How to get the most out
of your nonprofit's web site
Michigan Nonprofit Association has published a how-to guide for the web site novice and expert techie alike based on research by Mark Hoffman at Grand Valley State University. The new handbook provides guiding principles for ensuring an effective website and includes an easy to use checklist for applying the principles.
Click here to download a copy of "Principles for an Effective Nonprofit Website - How to Get the Most of Your Organization's Website."
As the introduction to the guide points out, “Websites are quickly becoming both the main vehicle for nonprofits to communicate with the public and the ‘face’ or public persona of the organization. The quality of a website can even affect someone's decision to support or seek help from your group.”
The new guide includes information like these guiding principles to ensure that your website effectively communicates with the public:
- Information – The purpose of your website should be to provide good content, and visitors to your site should feel inspired by your organization's mission, achievements, commitment and potential.
- Reliability – The website should project to visitors that your group is careful, attentive, competent, ethical and accountable.
- Engagement – A successful website reveals opportunities to its visitors to support your group, promote your cause and access your services.
- Accessibility – The website should be equally manageable for everyone, including individuals with visual, aural and other physical limitations, and accessible for those with non-Microsoft web browsers.
- Design – A website is the "face" or public persona of an organization. Good site design can improve the impact of your organization and make the website more navigable.
The guide is for both those with a great deal of knowledge about technology and those who are still learning. It includes a glossary of frequently-referenced terms and a list of organizations that can help if your nonprofit decides you need additional assistance.
