How Strong Web Design Can Get Your Nonprofit Better Results

Did you create a website for your nonprofit and do you want to get the most out of it? Be sure to pay close attention to the Design to get better results.

In this era of technology and digitalization, the success of any organization or business is highly dependent on its online impact. Organizations are increasingly turning to the internet to boost sales and revenue.

With this, even non-profit organizations have taken up the use of the internet to improve their organization. The development of websites and the use of digital marketing for nonprofits has numerous benefits for the organization.

Digital marketing for nonprofit organizations entails using existing online platforms to grow the organization’s online presence. Non-profit organizations rely on funding from donors.

Organizations can use digital marketing to address volunteers, develop different sources for funding, among other things.

These various advantages of using digital marketing for nonprofits that carry on to the use of websites. Nonprofit organizations can develop their websites to gain the various advantages of digital marketing.

A website’s efficiency is mostly determined by the web design concepts and features integrated. In this article, we shall discuss the various ways in which good web design can get your non-profit organization better results.

1. Responsive and Optimized Design

Two devices can be used to access websites currently. These are Mobile phones and computers.

There are a variety of operating systems available for mobile phones, with Android accounting for 72.84% of the market.

When developing websites, most developers only consider developing and optimizing for use on Android devices. This automatically cuts off an organizations’ reach to people using iOS and other operating systems.

The number of iOS users in the world currently stands at 900,000. All these users will have a bad experience with the non-optimized website. Optimizing a website for use across various devices running different operating systems will significantly improve its results.

Also read: How to Do a Law Firm Website Design?

2. Branding

A key feature in website design that improves the sites’ reliability and popularity is the branding used. The website should incorporate a color palette and an organization logo that depicts its purpose and function.

Every non-profit organization should engage a professional designer who can incorporate the organization’s mission into the logo. A poorly branded website will make the visitors think lowly of the organization.

In some situations, the branding can be off to the point that visitors think they have visited the wrong website.

As a part of website branding, dictate the organization’s goals and mission. For added branding, the website can also include clear photographs of the organization’s members in action.

The use of images from an organization will help to establish a personal connection with website visitors. This personal connection is what will push the visitors to join the organization or even make donations. Later on, you can use these images as an engagement tool. For example, if there are any dog owners, you can offer custom dog portraits on canvas and later turn them into digital images.

3. Email Signup

To increase the reach of a non-profit, the website can have the ability to sign up to the organization to get regular updates via email. These regular updates can be about:

Open volunteer positions
Event dates
Event updates
Organization funds

Such regular updates will help show the clients that the organization is at work and dedicated to its mission. Regular updates will also make the people who have signed up feel like a part of the organization.

This can push the people to recommend the organization to their friends and families.

4. Regular Blog Posts

Numerous working websites have no engagement. This is due to the website looking inactive. A website that does not have regular posts can lead the visitor to believe the organization is inactive.

To maximize visitor engagement, and eventually website results, your website designer should incorporate a blog post page. This page will be used to post regular blogs about content that relates to the organization.

The blog post content can be event overview, upcoming projects, current work progress on ongoing projects, etc. This helps to keep the website alive and interactive to the visitors.

Visitors can read the various blog posts and be impressed and opt to join the organization or sign up as donors.

5. Call to Action

Non-profit organizations can use websites to promote upcoming events, request funding, show volunteer positions available, etc. But what next after a visitor has seen the post?

This is where call-to-action website features come in. Call to action buttons help to convert website visitors into actual leads. They offer a direct link to act on the posted content. If, for instance, an upcoming event is being advertised on the website, the call-to-action button will prompt website visitors to register.

Call to action buttons can also be used to take the website visitors to specific job application pages on the websites.

A well-crafted call to action button and post can significantly improve a website’s conversion rate from visitor to client.

6. Online Payment Processing for Donations

Non-profit organizations often have no structured source of income. They rely on donations from individuals or other organizations. Due to this, most organization functions work on strict budgets.

For non-profit organizations, donations are critical. The integration of online payment processing systems is crucial. These will allow the website visitors to make donations while on the website, therefore making the task easier for them.

Donations can be made through Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, etc. depending on the payment systems incorporated in the website.

When choosing a payment processing system, you should be keen on the security features offered by the system. This is to ensure that personal payment details are not compromised in data leaks or other events. Go for a reliable payment processing system that has a good rapport.

Conclusion

Designing a website to ensure you get maximum conversion rates can be a daunting task. To ease the process, you can advise the organization’s web designer to use a website template.

Lookup website templates on the internet and choose one that you believe can be tailored to fit the needs of the organization. When deciding on the template to be used, you should let a web designer help you and advise you on the various capabilities of the templates.

However, if you decide to design a website from scratch, it is advisable to have regular check-ups on the design process. This is to ensure that the designer stays on course according to the organization’s website needs.

FAQ

What is the importance of web design for nonprofits?

Effective web design is crucial for nonprofits as it helps create a strong online presence, communicates their mission, and encourages engagement and support from the community.

How can a well-designed website benefit a nonprofit organization?

A well-designed website can attract more donors, volunteers, and supporters, convey the nonprofit’s message clearly, and streamline online operations.

What elements should be included in a nonprofit’s website design?

A nonprofit website should include a clear mission statement, donation options, volunteer information, success stories, and contact details.

How can web design help nonprofits tell their story effectively?

Web design can incorporate compelling visuals, storytelling techniques, and multimedia elements to convey the nonprofit’s impact and connect with visitors emotionally.

What role does user experience (UX) design play in nonprofit websites?

UX design ensures that the website is user-friendly, making it easy for visitors to navigate, find information, and take desired actions like donating or volunteering.

Should nonprofit websites be mobile-friendly?

Yes, a mobile-friendly design is essential, as many users access websites via smartphones and tablets. A responsive design ensures a consistent experience across all devices.

How can nonprofits use their website to boost fundraising efforts?

Nonprofits can optimize their website for online donations, showcase fundraising campaigns, and share impact stories to encourage donations.

Are there specific design trends that nonprofits should consider for their websites?

Current design trends like minimalism, accessibility, and storytelling through visuals can enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit websites.

What are some best practices for website accessibility in nonprofit web design?

Nonprofit websites should follow accessibility guidelines, including alt text for images, clear headings, and keyboard navigation, to ensure inclusivity for all users.

How can nonprofits measure the success of their web design efforts?

Nonprofits can use web analytics tools to track metrics like website traffic, conversion rates, and engagement levels to assess the effectiveness of their web design and make improvements as needed.

What is the role of branding in nonprofit web design?

Branding helps nonprofits establish a consistent identity, including logos, color schemes, and messaging, which should be reflected in web design to build recognition and trust.

Can nonprofits use their website to promote events and fundraisers?

Yes, nonprofit websites are excellent platforms to promote events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns, allowing supporters to register, purchase tickets, or participate.

How can nonprofits ensure their website is secure for online donations?

Nonprofits can implement secure payment gateways, SSL certificates, and compliance with data protection regulations to protect donors’ financial information.

What should nonprofit organizations consider when choosing a web design agency or developer?

Nonprofits should evaluate agencies based on their experience in the nonprofit sector, portfolio, cost, and the ability to align with the organization’s mission and goals.

Is it essential for nonprofits to maintain and update their websites regularly?

Yes, regular updates, content maintenance, and security checks are vital to keep the website functional, secure, and relevant to the nonprofit’s activities.

How can nonprofit websites foster community engagement and interaction?

Features like blogs, forums, social media integration, and interactive content can encourage community engagement and dialogue on the website.

What are some common design mistakes nonprofits should avoid when creating their websites?

Common mistakes include cluttered layouts, confusing navigation, lack of clear calls to action, and neglecting mobile responsiveness.

How can nonprofit websites effectively showcase their impact and success stories?

Nonprofits can use case studies, testimonials, videos, and infographics to showcase their impact and the positive outcomes of their work.

Should nonprofit websites include a blog or news section?

Yes, a blog or news section allows nonprofits to share updates, stories, and relevant content to keep supporters informed and engaged.

How can nonprofits use storytelling in their web design to connect with their audience?

Incorporating compelling narratives, testimonials, and visuals can create an emotional connection with visitors and convey the nonprofit’s mission effectively.