Nonprofits Should Optimize Their Websites For Many Devices

Not all internet-enabled devices are created equally, especially with regard to how content is viewed on each tool. For instance, we all know that the way websites appear on desktop computers is vastly different than how they look if we’re browsing on our smartphones.

As such, many industry insiders are calling on nonprofit organizations to optimize their web pages so they can be easily viewed on a variety of screen sizes, from the smaller cellphone options to mid-sized tablets and others. This should help to maximize the amount of funds they receive. If potential supporters go to make a donation on their smartphones but have to zoom in or scroll to properly read the text, they will probably abandon their efforts.

Wayne Elsey Enterprises suggested that every nonprofit ensure their website can be easily viewed on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones alike. Moreover, texts on such tools should be concise so it appears properly on all screens.

Many organizations are taking this advice to heart. For instance, before launching the new kff.org, the Kaiser Family Foundation made sure its pages were viewable and easily searchable on nearly any device, so as to make things easier on donors and other interested parties.

As foundations tap into emerging digital channels to raise funds online, they can benefit from nonprofit fundraising software that tracks incoming donations and quantitatively measures the success of their efforts.

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Does Your Nonprofit Website Need Help?

Join us for our webinar, 13 Things Your Nonprofit Website Needs in 2013. We will share the 13 things you must do (or stop doing) in 2013 to grow your online presence and effectively engage, inspire, motivate and mobilize your web audience. Takeaways:

• Learn how to evaluate your current website and identify areas for improvement
• Learn best practices for website development based on successful nonprofit websites
• Practical ideas you can implement right away to improve your website, with clear examples of each

Link to the webcast: http://www.nten.org/events/webinar/2013/05/09/webinar-13-things-your-nonprofit-website-needs-in-2013

 

Jamy Squillace

Product Manager

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Drinking From The Technology Fire Hose At “Drupal Day”

As a first time attendee of NTC (NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference & Science Fair), I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from this well-attended conference that caters to the more technical and geeky side of the nonprofit industry.  NTC 2013 certainly didn’t disappoint as technology leaders from across the country, including several nonprofit software, email, online fundraising, web design, and other technology providers, were in attendance at the popular Science Fair portion of the show. Similarly, the breakout sessions were packed with attendees eager to hear about the latest technology trends in the nonprofit sector from industry experts from all over the world.  One session in particular occupied the majority of Day 1 and concentrated specifically on all things Drupal. “Drupal Day” provided several breakout sessions related to what may arguably be the most popular website content management system (CMS) currently available for organizations looking for a robust, flexible and highly configurable open source solution. 

As a geeky web professional, I was particularly interested in these discussions for both professional and personal reasons. From a professional standpoint, I am always curious about the latest trends or developments in every facet of the web.  Although, as with any busy professional, it’s often difficult to find time to read every industry article or blog that we run across, so having a chance to listen to several Drupal experts in one place was especially exciting.  Discussions included everything from a basic introduction to Drupal 7 (Drupal 8 is scheduled to release this summer) to more in-depth technical discussions regarding integration of contact relationship management (CRM) systems into your Drupal platform. That particular session maxed-out my understanding of both types of systems, but was a fantastic learning experience as I’m sure it was for many others in attendance, as well.

From a personal point of view, I had selfish reasons for attending “Drupal Day” since our organization will be developing its new website utilizing the Drupal 7 CMS platform. I’ve had the good fortune to work with many types of content management systems, but admittedly haven’t had the opportunity to work with Drupal since v5. From everything that I’ve read and learned about Drupal 7 at this conference, it is light years ahead of previous versions, so I may have a bit of a learning curve, but it should prove to be exciting nonetheless.  One key aspect about Drupal that was emphasized throughout these discussions was the extremely involved and helpful online Drupal community. Since Drupal is an open source solution, it has hundreds of contributors and developers that are continually refining and improving the system, modules, plug-ins, etc.

In addition to the online community, there are regional groups of Drupal users, contributors, developers, and supporters that meet on a regular basis to share learnings, hash-out issues, or discuss recent successes. Drupal MeetUps, as they are commonly called, are located all over the world, and there is probably one in a city near you. If you are interested in locating a Drupal MeetUp group or just learning more about Drupal, I would encourage you to visit www.drupal.org to find out if this popular, well-supported content management system is right for your organization.

If diving head first into Drupal and developing your own cutting edge, highly responsive website sounds like a bit too much for you, not to worry. There are many reputable firms that specialize in building Drupal sites that will work with you, no matter what your budget, to help build a website that meets your organization’s needs as online users and donors continue to become more social, interactive and highly mobile.

I’m already looking forward to attending NTC next year to see where the latest technology trends will lead us. Advances in technology are occurring every day and the nonprofit sector will undoubtedly need to evolve and grow with these changes in order to meet the needs of its constituents. Conferences, such as NTC, provide a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to get a glimpse into the latest technology trends to help them achieve their goals.

Dan Gonzalez

Web Manager

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14 Great Website Tips

Your organizations website is one of the most important assets you have in communicating your mission, yet it is often the last thing we think about as we prepare campaigns, events, and calls to action.  Here are a few best practices designed to help increase the ROI of your online donations.

1. Keep it short
Use short sentences and simple words.

2. Keep it positive
As a general rule, keep the story positive.  It is fair to share the plight of those you serve, but be sure to share how your organization is changing it, making it better, and how the donor can help.  People are driven to action by the desire to make a difference keep that in mind as you write the content for your site.

3. Use logos, graphics, and pictures
Make sure you are using your own graphics.  Avoid using clip art or stock photography.  Use images and elements that tell your unique story, and convey what your mission is all about.

4. Fire Sale Fonts and Sizing
Make sure your fonts are between 12 and 14px for the majority of your text. Using fonts sizes smaller than that make it hard to read and larger than that are a waste of space.  Stick with Arial or Times fonts for the majority of your text.  These fonts are clean and easy to read, and make sure all the fonts on your site match.

5. The Donate Button
Visibility is key for the donate button.  We recommend that at a minimum you place the button in the top right corner of every page.   It is hard to tell exactly what page a donor will be when he/she decides to donate, so make it easy.

6. Donate, Help, or Give
Test whether or not changing the name of your button makes a difference in your online donations.   We have seen cases where simply changing the text on the button to Help Us has increased online donations.

7. Ask for emails
Collecting a list of constituents’ email addresses will prove very valuable over time.  Ask for email addresses on the form and on the home page.  Potential donors may not want to give today, but they may want to hear more about your organization, and the projects that you are doing.

8. Share the News
A newsletter is a great way to communicate.  Newsletters allow you to share your story, increase engagement, and get people involved in what you are doing.  Be sure to use the newsletter to push people back to your website where they can learn more and make a donation.

9. Search engine optimization
When you are writing the short and sweet content for your site, be sure to include key words or phrases people looking for your organization might type into the search bar.  For example, if you are a food pantry include food pantry, food donation, feeding the hungry, etc… as people looking to donate or seeking your service are likely to type those types of things into the search bar.

10. Stay on your page
Don’t make donors leave your site to donate.   Having to login to another site to donate to an organization is a strong barrier to donating.

11. Show the progress
Donors want to see that their contribution helped.  Add a progress bar to your donation page to show potential donors the goal and how they can contribute to it.

12. Color matters
The colors that you use on your site do matter.   For example, blue is calming, red is for an alert or emergency.  Make sure that the colors you are using communicate the intended emotion.

13. Not everything is front page news
The homepage should not list every program you have at your organization.   Everyone wants their project on the home page, but he homepage should be reserved for the organization as a whole.   Share the organizations mission on it and the projects that support that mission on ancillary pages.

14. Share the wealth
On your home page share how your organization is making a difference.  Share how their donation will help, and share what will happen if they don’t help.

If you have other great tips, please share them here.  We all gain when we all share!

Bridget Brandt
Director of Marketing
Sage Nonprofit

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Fund Accounting’s New Look

When we talk about makeovers most of us think about those reality shows where some plain, unfashionable person is made-over into an entirely new and glamorous being.  It’s exciting, it’s extreme, and most of us won’t ever be one of the chosen few who gets to experience it.  However, we can all relate to the mini-makeovers we treat ourselves to from time to time: a new hair style, lipstick, or maybe a few outfits.  These little changes are fun ways to reward ourselves and get a fresh look.

Well, why not think of your organization’s branding in the same way?  Completely overhauling your brand can be a huge undertaking that is expensive, time consuming, and very risky.  What if your changes are so drastic that your constituents don’t recognize you anymore?  Those types of makeovers are probably best left in the hands of hired professionals, but smaller, more manageable changes can be undertaken by almost anyone.

When was the last time you updated the pictures on your website or brochures?  Many times these items are created and then used over and over for years.  You get used to seeing them every day and soon forget them.  By keeping things fresh you keep people interested.  When things are new they catch your eye.  And, catching the eye of your donors and your funders is always a great idea!

This is not just a good idea for non-profits. You see this in the business world all the time: “New look. Same great taste.” Here in the Non-Profit Services division of Sage we embrace this attitude as well. In our recent release of Sage Fund Accounting v11.0 we brought a fresh new look to our navigation, using new graphics and streamlining the workflows.   The underlying functionality of the product did not change, but the product “just feels more fun to use”.  Yes, one of our beta testers said that.   The picture on the right shows some of my favorite new icons.  Just a tweak, here and there.

Now I know what you are thinking, “We don’t have the time or the funding to spend on making over things that are good enough.”  I get it.  Everyone is having to do more with less and things like this get put on the back burner.  But, if you have a volunteer with some time to spare or a few extra dollars that can be earmarked for it, the investment is worth it.  Focus on items that are the most visible like the images on your website or maybe a page or two.  Even small changes can bring renewed interest and grab the attention of a few more people.  Of course, if you can find the time and resources to invest more, go for it!  Just be sure to seek professional guidance if you are going for a dramatically different new look.  That is definitely not a DIY project…just search the web for bad plastic surgery photos and see why you don’t want to mess with the ‘face’ of your organization without a professional.

If your organization has already experienced the fun and excitement of a little brand refresh I would love to hear about it.  Post a comment about what you were able to get done and what results you have seen.  This is a great way to learn from one another and get some ideas for refreshing your look without spending a fortune.

Gina Rahn
Design Analyst
Sage Nonprofit

 

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Summer Webcast Series

We know it’s hard to go to work when the sun is hot and the pool is calling your name.  We are giving you five reasons to head to the office or at the least dial in from the beach.

Sage Nonprofit is offering an amazing summer program for professional development that you don’t want to miss. This free webcast series covers a wide range of sessions that will help you take your mission online to engage your supporters.

Due to popular demand we will be updating the links below as the sessions take place converting the links from registration for the live session to registration for the webcast recording.  Come back as your schedule allows to get started.

#1 Ten Tips for Social Media Action
July 19, 2011, 2:00 PM CT
Hosted by: Patricia Tynan

Recording of the session available here.

#2 Nonprofit Web Advice
July 21, 2011, 2:00 PM CT
Hosted by: Dan Gonzalez

Recording of the session available here.

You can still register for the live sessions below:

#3 Slactivism – Motivating Donors to Take Real Action Online
July 25, 2011, 2:00 PM CT
Hosted by: Spenser Whelan

#4 Enhancing Donor Loyalty in the Online Age
July 27, 2011, 2:00 PM CT
Hosted by: Bridget Brandt

#5 Online Fundraising 101
July 28th, 11:00 AM CT
Hosted by: Richard Deitz

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