How to start a brand new website for your non-profit

Ready to get digital? Follow our step-by-step guide to starting a brand new website for non-profit organisations.

Step 1: Define your objectives and requirements

First things first, let’s outline your key objectives. Whether you’re DIY-ing it or bringing in some seasoned professionals, your website’s goals will shape its structure and purpose. Do you want to raise awareness, increase donations or snag more funding? Nail these objectives early on to set yourself up for success. Here are some questions to consider to get you started:

What is the mission / focus of your organisation?
What is the purpose of your website?
Who is your target audience?
What actions do you want your users to complete when they visit the website?
What functionality do you need?
Does your site need to integrate with existing software or websites (e.g. your CRM)?

Step 2: Consider outsourcing

Building a website is a major task, so if your budget allows then it’s worth consulting an expert to streamline the process. Agencies offer a range of skills from development to copywriting, and will work with you to create a professional, purpose-built website. Here’s some things you’ll need to consider:

Get a range of expertise: Leverage the experience and specialised skills of experts from developers to copywriters to create a high-quality website.
Future-Proofing: Ensure your website is built with scalability and future updates in mind, saving you from costly overhauls further down the line.
Reliability: Benefit from the reliability and accountability of a professional team, reducing the risk of technical issues.
Security: Protect your website with industry-standard security measures implemented by experts.

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Step 3: Choose a content management system

Picking the right Content Management System (CMS) is crucial. If you have some basic skills and are looking to create a simple website yourself then a website builder, such as Squarespace, is a good option.

On the other hand if you want something a little more complex, you’ll need a CMS with advanced functionality. Drupal (which is our jam at bliss), Webflow and WordPress are flexible and customisable systems that will give you full control over your websites design and features. They are also user-friendly so when the website is up-and-running it’ll be easy for your team to add content and make changes. When choosing a CMS here are a few things to consider:

Are you happy to use pre-built templates and themes or do you want a bespoke website?
What features does your site require? For example, do you want to be able to take donations or sell items through an online shop?
Is the CMS easy to navigate and update for you and your team members?
Do you need to plan for scalability? It's a big job to change your CMS at a later date, so it's best to future-proof your website at the start of your project.

Step 4: Select a domain name and web hosting provider

Securing a domain and selecting a web hosting provider are key steps in your website journey. While many CMS platforms bundle hosting, it’s still smart to research your options. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Domain name: Keep it memorable and relevant.
Web hosting: Choose reputable hosting for fast, reliable performance.
Eco-friendly hosting: Consider opting for a provider with green credentials.

Step 5: Design and develop your website

Here’s the exciting part: bringing your vision to life. Let’s create a visually appealing, easy to navigate and functional site that showcases your brand. To ensure your site is engaging and effective, consider these key factors:

Design for engagement: Use high-quality images, consistent colours, and clean fonts. Add interactive elements like quizzes and infographics to boost engagement and maintain visual appeal.
Simplify navigation: Create a clear, intuitive menu and include search functionality. This helps users find what they need quickly and easily.
Optimise content layout: Arrange content logically with headings, bullet points, and white space to improve readability with important information easily accessible.
Leverage templates vs. custom design: Choose pre-built templates for budget-friendly options or invest in custom design for a unique, tailored look that stands out.

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Step 6: Create engaging content

Content is your chance to connect deeply with your audience. Tell your story, highlight successes, and share your mission with compelling text, high-quality images, and engaging videos. Here's how to create meaningful content to engage your visitors:

Storytelling: Share your organisation's journey, achievements, and goals to build a connection with your audience.
Visuals: Use impactful images, videos, and testimonials to enhance engagement.
Content organisation: Ensure your content is well-structured and easy to find.
Calls to action: Clearly direct visitors to the actions you want them to take – for example encouraging donations or getting people to sign up to an event.

Step 7: Integrate key features and tools

Boost your website’s impact by adding features that enhance functionality and user experience. Integrations help users engage with your site effortlessly and take meaningful actions. Many third-party tools offer special discounts for non-profits – be sure to explore their pricing plans or contact customer service for the best deals. Here’s what you might want to include:

Donation forms: Make giving simple and straightforward.
Email sign-ups: Build your supporter list with ease.
Social media: Connect and engage with your audience.

Step 8: Test and launch your website

Before going live, give your website a thorough check-up to ensure it’s in top shape. You'll need to make sure everything works as it should and that it looks great on all devices and commonly used browsers.

It's a good idea to involve team members from other areas of the organisation in this process - they might spot things that you've missed! Once everything’s running smoothly, launch your site and tell the world about it. Here’s some tips:

Test features: Ensure all site functionality works properly. Test any forms and links that are on your website and check the site speed.
Check responsiveness: Confirm the site is responsive on all devices and browsers.
Google Analytics: Set-up analytics so that you can track traffic to your site and make future improvements.
Launch & promote: Announce your site on social media and other channels.

Ready to amplify your impact? A standout website is crucial for showcasing your cause and connecting with potential supporters, volunteers and advocates for your cause. Your website is a powerful tool that’ll help drive your mission, let’s build something great together. Interested? Get in touch.