit website features that need to look great and function on mobile phone devices:
- Forms
- Events & Event Registration
- Online Donations
Is your nonprofit website mobile friendly?
Big Mistake 2: Poor Design
Most nonprofit websites tell site visitors what they want them to know.
Effective Website Design translates what you want them to know into what they’re looking for. For example, you want them to know about your “Breastfeeding care program.” They are looking for “Breastfeeding classes.”
- People visit your website to find something they are looking for that they believe you have.
- An effective website quickly & clearly tells a site visitor that your site has what they are looking for.
- An effective website makes it super-easy for a site visitor to find what they are looking for.
Does your nonprofit website content use their language or yours?
Big Mistake 3: Fragmentation
Have you ever visited a website, clicked a link to do something, then found yourself on some other website (sites like EventBrite, CourseStorm, etc.) – with no clear way back to the site you went to in the first place? That is Fragmentation.
Fragmentation happens when a website uses external services to add needed features and functionality.
- Fragmentation creates a poor user experience. It takes your site visitors way from your website.
- Fragmentation scatters your user data across a bunch of different apps and services that have to be maintained separately.
- Fragmentation costs more to setup and maintain all those different apps.
Does your nonprofit website use external services?
Big Mistake 4: No Clear Value
Nonprofit websites say a lot about giving to help reach big goals. But when is the last time you saw any data on the results achieved?
It’s really important to showcase results, it builds trust and accountability.
Does your nonprofit website showcase your results?
Big Mistake 4: No Clear Value
Nonprofit websites say a lot about giving to help reach big goals. But when is the last time you saw any data on the results achieved?
It’s really important to showcase results, it builds trust and accountability.
- Highlight results in headlines and graphics on the site Home page.
- Showcase accomplishments via testimonials and blog posts.
- Feature a Annual Report page.
Does your nonprofit website showcase your results?
Big Mistake 5: Sell. Sell. Sell.
Most nonprofit marketing messages sell what the organization offers. Instead, start by communicating a clear problem/solution benefit. A person wants to trust you before they buy from you. Building trust is a process that takes time. So, slow down!
- Know precisely which problem(s) your patrons have that your programs & services solve really well.
- Clearly state the problem(s) in headings and titles.
- Clearly state the solution(s) you offer.
- Do these 3 things consistently across all communications channels before asking for support.
Does your nonprofit website feature your audiences problem(s) by name in headlines and titles? Does it describe how you solve the problem(s)? Are your nonprofit marketing messages Problem/Solution focused?
The idea that powers this newsletter is to provide valuable information that’s immediately useful. Would you take a moment to reply to this email and tell me what you think? What topic you want to learn more about? What you need help with the most? I’ll use your feedback to create future newsletters. And please Forward this to a friend (see the link below). Thanks in advance!
All the best,
Edward Phelps
NonprofitSites.net
