Have you ever tried to complete a simple task like uploading a photo to your nonprofit website, only to spend an hour (or more!) wrestling with the site? Or does your website feel old and outdated, with no ability to update its functionality? 

If so, it may be time to update your website. I see nonprofit organizations fall into two troublesome scenarios. Read on for more!

The developer-only website

Your website was built by a developer more than a few years ago, and despite their thorough documentation, it’s all greek to you. When you log in to make updates, the interface is clunky and highly technical which means even updating a photo on your home page takes an hour. It seems like a relatively simple task that should be easy is far too complicated. Sometimes you just give up in frustration and forget trying to make any changes. 

The do-it-yourself website

Or if you do have a content management system (CMS) that makes it easier to update the site, you feel constrained by its capabilities. Each page must follow the same layout, and any additional functionality requires a special plug-in or installer. One of the big challenges of the DIY website is that everything is up to you and your staff. If something goes wrong, who do you call to fix it?

A free or cheap website builder isn’t the best way to market your mission

You may be tempted to choose a website builder that’s cheap or free. Just remember that old phrase “You reap what you sow" and be prepared to get back what you put into your online presence. 

There are quite a few "free" options available like Wix, WordPress.com, or Blogger. Or there are a number of self-hosted offerings from companies like GoDaddy, Bluehost, or HostGator where you can install WordPress or another content management system and maintain it on their shared servers. If you’re a small- to medium-sized nonprofit, I don’t recommend that path for three important reasons:

Limited functionality

The free hosting options limit you on functionality, page count, or even the number of site visitors. Most free hosts won’t allow you to monetize your site or collect donations, severely hampering your fundraising efforts. A self-hosted website can be a step in the right direction, however WordPress’s core functionality is limited to blogging. If you want a contact form, a calendar, or to accept donations on your website, you’ll need to install a plugin.

Limited support 

With a free or self-hosted (e.g. WordPress) option, it’s up to you and your staff to tackle any problems that may arise with your website. You’ll be responsible for updating any plugins you may use to add basic functionality to the site like a contact form, and for troubleshooting should they fail to work as advertised. What you don’t pay for in money, a free site will cost you in time.

Limited customization

Most free hosting providers don’t offer many options for customization beyond changing a few fonts and colors. If you’re self-hosting a WordPress site, you’ll need to buy a theme from a developer to style your site and you may have to rely on them to keep it updated so it remains in working order.

My recommended website host and builder

The website builder and host I know and trust is Squarespace. Not only is their content management system (aka website builder) incredibly easy to use, their templates are gorgeous and guaranteed to work for any site, and their 24/7/365 customer support is fantastic! Squarespace provides all the features your nonprofit needs in a website including contact and data collection forms, calendar, blog, email newsletter signups, video and audio embeds, and much more—all without having to find plugins and keep them compatible with the platform.

I’ve been building websites on Squarespace for ten years. I’m happy to provide my unpaid endorsement of their product because it’s helped me grow my business (this website is built on Squarespace!), and grow the nonprofits I work with.  If you’re ready to jump in and refresh your nonprofit website, let’s get in touch! 

If you’re looking for helpful strategies to improve your existing site, don’t miss my FREE guide, “Six Smart Strategies for an Effective Nonprofit Website” which will give you the confidence you need to create a website that wows your donors and volunteers.