Understanding your Australian nonprofit needs a digital facelift with a new website is one thing. Actually getting the project done so it meets your unique needs and messaging is another. With so many different types of website templates, plugins, and integrations, it can be overwhelming to know how to move forward when hiring a team.
At Web 105, we want to make the process as smooth as possible. Our clients range from national chain businesses to government agencies, healthcare providers, and Not-for-Profit organisations. While every project is unique and will require customisations tailored to the client, we want to provide a quick overview of the essential steps you can expect during a new website build.
Please leave a comment below or send us a note if you have any questions about how our professional team manages website projects. Here we go!
Step 1 – Consultation & Briefing
Everything about your new NFP website begins with a meeting. This consultation should cover a wide range of topics, from your mission to the number of donations you anticipate receiving throughout the year.
The goal of a consultation is to create a “briefing document” that will be used as a reference for designers. It will include many points of interest like:
- Your primary website objectives
- Background info and the “feel” of your business
- Mission, vision, and values statements
- Preferred type of tone or language and geographic areas you serve
- Impact statements and the kind of niche your NFP operates within
- Domain name, possible changes to branding, access details
- Timelines with milestones and deadlines
- Any other observations and limitations
At the end of the phase, there should be a clear understanding of the website’s goal, the pages involved, and the best approach to move forward.
Step 2 – Analysis
With the briefing in hand, it’s time to conduct some research. You want a strong design and development strategy that both highlights the content and features of your NFP as well as develops an online presence that differentiates your team from others serving the same target community or audience.
Here, the designer will look at competitors in the market, what functionalities audiences expect, if there are any specific branding aesthetics that must be included and a wealth of other strategies.
It can be helpful if the client has a previous website to use as a benchmark, but often, the better approach is to clear everything away and start from scratch.
Step 3 – Planning the Website
At this point, the designers have a good idea of what to build. Now, clear steps must be outlined to reach the final outcome. Think of planning as a delegation. Specific team members will be assigned to create content, design visuals, establish the site’s framework, and determine how to organise pages to align with an SEO (search engine optimisation) strategy.
Planning is also when the “tech stack” is created. These will be the specific digital tools, software, and other interactions used to build the final website.
For example, if your NFP needs an intake form for a donation page or an extension that allows Google Gmail to work with your volunteers on a password-protected section of the site.
Step 4 – Prototyping Your Website
Here is when the website designers get to show off a little. Brand identity is critical during this phase. The designers need to know the colours, typographies, icons, styles, images, and any other related brand visuals that align with the NFP’s unique voice and messaging.
You’ll hear the term “wireframing” thrown around during this stage. That means the structure and layout of the website, but without all the specific content. You might see a bare-bones website with text in Latin or copied from an old book so that everyone can see how things look when they are explored online.
Wireframing enables everyone on the team and the client to provide feedback and make changes without needing to restructure the entire project. Once a structure is formalised, you can move on to the next fun part!
Step 5 – Including Content
All that work on structure pays off now because you can quickly fill in the engaging content of your website. Now is the time to upload images, include fun stories, add infographics with impact statements, and any other text, photographs, or videos you wish to display.
You’ll also find accessibility, legal forms, and contract structures formalised during this phase. As a pro tip, it’s a good idea to confirm how your site will be updated. Ask your designer if they can train your team members on the CMS (content management system) you’ll be using in the future.
Step 6 – Formal Web Development
The difference between web design and development is design lays the foundation while development installs all the plumbing, electricity, and details needed for a website to function. Different programming languages can be combined with extensions, plugins, themes, and more, ensuring that all functional parts of your website work accordingly.
Step 7 – Testing
All that is left to do now is test your website. You’ll likely be given a link to the live website and asked to review everything before going live. It is a good idea to ask a small group of volunteers, donors, clients, and staff to review your website. That way, you can ensure all invested parties have the sections and functionality they need.
Compatibility is also part of testing. Be sure to run your website through different-sized devices (phone, tablet, PC, laptop, TV, etc.) and brands. The final NFP website should be extremely mobile responsive and easy to navigate.
Final Thoughts
The various phases of web design and development for an NFP differ based on the organisation’s mission and goals. What we’ve provided here should give you more information so that when you hire a professional team like ours at Web 105, you know what you’re getting into from the start.
There may be a bit of work upfront, but once the site is ready to launch, you’ll have a fantastic digital asset to use for communication and growth. Ask the questions you need answers to, and don’t be afraid to get specific with your desires for your website. The right team will be happy to provide you with an engaging website that is perfect for growing and supporting your NFP’s mission.
FAQs
What is the best website platform for a nonprofit organisation?
It depends on your needs and how your site will be used. Some NFPs partner with well-known providers like GoDaddy or Bluehost. Others like themed sites through WordPress and Squarespace. The best thing you can do is hire a trusted design and development team, such as Web 105, to help guide you toward a suitable solution.
How much does a nonprofit website cost?
The pricing for an NFP website varies based on what pages, features, and technologies you want included. At Web 105, we often work with NDIS-funded organisations to determine a budget that is appropriate to their spending levels and desired online structure.
Is WordPress free for nonprofits?
WordPress does offer a free website option, but it will run its own ads on that website to offset costs. That arrangement could mean your school for the blind is running ads for adult medication or casino vacations that seem wildly not aligned with your messaging. It’s much better to have complete control of your website design and behaviour through a custom build.