It only takes a few seconds for someone to form an opinion about you based on your website. Those precious moments could be the difference between gaining a lifelong supporter or losing them forever.
A slow, outdated, or poorly designed website isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it can be a major roadblock standing between you and your supporters.
Here are seven common problems and how to fix them:
1. You’re losing donations due to poor mobile optimization
In a mobile-first world, if your website isn’t optimized for phones and tablets, you’re losing out. Donors will abandon a donation if the page doesn’t work smoothly on mobile devices.
Solution: Ensure your site is fully responsive, providing an intuitive, fast experience on any screen size.
2. Confusing navigation is frustrating visitors
If visitors can’t find what they’re looking for—whether it’s your donation page, volunteer opportunities, or a simple contact form—they’ll leave. Confusing or cluttered navigation creates friction, driving people away.
Solution: Streamline your menu and design clear, intuitive paths that guide users effortlessly.
3. Your mission isn’t clear at a glance
The heart of your organization—your mission—needs to be front and center. If visitors can’t immediately understand what your nonprofit does and why it matters, they won’t stick around to find out.
Solution: Use concise messaging and powerful visuals to communicate your purpose as soon as they land on your homepage.
4. Your website is text-heavy and visually dull
Blocks of text and a lack of engaging visuals can overwhelm visitors. Today’s web users expect clean, modern designs that tell your story quickly and clearly.
Solution: Break up content with images, videos, and bullet points to keep your message digestible and visually compelling.
5. Your calls to action (CTAs) aren’t effective
If your CTAs — donate buttons, volunteer sign-ups, etc. — are buried at the bottom of a page or aren’t clear, people won’t know how to help. An inefficient CTA is a lost opportunity.
Solution: Place prominent, clear calls to action throughout your site, making it easy for visitors to take the next step.
6. Your website is outdated, which affects trust and credibility
A website that looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2020 sends the wrong message about your nonprofit’s professionalism and relevance. It makes visitors question your trustworthiness and whether you’re actively making an impact.
Solution: Update your design, images, and content and then keep it fresh and credible.
7. Your website doesn’t show how you’re making a difference
Visitors want to know that their support will make a difference. If your site doesn’t clearly communicate the outcomes of your work, they’ll be less likely to contribute.
Solution: Highlight success stories, statistics, and testimonials that show the real-world impact of their donations.
Bottom line: Your website is costing you
Addressing these common pain points can make the difference between gaining loyal supporters and losing them. By making strategic improvements, you’ll create a site that attracts visitors and converts them into active contributors to your efforts.