Your website is often the first point of contact between your organisation and potential supporters, donors, and volunteers. It should effectively communicate your mission, engage visitors, and encourage action. A well-designed website can make a world of difference, while a poorly designed one can drive visitors away.
To help you create a website that works, here’s a list of essential dos and don’ts for you.
DOs
1. Prioritize Clarity and Simplicity
– Your visitors should understand your mission within seconds of landing on your homepage. Use a clean, easy to navigate layout with a concise message about your purpose.
2. Make Navigation Easy
– Use clear menus with logical categories such as About Us, Get Involved, Donate, Events, and Contact.
– Ensure important links (e.g., “Donate” or “Volunteer”) are easy to find.
3. Use a Visually Appealing but Simple Design
– Stick to a cohesive colour palette that reflects your branding.
– Use readable fonts and ample white space.
– Optimise images for fast loading without sacrificing quality.
4. Optimise for Mobile Devices
– Many users will access your website on their phones. Ensure your site is mobile friendly and responsive to different screen sizes.
5. Have a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
– Use action oriented buttons such as “Donate Now”, “Join Us”, “Sign Up for Our Newsletter”, or “Volunteer Today”.
– Place CTAs prominently and repeat them throughout the site.
6. Include an Engaging “About Us” Page
– Clearly state your mission, vision, and values.
– Introduce your team with photos and bios.
– Share your story and the impact of your work.
7. Provide Easy to Find Contact Information
– Include a dedicated Contact page with your email, phone number, and address (if applicable).
– Use a simple contact form for inquiries.
8. Display Social Proof and Testimonials
– Showcase testimonials, success stories, and endorsements to build credibility and trust.
9. Make Donations Easy
– Have a secure and simple donation process.
– Offer multiple payment options.
– Show transparency in how funds are used.
10. Regularly Update Content
– Keep events, blog posts, and news sections fresh.
– Remove outdated information to maintain credibility.
11. Ensure Accessibility
– Use alt text for images.
– Follow accessibility guidelines (WCAG) for visually impaired users.
– Offer text to speech options if possible.
12. SEO Optimisation
– Use proper headings, keywords, and meta descriptions.
– Optimise images for fast loading.
– Link to reputable sources and internal pages.
DON’Ts
1. Don’t Overcomplicate the Design
– Avoid cluttered layouts, excessive colours, or too many fonts. A simple, structured design is always better.
2. Don’t Use Unclear or Jargon Filled Content
– Keep your language accessible and understandable. Avoid technical terms that may confuse visitors.
3. Don’t Hide Important Information
– Make sure essential details like your mission, donation buttons, and contact information are easy to find.
4. Don’t Make Navigation Difficult
– Avoid deep menu structures that require too many clicks.
– Ensure all pages are accessible within two or three clicks.
5. Don’t Have a Slow Loading Website
– Optimise images and reduce unnecessary plugins.
– Use caching and a reliable hosting provider.
6. Don’t Use Auto Playing Videos or Music
– Many users find auto playing media annoying. Allow them to click to play instead.
7. Don’t Neglect Security
– Use SSL certificates to ensure secure browsing.
– Regularly update plugins and software to prevent vulnerabilities.
8. Don’t Ignore Mobile Users
– A website that isn’t mobile friendly will lose a significant portion of its audience. Test your site on different devices regularly.
9. Don’t Make the Donation Process Complicated
– Avoid requiring visitors to create an account to donate.
– Keep the checkout process quick and straightforward.
10. Don’t Forget to Integrate Social Media
– Make it easy for visitors to follow you on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms. Use visible social media icons.
11. Don’t Use Poor Quality Images
– Blurry or pixelated images make your site look unprofessional. Invest in high-quality photos.
12. Don’t Overload with Popups
– Too many popups can frustrate users and cause them to leave your site.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed website can significantly enhance your organisation’s ability to engage with your audience, raise funds, and spread your message. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll create a user-friendly, visually appealing, and effective website that truly serves your mission.
Need help with designing a website for your NGO, church, or parachurch organization? Get in touch with us today!