Spring Clean Your Nonprofit Website for Maximum Impact

desktop with keyboard and website design sketches

While charitable giving continues to rise, with individuals donating $319.04 billion in 2023, there's a concerning trend: the number of new donors dropped by 18.%

With new donors becoming scarcer, making a solid first impression is more important than ever.

This is where your website comes in.

It's where potential donors, volunteers, and supporters come to learn about your cause and get involved. But — just like a cluttered entryway discourages visitors, a website bogged down with outdated information and clunky navigation can leave users frustrated and unlikely to engage.

The good news? A website refresh is within reach! I'm sharing some of my favorite tips to help your nonprofit website blossom.

Declutter Your Content

Donors want to understand the difference their contributions make. In fact, two-thirds of donors say understanding their impact would influence them to give more, with a staggering 81% citing questions or concerns about impact. These concerns range from unease about determining an organization's credibility to frustrations that some nonprofits don't always explain how a donation will be used.

Connect it to Your Website Content

Beyond basic numbers: Instead of just stating the number of people you've helped, showcase the impact with percentages or ratios. For example, "We've provided clean drinking water to over 10,000 people in rural communities, a 25% increase from last year." Visualize data with infographics or charts for easy comprehension.

Focus on specific outcomes: Show the positive outcomes, not just talk about your services. For example, "Thanks to your support, 90% of our job training program graduates secure full-time employment within three months."

Success Stories

Humanize the impact: Put a face to your cause by featuring real stories of people your organization has helped. Use interviews, quotes, or short videos from program beneficiaries.

Showcase diverse stories: Feature success stories representing the different populations you serve and the range of positive outcomes you achieve.

Testimonials

Beyond generic praise: Encourage testimonials that specifically mention your organization's impact. For example, "Your organization's after-school program provided a safe and supportive environment for my child to thrive."

Gather testimonials from various sources: Include testimonials from donors, volunteers, and program beneficiaries to provide a well-rounded perspective.

Visual Refresh

In today's digital age, visual content reigns supreme. Your website's visuals are powerful for grabbing attention, conveying your mission, and leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Here are some key strategies to elevate your website's visual appeal and spark engagement:

Storytelling Through Images

When possible, avoid generic stock photos. Invest in high-quality photography or videography that tells your organization's story. Capture the emotions behind your mission, impact, and the lives you touch. Showcase real people, your programs in action, and the positive change you create.

The Power of Video

Feature video testimonials from donors, volunteers, and program beneficiaries. Seeing real people share their experiences with your organization builds trust and fosters an emotional connection with your audience.

Cohesive Brand Identity

Ensure all visuals, including logos, color palettes, and fonts, work together harmoniously. Choose a color scheme that reflects your brand personality and use it consistently throughout the website. This creates a sense of professionalism and builds trust with visitors.

White Space is Key

Don't overwhelm visitors with too many visual elements. Strategic use of white space allows your visuals and content to breathe, making the website more accessible to navigate and visually appealing.

Prioritize User Experience

In the digital world, first impressions matter. User Experience (UX) focuses on creating a smooth and positive experience for everyone interacting with your website. This includes ensuring a mobile-friendly design, clear calls to action, and overall user-friendliness across all devices.

Mobile-Friendly Design

Responsive Design Test: Use free online tools to test your website's responsiveness on various mobile devices and screen sizes.
Large Buttons & Easy Forms: Make sure buttons and form fields are large enough to be easily tapped on touchscreens. Minimize the number of required form fields for a smoother donation or volunteer application process.
Fast Loading Times: Optimize images and code to ensure your website loads quickly on mobile devices. Slow loading times can significantly hurt your mobile conversion rates.

Accessibility Matters: Make your website accessible for users with disabilities by incorporating features like alt text for images, clear font styles, and keyboard navigation. This will expand your reach and foster inclusivity.

Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)

Include clear and compelling CTAs throughout your website.
Guide users towards desired actions like donating, volunteering, signing up for your newsletter, or learning more about your programs.
Use strong verbs and contrasting colors to make your CTAs stand out.

Your Website is a Powerful Tool

In today's competitive grant landscape, securing funding requires a multifaceted approach. A well-written grant proposal is essential but only part of the equation. Your website is a digital extension of your organization, providing potential funders and collaborators with a deeper understanding of your mission, impact, and credibility. Following the website refresh tips outlined above, you can create a user-friendly and impactful online presence that complements your grant writing efforts and fuels your nonprofit's success.

Just Write Grants empowers nonprofits with the tools and resources they need to thrive. If you're seeking guidance on crafting compelling grant proposals or developing a strategic website refresh, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs and explore how we can help your organization achieve its full potential.

Meet the Author - Kristin Chute

Kristin Chute is a freelance writer with a passion for helping nonprofits increase their reach and impact. She has written for companies offering SaaS solutions, nonprofits directly, and donor loyalty programs.

Kristin believes in the power of nonprofit organizations to change the world. With expertise stemming from her career and personal connection to volunteering at her childhood summer camp, she shares insights to help nonprofits increase their reach, engage supporters, and amplify fundraising efforts.