10 Website Design Best Practices for Nonprofits and Charities
In the Click Office we’ve had the utmost pleasure of working alongside a number of nonprofits and charities, collaborating to achieve their web design and marketing needs. As a result we understand they often operate on limited budgets, making it essential to optimise every aspect of their online presence.
These websites serve as a powerful tool to raise awareness, engage supporters, and drive donations. To help your organisation thrive, we've compiled a list of 10 website design best practices tailored specifically to nonprofits and charities.
1. Keeping it Cost-Effective
Budget transparency is crucial when partnering with a creative digital agency. Your agency of choice should be committed to providing cost-effective web design strategies and tools specifically tailored to smaller nonprofit organisations with limited budgets. Your website should be an asset, not a financial burden.
2. Use Storytelling to Share Your Mission
Effective storytelling is the heart and soul of your nonprofit's website. Use compelling narratives, real-life success stories, and impactful visuals to tell your organisation's mission and connect with your target demographic on a personal level. Show the world the difference you make.
3. Add an Accessibility Feature
Accessibility is not just a best practice; it's a legal requirement. Ensure that your website is inclusive by implementing accessibility features, such as alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and proper heading structure. This ensures that everyone, regardless of disabilities, can access your content.
4. Explore and Implement Modern Design Trends
Web design trends evolve, and it's essential to keep your nonprofit's website fresh and visually appealing. Work collaboratively with your Digital Agency to research and identify the modern design trends that best suit your organisation, presenting a modern and engaging online presence that resonates with your target audience.
5. Feature Your Donate Button, Newsletter Opt-In, and Social Network Icons
Make it easy for visitors to take action. Your website should prominently feature a clear and inviting "Donate" button. Additionally, encourage engagement by placing newsletter opt-in forms strategically throughout your site and showcasing your social network icons to expand your reach.
6. Utilise Your Sidebar for Important Calls-to-Action
Your website's sidebar is extremely valuable real estate. Use it wisely to highlight important calls-to-action, such as upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or urgent donation appeals. This ensures that essential information is easily accessible to your visitors.
7. Simplicity Goes a Long Way
Don't overwhelm your visitors with an information overload. A cluttered website can be off-putting. Instead, focus on simplicity with clean, uncluttered design, compelling images, and easy-to-read text. Less can be more when it comes to creating an engaging online experience.
The Botanical Group Home Page
Designed by Click Creative
8. Simple, User-Friendly Navigation
Intuitive navigation is crucial for any website, especially for nonprofits and charities. Ensure that your site's menu is easy to navigate, with clear labels and logical categories. Visitors should find the information they need without frustration.
9. Invest in Good Website Hosting
While budget website hosting may be tempting, it often leads to problems down the road. Slow loading times, downtime, and security issues can harm your nonprofit's reputation. Invest in reliable hosting to provide a seamless user experience and protect sensitive data.
10. Importance of Optimising for Mobile Devices
Let’s be honest - we’re all addicted to our mobile devices. This is why your nonprofit's website must be mobile-responsive. A significant portion of your audience accesses your site on smartphones and tablets.
Incorporating these website design best practices tailored to nonprofits and charities will not only enhance your online presence but also help you effectively convey your mission, engage supporters, and drive donations. Here at Click Creative Digital Agency, we're dedicated to partnering with you to create a website that empowers your organisation to engage your audience and encourage donations in a gentle, empathic way.
