Question

Topic: Website Critique

Enhancing Current Website, Suggestions?

Posted by Anonymous on 3/26/2009 at 8:55 AM ET 250 Points
Hello,

I volunteer for a non-profit organization, Tomorrow's Hope, and we are looking to enhance the current website. The design work is outdated and there has been a lack of maintenance to the site. Can anyone provide feedback on: first impression, layout, structure/tabs, graphics, content? Also, is there any suggestions that you see as an immediate benefit to the website.

Our main goal of this project is to gain more awareness to our website. Here are some focus points that we are looking to incorporate: increased information, event updates, easier donating method, news, and volunteer correspondence.

The website: www.tomorrowshope.org

Thanks,
Matt
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 3/26/2009 at 9:34 AM Accepted
    My first impression is that I don't know exactly your target audience. Southern Wisconsin, yes. But what does "life-limiting illness" mean specifically? A list of some of the more "popular" illnesses will have a double benefit: 1) it'll make it easy for people to "get" what you're saying and 2) it'll make you rank higher in the web searches (since people probably aren't searching for "southern wisconsin life-limiting illnesses".

    I'd get rid of the double menu (tabs on top and menus on left side). A single structure will do.

    Also: the event that's shown is past. Either change the text to show it was a recent event or remove it from the home page.
  • Posted on 3/26/2009 at 2:30 PM Accepted
    Hard to tell who your target is, or what you do for them. Help with insurance? Home care? Paperwork? Or fundraising events only? Your mission statement is very fuzzy, I can't tell what it means.

    If you have events, add photos or commentary about them. Show all the fun people had, and how much money you raised (if that was the goal).

    Share stories about the people who you've helped (and how). "Beth Jones of Racine, WI was struggling with both her MS and a mountain of insurance paperwork three feet high. We helped her find an insurance advocate who cut through all the paperwork in three days, and got Beth the help she needed..."


    Jodi
  • Posted by Tracey on 3/26/2009 at 9:56 PM Accepted
    Hi Matt,
    Here are my suggestions:

    Definitely get rid of the double-navigation; I was confused.

    Put your mission statement in plain language on the home page, along with a photo that illustrates the mission statement.

    Use only a couple of font sizes/treatments throughout the site. You may have one header text, sub-head text, and copy text... you probably don't need anything else.

    Put a call to action on the homepage. What do you want the visitor to do upon visiting your site? Why would they want to do what you ask?

    Describe what your organization does in very specific, plain language. For example, what does it mean that you "support programs"? Do you fund them, supply volunteers, advocate, etc?

    Include case studies -- personal stories of people who have been positively impacted by your organization.

    Hope that helps - good luck!
  • Posted by Tracey on 3/30/2009 at 12:32 PM Member
    Hi Matt,
    I would suggest doing a thorough analysis of how much resources it would take to add the log-in, before you jump into it. It's a great idea, but only if you can keep it fresh. Best to start it only when you know you can support it.
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