No one likes to admit they’ve made a mistake but we see nonprofits make the same mistakes over and over when it comes to their website.

Mistake #1 – Outdated Information

When we visit a lot of our clients’ sites for the first time we notice that information is missing or just downright outdated.

Whether it’s an event from two years ago on the homepage (get your tickets now!) or an inaccurate depiction of services, it’s a disservice to visitors.

The most common pieces of outdated information include: mission/vision statement; staff headshots and bios; services; and events.

How can you change that? Make it a goal to check your website for errors once a month. Add it to a team meeting agenda and spend 10 minutes finding outdated information together.

Mistake #2 – Few Calls to Action

If it’s unclear what a visitor should do when they get to your nonprofit website, they won’t do anything when they get to your website.

For many of our clients, the goal isn’t clear — Are you looking for volunteers? Or would you rather have financial donations? It should be clear where a visitor is going and why.

How can you fix this? Make sure there are buttons that take users through their visit. For example, if you’re promoting your next event on your homepage, be sure to have a clickable call to action to learn more.

Mistake #3 – Not Having a Strategy

Sometimes, a website looks like it was quite literally thrown together out of necessity rather than with a strategy in mind.

Strategy should include copy that moves your visitor to act as well as copy that incorporates important search engine optimization terms. A strategy helps you gain visibility and serve your visitors intentionally.

How can you create a website strategically? Partner with Catalyst Collective! Our nonprofit web design makes your site easy to use and helps you connect with your audience. Because we specialize in website design for nonprofit organizations, your site will not only look great but is proven to get more donations and support. We design data-driven strategies that attract new donors while retaining existing ones so they stay engaged and take action.

“Catalyst Collective developed an amazing website that is superior to our competition. I love hearing from our peers that our website is so professional and clean, and really portrays the vibe and mission of our business. I would strongly recommend them to any small business or nonprofit in need of optimizing their digital space.” – Jessica Huffman, ClearWake Watersports