Everyone wants their website to be memorable because visitors are more likely to return and to tell others about the site. There are several things you can do to create an outstanding website:
Quizzes and Polls
“What is the largest living mammal? Guess in our free quiz!” Getting people to click buttons and check boxes is an easy way to move them past your homepage.
E-newsletters
Make sure a subscription box for your e-newsletter is featured on every page on your website. Keep the request short, but make it sound like the newsletter offers exclusive and important information. The newsletter sign-ups will add email addresses to your database and may potentially increase your donors.
Tell-a-friend
Include a link that allows visitors to share your site or a particular campaign with friends.
E-cards
Allow visitors to send personalized e-cards to friends to promote your cause. E-cards work especially well around the holidays or for special campaigns.
Advocacy
Allow visitors to sign petitions and help your organization through other creative ways. Although donors usually do not contribute on their first visit to your site, causing them to take immediate action in some form will encourage future donations.
Message Boards
Enable an online message board so your supporters can discuss issues and help each other. However, make sure your message board has new and consistent postings.
Chat rooms
If you know that many people will be visiting your site at one time for a specific reason, then chat rooms may be a good idea. An even better idea is to set up an online chat event or webinar with an expert or an executive from your organization.
Members-only section
If your website contains unusual, valuable, or sensitive information, a members-only section may be needed. However, remember to consider factors like who will manage login and password tracking and if people will feel forced to sign up.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. The websites that remain creative and encourage interaction will continue to attract and keep visitors.
Information taken from: “Keep Your Visitors Involved and Coming Back.” Network for Good. <www.fundraising123.org>.
-- Ashley High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is a subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online