Having a strong website design is important in getting viewers to stay on your site, but putting them in the frame of mind of either needing your nonprofit’s service or donating to your nonprofit. Let’s start with the home page, this is the first thing viewers see when visiting your website. This is the first chance you have to introduce your nonprofit and attract your viewer to your cause.

Heading

The main header is the most important part of your whole homepage. This is your first impression to either keep a viewer on your website or leave your website. A good image is not enough on its own to draw viewers in or click to learn more. Include a call to action that is audience-based and impels them to stay and learn. Share who you are, how you help, the problems you solve. Use this space to introduce your nonprofit.

Mailing list

A mailing list a compilation of email addresses, and it is useful to collect your viewer’s email. You want your mailing list to be filled with those who have found your cause and content worth staying updated on or being involved in. Have a spot on the homepage of your website where viewers can easily locate and sign up. This is usually through a pop-up form or some type of form located on the site.

Social Proof

Using stories and testimonials on your home page can be very useful if you use the right story. It can inspire your audience to aid in your cause, show the power your organization has on others’ lives and spread awareness for the cause you are fighting for. we previously shared more about stories and testimonials HERE check it out to learn more about how to collect strong and powerful stories and testimonials.

Footer

The footer is the place for social media icons. Many websites put their social media links in the headers, this draws visitors to click on them thus leaving your site. The goal of the website is to have people stay and spend time learning about your nonprofit. Yes, it is important to gain social media following and by placing your social media links in the footer they can still be found by the viewer without distracting them from the content on your website. The footer of your website should also include copyrights, privacy, and terms & conditions.

Branding

Your homepage and website as a whole should reflect your brand. This helps build trust with your audience and avoid confusion. A few key factors in good branding include font, color, and images. When it comes to branding, it is important to be consistent across the board. Your branding for your logo, website, social media, and other aspects of your organization should all show that they represent the same organization.

Font:

Limit your font usage to a maximum of two different styles of font. If possible use the same font or one similar to the one in your logo. Choose fonts that are easy to read, you don’t want to make it difficult for your viewers.

Colors:

Work with up to 4 colors throughout your homepage. These colors should come from your logo or pair well with it. They should remain consistent with your branding and be appealing to your audience.

Images:

Just like font and color, these should be consistent throughout the website and coordinate well with your branding. Your images should make sense with your branding and add to the overall message you are conveying. You can create this consistency by choosing to solely use graphics or using the same filter on all of your images.

The Last Thing They Will Remember

Creating the best homepage for your nonprofit is essential in drawing in and keeping your audience interested in your nonprofit’s cause. It is vital as the homepage is the first thing potential clients, donors, sponsors, and supporters will see. As most people drop off (leave) sites at the homepage, you need to make sure all the information you want to get across is there and easily accessible.