In this blog you will find 3 Big Points to remember when building your new website, followed by some advice on how to handle some very typical predicaments.
It’s all about content.
The biggest point is to focus on having accurate, compelling, relevant, and fresh content. What sort of introduction, conversation, or information are you sharing? Will people learn what they need to know? Will they get to know who you are? Actual content is even more important than flash, fancy graphics, or anything else for that matter.
It’s all about content, as in who will manage your content?
Great websites have dynamic, frequently updated content. So the question arises, who will manage your site’s content? Will it be the techy volunteers that could be gone tomorrow? Will it be the IT girl on staff? Is it feasible for the IT person to create new pages and content for every ministry, department, and future event for both right now and the rest of time?
You should consider decentralizing the access and usability of your site for maximized relevancy. Meaning, you need an easy to use web content management system that enables anyone, regardless of technical skill, to quickly and easily upload content.
It’s all about content, just be yourself.
The last thing you need to do is try to be somebody you’re not. People will know. Just be who you are and let your content reflect that.
Predicaments and Responses
That mega-organization website is cooler than yours.
I know, they are cool. However, you need to be you. There will be many people who like your alternative to the mega-whatever. Trust me.
That Board Member, Elder, or techy person wants you to use WordPress, Drupal, or some CrazyTechNameTool.
Thank them for the suggestion, then remind them that you have to manage the day-to-day content. More important than deciphering the name of that CrazyTechNameTool, you need to find something that is friendly and easy to use for the non-techy staff and volunteers who will actually manage your site’s content.
Your volunteer website builder is long gone, or no longer an option.
First, you’re not alone. Nearly every nonprofit has faced this problem. Second, you should consider our shameless plug below.
The outdated “Needs List” on your site has put you in direct competition with Walmart’s collection size of toiletries.
First, call some other agencies and see if they have a use for your plethora of products. Next, consider a product that makes updating web content easier to avoid future embarrassment.
The “About Us” page still describes the leadership team… from 3 teams ago.
That’s kind of a cool legacy thing, but you need to update that stuff!
That God-send “volunteer” who built the site, he’s no longer dating your daughter.
Talk to your daughter to see if they can work things out. If not, read all three Big Points above and possibly consider our shameless plug below.
Warning! Shameless plug coming!
If you’re looking for a good content management system, you’re more than able to google the software and find any number of companies to consider. Or, if you prefer, you can see how Higher Pixels helps nonprofits avoid predicaments, follow the big 3 points, and make a good website here.
What other Big Points or Predicaments have you found when building a website?
Pingback: Building Your Website (Part 2) | Higher Pixels