How to Start a Not-for-Profit Website Design in 5 Simple Steps

 

The Power of Not-for-Profit Website Design

Not for profit website design is critical for any organization striving to fulfill its mission and connect with its target audience. The right website can make all the difference in spreading your message and encouraging support.

For a quick answer, here are three key reasons why you need an effective website:

1. Improved visibility: Ensure your cause is seen and understood.
2. Increased donations: Simplify the giving process to drive more contributions.
3. Engaged supporters: Provide valuable information and updates to keep your community involved.

Creating a not for profit website design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and user experience. A streamlined, user-friendly site helps you communicate your mission clearly and engage your audience effectively. This leads to higher visibility, more donations, and a stronger community of supporters.

My name is Derrick Boddie, and with over a decade of experience in web systems development, I specialize in not for profit website design. I’ve led projects for various organizations, ensuring their websites are impactful and user-friendly. Let’s explore how you can achieve this too.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Audience

Identify Your Mission and Vision

The first step in not for profit website design is to clearly define your mission and vision. Your mission statement should succinctly explain why your organization exists and what it aims to achieve. This not only guides your internal team but also communicates your purpose to visitors.

Example: Oxfam Canada’s mission of “fighting inequality and patriarchy to end poverty and injustice” is a clear and powerful statement that guides their website design and content strategy.

A vision statement, on the other hand, describes the future you are working towards. It should be inspirational and forward-looking, giving both your team and supporters a shared goal.

Tip: Keep your mission and vision statements visible on your homepage to immediately convey your organization’s purpose to new visitors.

Understand Your Target Audience

Knowing your audience is crucial for creating a website that resonates with them. Start by identifying the demographics and psychographics of your target users. This includes age, gender, location, interests, and values.

Example: Double Up Food Bucks, a Michigan-based nonprofit, focuses on individuals who rely on SNAP assistance. Their website design reflects this by providing easy-to-find information on how to use their services.

Steps to understand your audience:

1. Create User Personas: Develop detailed profiles of your typical supporters. Include their needs, goals, and challenges.
2. Conduct Surveys: Ask your current supporters what they want from your website.
3. Analyze Data: Use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with your current site.

User Needs: Once you understand who your audience is, think about what they need from your website. This could be information, services, or ways to get involved. Prioritize these needs in your design.

Example: According to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, articles like “Why Should I Choose a Community Foundation Donor Over a Commercial Advised Fund?” address common questions, providing value and building trust.

Quote:

By defining your mission and vision and understanding your target audience, you lay the foundation for a website that not only looks good but also serves its purpose effectively. Next, we’ll explore how to plan your website structure to improve user experience and engagement.

Step 2: Plan Your Website Structure

Create a Sitemap

A well-organized sitemap is the backbone of any effective not for profit website design. It outlines the structure of your website, showing how different pages are connected and how users will steer through your site.

Steps to Create a Sitemap:

1. List Your Main Pages: Start with the essential pages like Home, About, Services, Donate, and Contact.
2. Add Subpages: Under each main page, list any subpages. For example, under “About,” you might have “Our Team” and “Our History.”
3. Organize Hierarchically: Arrange these pages in a hierarchy that makes sense for users. The goal is to make it easy for them to find what they need quickly.

Example: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s sitemap includes main categories such as Community Care, Empowerment and Success, and Belonging and Culture, each with subpages that dig deeper into specific initiatives and resources.

Develop Wireframes

Wireframes are like blueprints for your website. They provide a rough sketch of each page’s layout, including where text, images, and buttons will go. This helps you visualize the user journey and make adjustments before the actual design work begins.

Steps to Develop Wireframes:

1. Sketch Basic Layouts: Start with simple sketches of your main pages. Focus on key elements like headers, footers, and main content areas.
2. Incorporate User Journeys: Think about the steps users will take on your site. For example, a visitor might go from the Home page to the About page, and then to the Donate page.
3. Refine Your Design: Use tools like Adobe XD or Figma to create more detailed wireframes. These should include placeholders for images, text, and call-to-action buttons.

Example: When designing their website, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation likely used wireframes to ensure their complex content was easily navigable, with clear paths for different user needs.

Tip: Keep your wireframes simple and focus on functionality. This is not the time to worry about colors or fonts.

User Journey: Mapping out user journeys helps you understand how visitors will interact with your site. This ensures that your navigation is intuitive and that users can find what they need without frustration.

Quote: “Behind every great website design is a crucial planning phase to create the user experience of your website.” – Mango Innovation

By creating a sitemap and developing wireframes, you set a solid foundation for a user-friendly and effective not-for-profit website. Next, we’ll dive into the design and development phase to bring your wireframes to life.

Step 3: Design and Develop Your Website

Choose a Content Management System (CMS)

Selecting the right CMS is a critical step in not for profit website design. A CMS allows you to create, manage, and modify digital content without needing extensive technical knowledge.

Popular CMS Options:

• WordPress: Highly flexible and widely used. It offers numerous plugins and themes custom to nonprofits. For instance, plugins like WooCommerce can help manage donations and online sales.
• Shopify: Ideal if you plan to sell products to support your cause. It provides robust eCommerce features and a user-friendly interface.

Tip: Choose a CMS that aligns with your technical skills and website needs. For most nonprofits, WordPress is a cost-effective and versatile choice.

Focus on Visual Design

Your website’s visual design is crucial for making a strong first impression. It should reflect your nonprofit’s mission and values.

Key Elements of Visual Design:

• Color Scheme: Use colors that align with your brand. For example, blue often conveys trust and professionalism, while green can symbolize growth and sustainability.
• Typography: Choose fonts that are easy to read and consistent across your site. Stick to one or two fonts to maintain a cohesive look.
• Images: High-quality images can significantly impact user engagement. Use photos that tell your nonprofit’s story and resonate with your audience.

Example: The Environmental Defense Fund uses a clean design with a calming blue and green color scheme, paired with compelling images of nature and people.

Ensure Mobile Optimization

In today’s digital age, mobile optimization is non-negotiable. A significant portion of your audience will access your site via mobile devices.

Steps to Ensure Mobile Optimization:

• Responsive Design: Ensure your website adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes. This means your site will look great on both desktop and mobile devices.
• Mobile-First Approach: Design your website with mobile users in mind from the start. This often means simplifying navigation and ensuring quick load times.

Example: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s website is a great example of responsive design. It’s easy to steer on both mobile phones and desktops, providing a consistent user experience.

Quote: “A mobile-optimized site ensures that your message reaches supporters no matter where they are.” – Mango Innovation

By choosing the right CMS, focusing on visual design, and ensuring mobile optimization, you’ll create a website that is not only beautiful but also functional and accessible to all users. Next, we’ll discuss how to optimize for user experience and accessibility.

Step 4: Optimize for User Experience and Accessibility

Improve User Experience (UX)

User Experience (UX) is all about making sure your visitors have a smooth and enjoyable time on your site. Good UX can increase engagement, donations, and volunteer sign-ups.

Key Elements of UX:

• Seamless Navigation: Your site should be easy to steer. Use clear menus and intuitive page layouts. For example, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America site features a simple drop-down menu that guides users to the right information quickly.

  
  

• Quick Loading: Slow websites frustrate visitors. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to measure and improve your site’s loading speed. Compress images and enable browser caching to speed things up.

  
  

• Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Make your CTAs stand out. Use buttons with contrasting colors and compelling text like “Donate Now” or “Join Us.”

  
  

Example: The American Heart Association uses clear CTAs and a straightforward layout to guide visitors toward making donations or learning about heart health.

Implement Accessibility Features

Ensuring your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, is both a legal requirement and a moral imperative. It also broadens your reach.

Accessibility Standards:

• Alt Text for Images: Always include descriptive text for images. This helps screen readers convey the content to visually impaired users.

  
  

• Color Contrast: Use high-contrast color schemes to make text easier to read. Tools like WebAIM can help you check your color contrast.

  
  

• Keyboard Navigability: Ensure users can steer your site using only a keyboard. This is crucial for those who can’t use a mouse.

  
  

• Screen Readers: Test your site with screen readers like JAWS or NVDA to ensure all content is accessible.

  
  

Example: Feeding America uses high-contrast colors and alt text for images to make their site more accessible. Their straightforward user journeys also help visitors quickly find the information they need.

Testing for Accessibility:

• Automated Tools: Use tools like WAVE or Axe to identify accessibility issues.
• Manual Testing: Conduct manual tests to catch issues automated tools might miss. Engage users with disabilities to provide feedback.

Quote: “Accessibility is not just a feature; it’s a necessity. Make your website welcoming to everyone.” – Mango Innovation

By focusing on UX and accessibility, you ensure your site is user-friendly and inclusive, helping you reach a broader audience and better fulfill your nonprofit’s mission. Next, we’ll look at launching and maintaining your website.

Step 5: Launch and Maintain Your Website

Launching and maintaining a not for profit website involves several critical steps. Let’s break it down into two main parts: pre-launch and ongoing maintenance.

Pre-Launch Checklist

Before you launch, make sure your website is ready for the world. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

1. Testing: Test your website on different browsers and devices. Ensure it looks and works well everywhere. Tools like BrowserStack can help.

   
   

2. Bug Fixes: Identify and fix any bugs. Broken links, missing images, or malfunctioning forms can frustrate visitors.

   
   

3. Loading Speed: Measure and improve your site’s loading speed. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to get actionable tips.

   
   

4. Compliance: Ensure your site complies with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. This includes proper data handling and privacy policies.

   
   

5. Accessibility: Double-check accessibility features. Use tools like WAVE to ensure your site is accessible to all users.

   
   

6. SEO: Optimize your site for search engines. This includes using relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt text for images.

   
   

7. Backup: Take a full backup of your site. In case something goes wrong during the launch, you’ll have a fallback option.

   
   

8. Security: Implement security measures like SSL certificates and robust firewalls. Platforms like Wordfence can improve your site’s security.

   
   

Example: Before launching their new site, Oxfam Canada conducted extensive testing to ensure accessibility and compliance, resulting in a smooth and successful launch.

Ongoing Maintenance

Once your site is live, the work isn’t over. Regular maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly.

1. Regular Updates: Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated. This ensures you have the latest features and security patches. Automate minor updates but review major updates manually.

   
   

2. Security Checks: Perform regular security audits. Use tools like Sucuri to scan for vulnerabilities and malware.

   
   

3. Backups: Schedule regular backups. Tools like UpdraftPlus can automate this process, ensuring you always have a recent backup.

   
   

4. Content Updates: Regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant. This includes blog posts, event announcements, and donation appeals.

   
   

5. Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor your site’s performance. Tools like Google Analytics can provide insights into user behavior and site speed.

   
   

6. User Feedback: Collect and act on user feedback. This helps you identify areas for improvement and better meet your audience’s needs.

   
   

Example: Double Up Food Bucks maintains their site by regularly updating content and monitoring performance, which helps them stay connected with their community and supporters.

By following these steps, you ensure your not for profit website design remains effective, secure, and engaging. Regular maintenance not only keeps your site running smoothly but also helps you adapt to changing needs and technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Not-for-Profit Website Design

How much does it cost to create a website for a nonprofit?

The cost of creating a not for profit website can vary widely based on your needs and the complexity of the site. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for a basic website. For a more complex site with custom features, the cost can go up to $20,000 or more.

Budget Planning Tips:

• Define Your Needs: Determine what features you need, such as donation forms, event registration, or an online store.
• Get Quotes: Contact multiple web design companies to get quotes and compare their offerings.
• Plan for Maintenance: Remember to budget for ongoing maintenance and updates.

What type of website is best for nonprofit organizations?

The best type of website for a nonprofit depends on your goals and audience. Here are some common types and their features:

1. Informational Website: Ideal for nonprofits that want to provide information about their mission, programs, and impact. Key features include:

   • About Us page
   • Program details
   • Impact stories

2. Fundraising Website: Focused on collecting donations and engaging donors. Key features include:

   • User-friendly donation forms
   • Recurring donation options
   • Corporate giving pages

3. Event Management Website: Perfect for nonprofits that host events or workshops. Key features include:

   • Online booking and registration
   • Event calendars
   • Payment gateways

4. E-commerce Website: Suitable for nonprofits that sell products to support their cause. Key features include:

   • Product catalog
   • Secure checkout process
   • Inventory management

How many pages should a nonprofit website have?

The number of pages your not for profit website design should have depends on the complexity of your organization and the information you need to convey. However, here are some essential pages every nonprofit website should include:

1. Home Page: An overview of your mission, latest news, and calls to action.
2. About Us: Information about your organization, staff, and board members.
3. Programs/Services: Detailed descriptions of your programs and services.
4. Get Involved: Volunteer opportunities, donation options, and event participation.
5. Contact Us: Contact information and a form for inquiries.
6. Blog/News: Updates on your activities, success stories, and industry news.
7. Donate: A dedicated page for donations with multiple giving options.
8. Events: Information about upcoming events and how to register.

Example: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s website includes a blog that provides valuable insights into their operations and services, helping to educate and engage visitors.

By addressing these frequently asked questions, you can better plan your not for profit website design and ensure it meets your organization’s needs.

Conclusion

Creating an effective not for profit website design is a crucial step in advancing your mission and engaging with your audience. At Mango Innovation, we understand the unique challenges that nonprofits face and are here to provide custom, high-quality web solutions to meet your needs.

Custom Solutions for Your Nonprofit

We specialize in creating custom websites using WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, and custom coding to ensure your site is as unique as your organization. Whether you need a simple informational site or a complex platform with multiple integrations, we’ve got you covered. Our team works closely with you to understand your mission, vision, and goals, ensuring the final product truly reflects your organization’s identity.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We take pride in our work and stand by our services with a satisfaction guarantee. This means we won’t rest until you are completely happy with your website. Our flexible web design and development subscriptions allow for unlimited requests, so you can make sure every detail is perfect.

Why Choose Mango Innovation?

1. Expertise and Experience: With over 10 years of experience, our team has the knowledge and skills to deliver top-notch web solutions.
2. Collaborative Approach: We believe in open communication and collaboration, working alongside you every step of the way.
3. Comprehensive Services: From initial planning to ongoing maintenance, we provide a full range of services to keep your website running smoothly.

Ready to take your nonprofit’s online presence to the next level? Contact us today to get started on your custom not for profit website design. Let’s work together to create a website that not only looks great but also drives your mission forward.