5 Signs Your Website is Letting You Down

Technology experts tell us there are some basic signs your website needs help.

Before we dive into those signs, let’s look at what a successful website looks like. Upstream International‘s site is unique, mobile-friendly, encourages action using large buttons and bright colours, and also makes good use of white space, which studies show increase comprehension and credibility.

Signs your website is letting you down

1. Quantity and quality of website traffic

If your website isn’t getting as much traffic as you’d like, this might be a cause for concern. You can use Google Analytics to help you figure out where traffic is coming from, and how they’re using your site. If you’re not getting enough organic traffic, consider focusing on your website’s “search engine optimization” or SEO.

2. Mobile friendliness

Marketing experts report that half of website traffic comes from mobile and tablet devices. Mobile visitors won’t stay long if your site doesn’t present well on their device. If your website looks good on a desktop but is hard to use and navigate on a cell phone or tablet, you need to make changes fast. Mobile use is expected to soar even higher in the years to come.

3. Donation ease

If the process to make a donation on your website is difficult, confusing, or requires entering too much data, you’re going to loose donations. Check out 5 Donation Page Mistakes That will Destroy Your Online Fundraising for more on this.

4. Structure

If your website is impossible to edit or add to without hiring a developer, it might be time to switch to something easier to use like a WordPress. Many organizations have had to find this out the hard way after hiring a web designer who uses an uncommon or more complicated platform to build the site. If that’s the case for your organization, getting a new website that’s easy to update and manage is a must.

5. Something unique

The most successful websites offer something that is unique. This applies to nonprofit websites, as well as private and public businesses. If you’re able to craft interesting content along with good aesthetics, you’ll be able to capture the public’s attention. The nonprofit VisionSpring is a good example. They partner with stylish eyeglass company, Warby Parker to bring eyeglasses to developing nations. Their vibrant-looking website explains how their unique model helps those struggling with eye issues while at the same time creating jobs.

If you find that your website needs more than just a little tweaking, don’t panic. The days of a complete website design having to cost your organization a small fortune are over. Take some time to shop around and find a designer that understands the limitations of a nonprofit and is willing to help you put your best impression forward without breaking the bank.

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