The rise of the Social Web in recent years has dramatically changed how your supporters consume and share your nonprofit’s blog content. Odds are, if your blog has not been redesigned in the last few years, then it’s time to consider a relaunch. Just a few years ago multiple-column blogs with numerous widgets and plug-ins ruled the design aesthetic of the day. Today, however, a much simpler design of two columns with more pictures and videos, larger text, and less widgets i.e., clutter and distractions, allow for an easier and more focused consumption of your nonprofit’s key messages and calls to action.
Also, when considering a relaunch of your blog, there are three must-haves to incorporate into the new design in order to maximize your nonprofit’s return on investment (ROI): 1) e-newsletter subscribe functionality; 2) a “Donate Now” button; and 3) social networking icons. Those additions seems obvious enough, but the vast majority of nonprofit blogs have maybe one of the three. A fourth must-have (if possible) is to add “Share“ functionality. That said, these must-haves are highlighted via red dots on the blogs listed below – all which are excellent examples of nonprofit blogs designed for the Social Web:
1. Oceana :: oceana.org/blog
2. The Nature Conservancy :: blog.nature.org
3. Mercy Corps :: mercycorps.org/blog
4. It Gets Better Project :: itgetsbetter.org/blog
5. Greenpeace :: greenpeace.org/blogs
6. Global Exchange :: globalexchange.org/blogs
7. Genocide Intervention Network :: genocideintervention.net/blog
8. Darkness to Light :: d2lightblog.com
9. charity: water :: charitywater.org/blog
10. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals :: aspca.org/blog
11. Amnesty International :: blog.amnestyusa.org
Related Links:
Webinar: How Nonprofits Can Successfully Launch and Maintain a Blog on WordPress
11 Nonprofit Websites Designed for the Social Web
