10 tasks that need to be easy for nonprofit website visitors

I’ve noticed many articles lamenting how disconnected technology has made society. It’s true that some of us hide behind our little devices, but in many ways technology has made us self-sufficient, giving us the ability to rely on our own initiative to seek answers, help and opportunities. We have achieved a level of comfort with technology that allows us to meet our own needs without bugging anyone else unless absolutely necessary.

Visitors to social service nonprofit websites expect their good-doing impulses to be met online the minute they are inspired to do good. Other nonprofits partnering with yours will want stuff from you like press releases and logos. Most important, social service nonprofit websites can be the point of contact that will keep a family warm and safe, remove a woman from an abusive situation, or connecting a troubled teen to a mentor.

By quickly meeting those expectations and needs online, and providing receptive service by phone and in person, you will get exceptional results. Look at your site and see if you make it easy for a user to:

1. Read a single sentence on your homepage that describes your focus (your full mission can be deeper in)
2. Make a donation and/or become a member
3. Get immediate access to the services you provide (how, when, where to get help)
4. Read success stories, view photos or watch videos
5. Choose a way to connect with you (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, via email)
6. Find events happening soon and sign up
7. Access press releases
8. View a list of your staff and board (with contact information)
9. Download a good-quality logo
10. Use a form to contact you (if a user is on a public computer or doesn’t want to email from his device)