When it comes to a successful web site for a nonprofit, an NGO, a government agency, a school or other mission-based, cause-based initiative, content is king. When I say successful, I’m talking about a web site where the people that organization is targeting come to that site, and those people find what they are looking for: through experiencing the site, people have an understanding how this program can serve them or their community, know if the program is successful, can sign up to volunteer and can easily make a financial donation.

I’ve seen beautifully-designed web sites that meet all accessibility and usability standards that never say what the organization really does, what programs they offer, why I should care, if they involve volunteers, etc. The organization invested in design, but not content.

Lizzie Bruce has a wonderful blog, “Why Do You Need a Content Designer? The Words Just Appear, Right?” that says so much of what I’ve been trying to stay for years. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in trumpeting the need for focusing on content in developing a web site (or any other outreach tool, for that matter).

Also see:

• Web Site Construction & Content Suggestions for Nonprofits, NGOs and small government offices.
• The Information About & For Volunteers You Should Have on Your Web Site.
• Don’t Just Ask for Money!
• Nonprofits & NGOs: you MUST give people a way to donate online.
• Use Tech to Show Your Accountability and To Teach Others About the Nonprofit Sector!.
• If I can’t find what I’m looking for on your web site, who else can’t?.
• 14 simple things to do to your web site to attract more donors
  And I mean it – these are SIMPLE things.. 
• Too much text on the web? Bollocks.
• What should be on a political web site.
• Does your web site make people cry?.
• Taking control of your web site when you aren’t the web master.

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