4 Signs Your Nonprofit Website Needs an Upgrade

Ilia Jones | February 2020

4signs_websiteUpgrade-new

Do you really need a new website for 2021, or do you think you can put the investment off for another year?

Many nonprofits ask themselves this question at the start of a new year. Often, people come to us admitting they would like to freshen up their web presence but worry that the costs are simply out of reach.

Every nonprofit is unique, so there isn’t a single answer that’s going to work for every organization. There are always trade-offs and extenuating factors to consider.

However, we also see nonprofits who are suffering behind an outdated or error-ridden website.  Here are four reasons you need to make some major improvements to your nonprofit website before it’s too late.

Reason #1: Your Nonprofit Website is Outdated

The average visitor to a web page will only spend 3 seconds on a website before taking their attention elsewhere. Website engagement studies have shown that visitor attention spans are decreasing. That means you have 3 seconds to engage donors or beneficiaries who land on your website. If your pages were designed a decade ago, or just look outdated, it’s going to hurt your credibility and keep you from getting conversions. Luckily, it’s never been easier to freshen up a tired layout, so don’t hold onto a design that’s lacking in curb appeal.

Reason #2: Your Web Pages Perform Slowly or Produce Error Messages

Website speed and performance are both equally important. Because you only have a few seconds, you need your pages to come online quickly so you can make the most of them. In the same way, we have all become more aware of the risks to our data that come with visiting the wrong websites. If your site is not kept up to date and produces error messages, that’s a problem. Even if the errors aren’t security related, visitors are going to run in the other direction.

Reason #3: Your Layout Is Not Mobile Optimized 

Experts think that two-thirds of all internet traffic will originate from phones and tablets in 2020. Whether that statistic holds up or not, it’s clear that a growing majority of people online are looking for mobile-friendly web solutions. If they can’t find what they’re looking for on your website or even access it in the first place, that’s going to hurt your bottom line. To put it another way: If you don’t have a mobile-compatible business website, then you should be looking to make improvements today.

Reason #4: Your Website Metrics Tell a Grim Story

Every nonprofit should monitor their website performance. If your website has been slipping in traffic, engagement, and click rates – you may want to reconsider your website. Of course these numbers are related to other aspects of your digital presence like SEO optimization and digital marketing, but your metrics are also a reflection of the quality of your website. Take a look at your metrics and if they tell a grim story, it may be time to consider a redesign. 

Looking for Smart Answers to Your Marketing Challenges?

 

Making improvements to your nonprofit website or online marketing plan doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or getting rid of what’s working. Sometimes a fresh eye, a new approach, or a customized strategy for your nonprofit is just what you need. That’s where our creative team comes in. We know what it takes to help your nonprofit grow. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help your business start the decade off right.

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