A nonprofit website’s purpose can include many strange combinations:
- Directory of Services
- Online Store
- Contact Information
- Participant Stories
- Resource Library
Designing a site that can provide so many different functions requires strategy and a solid plan for execution. Instead, I’ve seen many nonprofits sacrifice the time and effort needed for strategy, in lieu of meeting a funder’s deadline, or having a site up in time for the big gala benefit.
What questions should a nonprofit organization ask before redesigning their website?
Who will update the site?
Whether you choose Drupal, Joomla, Wordpress, Convio, NetSolutions, or another website CMS, keep in mind the people who will keep the site updated. An ideal system is flexible enough to allow for complicated upgrades, while providing a simple WYSIWYG editor.
Who will read the site?
The site’s navigation and layout should target a few specific audiences. While many people will visit the site, a few groups are especially important. Who are those target groups? Every nonprofit will have a different audience, but the list commonly includes: funders, clients, board members, staff, peer organizations.
What changes will you need to make to the site throughout the year?
Will you need to change the front page for the big benefit? Will you need to add a call to action for the legislative session? Will you need to call attention to your donate page in December? Keep those seasonal changes in mind, and make sure to build options for updates into your front page and content page templates.