The average Internet user today is barraged with a constant stream of messages in the form of tweets, status updates, shouts, bulletins, e-mail, and “Breaking News!” Social media is not only changing how we communicate online, but it’s also changing how our brains process information. That said, nonprofits would be wise to consider the effect of the Social Web when launching or re-designing their websites. The website design principles of just five years ago no longer apply. Today, a well-designed website should have less text, more images and videos, extremely simple navigation, and obvious placement of “Donate Now” buttons, e-newsletter “Subscribe” functionality, and social networking icons. In essence, your website design needs to go out of its way to not overwhelm your visitors while at the same time help them focus their attention instantaneously on your nonprofit’s key messages and calls to action. Here are 11 excellent examples from the nonprofit sector:
1. Not For Sale Campaign :: www.notforsalecampaign.org
2. Institute of Noetic Sciences :: www.noetic.org
3. The Nature Conservancy :: www.nature.org
4. National Peace Corps Association :: www.peacecorpsconnect.org
5. International Development Exchange :: www.idex.org
6. Humane Society International :: www.hsi.org
7. Human Rights Watch :: www.hrw.org
8. Heal the Bay :: www.healthebay.org
9. Defenders of Wildlife :: www.defenders.org
10. Conservation International :: www.conservation.org
11. The Case Foundation :: www.casefoundation.org
Related Links:
Social Media and Mobile Technology Webinars for Nonprofits
Social Media for Social Good: A How-To Guide for Nonprofits
