Last updated June 14, 2016
What you choose to include on your non-profit website will depend on what you are ultimately trying to achieve. However, if you’re like most organisations and want to use your website to inform, inspire and ultimately generate support, there are 5 things you really need to include.
1. Client Stories
You can share all the statistics you like, but it is stories that inspire people to action. Make sure your website includes real life examples of how your work is making a difference in the community, and where possible, let your clients tell those stories themselves. While facts and figures are important, stories allow supporters to connect to the heart of your cause.
2. Testimonials
Testimonials are like client stories, only shorter, and they are a great way to help build trust and credibility with your website visitors. Use testimonials from clients, volunteers and sponsors and make sure you include the person’s name and connection to your organisation. Personalising the testimonial makes it more credible.
3. Donate Now
If you want people to financially support your cause, you need to give them the opportunity to do so. Make sure you have a Donate button on every page of your website, and make it super-easy for people to give. There are lots of ways you can collect Credit Card donations online, including a simple link to a fundraising platform like www.givealittle.co.nz .
4. Team Photos and Profiles
Whether it’s a potential client or a potential supporter, getting in touch for the first time can be scary for some people. By introducing your key team members on your website, you make your whole organisation more approachable. People like to connect with people, not organisations.
5. Contact Us
Not everyone likes to connect in the same way, so make sure you include all your contact details on your website, so that people can touch base in a way that works for them. By all means use contact forms for specific enquiries, but always give an email address as well. Some people like to format their own message and feel like they are connected directly.
If you think this article would be useful for your members, you are welcome to use it on your website or in your newsletter. We just ask that you let us know where it is being used, and that you acknowledge our website at the bottom of the article. If you are using the article online, please include a link to our homepage.
