5 Website Design Mistakes Nonprofits Should Avoid in 2025

Now more than ever, your nonprofit website is often the first point of contact for supporters, donors and volunteers. A well-designed website can build trust, engage supporters and encourage action. However, certain design mistakes can undermine your efforts and leave visitors frustrated. Avoid these five common website design mistakes to ensure an effective and impactful online presence for your nonprofit.

1. Starting Without a Strategy

Diving into website design without a clear strategy can result in a site that fails to meet your nonprofit's goals or address your audience's needs. Poor planning can lead to wasted resources and a confusing user experience.

How to avoid this:

• Define your website’s primary objectives, such as increasing donations, recruiting new members or educating the public.
• Identify your audience(s) of focus and understand their needs and preferences.
• Develop a content strategy and outline the key features and functionalities your site requires.
• Consult with stakeholders and gather feedback before starting the design process.

Taking the time to plan strategically ensures that your website aligns with your organization’s goals and effectively serves its purpose.

2. Ignoring Website Accessibility

Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a way to expand your reach and engagement. A website that is not accessible can exclude potential supporters and damage your organization’s reputation.

How to avoid this:

• Use alt text for all images to assist screen readers.
• Ensure your website’s color scheme has sufficient contrast for readability.
• Include keyboard navigation options and make sure interactive elements are accessible.
• Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for comprehensive compliance.

Making accessibility a priority helps ensure that everyone — regardless of ability — can engage with your mission and take action.

3. Neglecting Mobile Optimization

As mobile devices account for over half of all web traffic globally, having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional. A site that is not optimized for mobile use can frustrate visitors and cause them to leave without engaging.

How to avoid this:

• Use responsive design to ensure your website adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.
• Test your site’s functionality on various devices to identify and fix usability issues.
• Simplify navigation for smaller screens, using hamburger menus or touch-friendly buttons.

A mobile-optimized website ensures you’re reaching your audience effectively, regardless of how they access your site.

4. Lack of Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)

A nonprofit website should inspire visitors to take specific actions, whether they donate, request more information, attend events or volunteer. Without clear and compelling CTAs, visitors may leave without engaging further.

How to avoid this:

• Place CTAs prominently on the homepage and also in strategic locations like success stories and blog posts.
• Use action-oriented language, such as “Donate Now,” “Join Us” or “Get Involved.”
• Limit the number of CTAs per page to avoid overwhelming visitors.

Well-placed and compelling CTAs can significantly improve conversion rates and help achieve your goals.

5. Failing to Tell a Compelling Story

A great nonprofit website doesn’t just provide information; it tells a story that resonates with visitors and inspires them to take action. Without compelling storytelling, your mission may seem impersonal or uninspiring.

How to avoid this:

• Use high-quality images, videos, and testimonials to bring your mission to life.
• Share success stories that demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Add storytelling techniques to your “about” pages that connect with visitors emotionally.

Storytelling humanizes your nonprofit and helps visitors understand why your mission matters, motivating them to get involved, reach out and provide support.

Bonus Tip: Don't Neglect your Donation Page

Your donation page presents an opportunity to build trust and convert visitors into lifelong supporters. Don't waste this critical moment. Ensure your donation page goes above the basics with features that will help engage potential supporters:

• Simple. Ensure a minimal number of steps are required to complete the process
• Convenient. Provide multiple payment options, including credit cards, PayPal and other digital wallets.
• Mobile-Friendly. Ensure the page loads quickly and is mobile-friendly.
• Trustworthy. Retain trust by integrating the donation form with the look and feel of the rest of your website.
• Inspiring. Include suggested donation amounts and explain how each contribution will make a difference.

A well-designed donation page can significantly increase conversion rates and encourage repeat donations, helping your nonprofit achieve its goals.

Your nonprofit’s website is a critical tool for reaching and engaging supporters. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your website effectively communicates your mission, engages leads, and drives support. Regularly reviewing and updating your site to align with current best practices will ensure it continues to support your goals and make a lasting impact.

The preceding post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO.