This post is not about setting goals, resolutions, or "new year new you" advice - it's safe to keep reading! 

January comes with its own vibe. Everything feels fresh and new, and the potential of a new year is exciting. While many nonprofits are on a July - June fiscal year, many are also on a calendar year, giving even more meaning to a new start. 

Before the year begins to take off and the event calendar fills up again, make time for content and technical website updates. It may seem mundane and low on the priority list but remember that your website is your primary hub for your nonprofit digital marketing strategy. 

When the website is updated, all of your support digital marketing efforts can confidently direct people to your website for more information and to take action! 

Get out your calendar, schedule an hour or two, and prioritize these ten website updates. 

Website Content Updates

Refresh your core message

The core message is the best place to start making website content updates is the core message - does your website accurately depict who you are, what you do, and why it matters? If not, this is where you should spend the bulk of your digital marketing efforts.

This content is vital to ensuring your website visitors understand your mission, what you're working to accomplish, and how they can join you in the effort. You should also incorporate this message into all of your digital marketing materials, so once it's refined and updated on your website, ensure you're staying consistent on brochures, social media bios, and in your annual reports. 

Update team and board member lists

It can be easy to overlook, but outdated team member and board member listings hurt your credibility. Do a quick audit of your lists and double-check the details - email addresses, phone numbers, and titles. 

If you don't currently feature photos of your team, consider adding some fun shots to give your website personality and show a different side of your organization. Most people appreciate getting to know your staff and understanding who they are personally and professionally.

Add some fun facts about their favorites or plans for 2022 - with their permission and guidance, of course. 

Update your website photography

Website photos tend to get stale quickly, and even if you're making other updates like blogging regularly or keeping recent news mentions updated, the images can make it look out of date. Swap out your event photos, banner images, or even your stock photos. 

And ensure you optimize all of your images for the web and name them for accessibility. (More advice here on stock photography and optimizing photos for the web)

Update volunteer opportunities

A new year brings new opportunities for volunteers. Many people make resolutions to give more, be more charitable, and get involved in their communities. Leverage this timing by ensuring your volunteer listings are up-to-date and accurate. 

Does your website clearly communicate how volunteers should sign up or express interest? Are you making it easy for them to understand the role requirements? Can they fill out forms ahead of time to save on paperwork and processing time? 

Provide as much information as you can about what you expect, what you need, and who you're looking for to fill the particular need. And remember, board members, are volunteers, too. Keeping board member openings on your volunteer page is a great way to do continuous recruiting and build your board member pipeline. 

Ask for new testimonials

If it's been a while since you asked for current testimonials, the beginning of the year is a great time to refresh these and feature some new social proof. Make it easy on folks by adding a form to your website that they can fill out, offering a range of short and long-answer questions. 

If your form allows, ask them to upload a recent photo you can use, as well. Don't forget to include a checkbox for permission to use their words and ask whether they prefer to remain anonymous, be acknowledged by first name only, etc. 

Update policies

It's never fun and never at the top of the to-do list but keeping your nonprofit policies and procedures updated is not only smart but often required to continue your nonprofit status. So take time to review your privacy policy, safety procedures, and any terms and conditions and ensure those are accessible somewhere on your organization's website. 

It's also a good idea to keep a small, ad-hoc board committee to address any ongoing safety concerns, needed building renovations, or accessibility issues. In addition, these committees can help you work with vendors where needed - ADA-compliant vendors, specialty services like Shine On Anchors, or local contractors to address emerging concerns. 

Technical Website Updates

If you dread the content updates for your website, the technical ones are even less fun. However, these often unseen but essential updates are vital to your website's health and discoverability online.

Check your social media links

If your social media links or embedded feeds are on your website, test them out and ensure everything is working correctly. Platforms tend to make updates that sometimes disrupt the connections between the code and user, so a refresh is occasionally necessary.

(The Squarespace Instagram feed always gives my clients trouble, so this one often needs reconnecting.)

Change copyright date

It's a quick little task but important to protect your data and your rights - updating the copyright date in the footer of your website. This copyright notice offers protection against copyright infringement. This post on copyrights is helpful if you'd like to read more. 

Broken links checker

While you're in the update mode, head over to the free broken links checker and run a quick scan of your website. Broken links hinder the user experience, frustrate visitors, and damage your credibility. Plus, they send a message to Google that your site isn't updated. 

Run a quick scan and schedule 30 minutes to update the broken ones.

Test your online giving form

Last but not least, test your online giving form. Hopefully, you've already updated your online giving page, but giving your form a regular test is critical. Like social media platform codes change, the online giving embedded forms and links often need to be refreshed. 

Ask a friend to make a $10 donation and test the process from start to finish, including the confirmation page and any email receipts. The beginning of the year is great to add some new language (I told you that core message would be good to use in other places) and refresh your donor or client testimonials. 

Until next time,

Andrea

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