How to choose the right layout for your organisation.

Make the layout have a focus on storytelling – and partner this with textual elements. Make sure the tabs at the top of your page or in your menu are easy to sort through. You want anyone visiting your website to find the information they need quickly.

Be sure to provide unified branding throughout. This can include logos, a colour theme, or even a signature font. Make sure your website is also mobile-friendly. Your menu and images may be distorted, so make sure they’re easy to navigate. Your mobile website is the one that most visitors will see first, so it’s important to have a user-friendly mobile experience.

Ensure your content is engaging

Write engaging content for your website that tells the story of your organisation. Include several elements to let your audience learn more about you and form a connection with your cause.

Your Story

Give people a story and they’ll get excited about it. Your website needs to be compelling so that people stay long enough to tell their friends about you. You never know who might relate to the story.

Videos/photos

People love to watch videos. They’re engaging, easy to consume and make them want to learn more about your organisation and what it does. Add fun pictures and interesting videos to your site and you’ll see more engagement from your audience, be sure to include events and community activities that your organisation is involved with.

Testimonials

It’s not uncommon to receive notes of encouragement from other people who have been impacted by your organisation. You can use these words to reflect upon and appreciate the great things your organisation is accomplishing in the community and the world.

Volunteer Opportunities

How can people get involved? Make it easy for them to sign up and volunteer. Get them the information on your programs so they can decide if and how they want to contribute to your cause.

Graphics

These can be images, videos, infographics, and even games to show people what your organisation does. You already have some great visuals, but images, video, and graphics can help you separate yourself from the competition. And if you’re adding new videos, make sure to keep up with your previous ones. People will get tired of old videos, and your site will suffer for it.

Update Your Contact Information

People visiting your web page are looking for a way to contact your organisation. Having a page with the contact information of the organisation is an effective way to let people know who they’re talking to. Add a section with bios of your staff members and a question box on your page, allowing people to quickly send a message rather than have to make a phone call.

Feature Socials

Make your site social. Include links to your Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts on your website. This will let you connect with your audience and keep them up to date with what’s going on with your organisation. This is an effective way to get people to visit your website. They become intrigued by the content you’re posting just by visiting your website.

Add a Donate Button

This step is essential. Include a donate button/option on almost every page of your website.

Also, offer an option for monthly donations. People like to donate more frequently if they know it’s built into their monthly expenses. It’s a great way to drive traffic to your site and grow your email marketing list. There are even pop-up boxes you can include when a visitor first lands on your site. Donors want to stay connected. They want to see where their donations go and remain current on new programs and success stories.

Include the Facts

Include information about where all your donations go in your organisation, showcase your growth over the years, and provide numbers people can trust. This may help your organisation’s future grant applications as well. When presenting grant proposals, have people go directly to your website to see how your organisation is doing. Include links to annual reports in your proposal if possible.