Frequently asked questions about website design, nonprofit marketing, and more

Questions about website design

  • A website is the face of your organization online and it serves as an important tool for communicating with your stakeholders, attracting new supporters, and promoting your cause. It also provides information about your organization, its mission, and how people can get involved and make a difference. Plus, it’s the one place where people can take action - make the gift, sign up for the event, etc.

  • A nonprofit website should include information about your organization, its mission and vision, programs and services, impact stories, ways to get involved and make a difference, and a clear call to action. Other important features include a responsive design, easy navigation, and the ability to accept donations online.

  • The cost of designing a nonprofit website can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size and complexity of the site, the features and functionalities required, and the level of customization. On average, the cost of a nonprofit website design can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It’s always wise to talk to more than one designer and compare costs, as well as thoroughly vet the agency or person you choose, ensuring they understand the nature of your work and how nonprofit websites are different than many corporate sites.

  • o ensure that your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, it is important to follow web accessibility guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. This includes using clear and concise language, providing alternative text for images, and designing for keyboard navigation.

    This is where it’s vital to have the advice of (or hire) a professional designer. While just about anyone can “design a website” using a free or low-cost tool, the final product may do more harm than good to an organization if it hasn’t met all the above criteria.

Questions about managing a board of directors

  • The board of directors is responsible for the overall governance of a nonprofit organization and setting its direction and policies. They also play a key role in fundraising, financial management, and ensuring the organization stays true to its mission.

  • The size of a nonprofit board of directors can vary depending on the organization's needs, but it is common for boards to have between 5 to 15 members.

    Your required board size should be explicitly stated in your bylaws.

  • Nonprofit organizations can recruit new board members through a variety of channels, including personal and professional networks, online networks, and by leveraging their existing board and staff members. It is also important to have a clear and compelling recruitment message that speaks to the organization's mission and what it hopes to achieve with its board of directors.

    I have several great articles on this topic - I recommend starting here:
    https://www.oneninedesign.net/blog/board-recruitment-messaging

Questions about nonprofit marketing

  • Marketing is important for a nonprofit organization because it helps to spread the word about the organization's mission, programs, and impact. It also helps to attract new supporters, build relationships with existing supporters, and increase awareness of the organization's cause.

  • Some effective marketing strategies for a nonprofit organization include leveraging social media platforms, email marketing, content marketing, community outreach and partnerships, and events and campaigns. It's important to understand your audience and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly.

  • The success of a nonprofit organization's marketing efforts can be measured in a variety of ways, including increased website traffic, increased engagement on social media platforms, increased donations, and increased awareness and understanding of the organization's mission and impact.

  • Building a strong brand and maintaining its brand identity is important for a nonprofit organization to increase awareness and attract new supporters. This can be achieved through consistent messaging, visual identity, and the use of a strong tagline and logo. It's also important to maintain brand consistency across all communication channels, including the organization's website, social media platforms, and marketing materials.