5 signs you need a website redesign

Digital marketing matters. And we all know the internet isn’t going away anytime soon. So for nonprofit organizations, having an online presence allows you to connect and engage with potential and current constituents through a platform they can easily access anywhere, anytime.

After all, websites have become the most powerful online communication tool for nonprofit organizations and arguably the biggest advertisement for your online marketing efforts.

So how do you know when your website needs an update? Start by asking yourself these questions:

• Am I proud of my organization’s website?
• Does it accurately portray our culture, mission and values?
• Am I satisfied with the level of quality that it indicates about your organization’s services?

If you answer negatively to any of these questions, it may be time for a website redesign. Let us take a deep dive into the five signs that it’s time.

1. The website is not responsive.

First, if your organization’s website is not responsive, then it is definitely time to look into getting a new one. Responsive means the site is mobile-friendly, or it adjusts to whatever device it’s viewed on: desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Recently, Google updated its search engine to prioritize responsive websites on its search results pages. This means if your website is not responsive, and someone searches for a keyword related to your mission or cause, then your page is going to get pushed to the bottom of the list. So a responsive site is a necessity to keep up with changing technology and stay relevant to internet users who may be interested in learning about your organization.

2. The website is outdated.

If your nonprofit’s website was created before 2010, then it is probably time for a redesign. With technological advancements, Google algorithm changes and coding language updates being made regularly, there’s a chance your website may not even function properly.

No one wants their website to appear outdated. It makes the nonprofit look antiquated, uninformed and even unprofessional.

If potential constituents go to your website and have a negative experience, then they will be less likely to donate or want to get involved in the cause. Worse, nearly 90% will never come back. An outdated website is a surefire way to get visitors to run away as quickly as they came, so if you want your website visitors to actually stay, then your website should be current and inviting.

3. The website doesn’t match your brand.

Perhaps you recently updated your nonprofit’s brand identity or logo without updating your website to reflect it. If the website is immensely different from your nonprofit’s brand, it can create a confusing experience for constituents and make the organization look less professional.

While you do not want to redesign your website all the time, it should reflect where your organization is in its mission and principles. Update your design whenever necessary to match the current brand and voice you strive for.

4. The website loads slowly.

If you can take a walk around the block in the time it takes your website to load, then it might be time for a new design.

Website visitor statistics say you have less than three seconds to make a good first impression. Low loading rates frustrate and annoy visitors, making them more likely to bounce out of your site. Constituents will not connect well to your brand or mission when they sit waiting for it to load. A new redesign can help to boost your load times and make your site more engaging for future volunteers, donors and clients.

5. The website has a high bounce rate.

What’s a bounce rate? A bounce rate refers to website visitors who come to your site and leave quickly, rather than browsing and clicking through multiple pages. If your nonprofit has website analytics, you have access to your bounce rate. The goal is for your bounce rate to be as low as possible. If yours is obnoxiously high, it may be time to consider a new website. An engaging, interactive, interesting website is more likely to draw visitors in and invite them to stay awhile, making it more likely for them to connect with the cause and want to get involved. A clean, clear and current website design is the key to bringing in visitors and growing your cause. If your website falls into any of these categories, it may be time for an upgrade.

Interested in a website redesign to create a more engaging experience for your nonprofit organization? Angel Oak Creative has you covered. Our mission is to help you grow by providing nonprofits with stunning websites and a whole lot more.