#NPMC chat – January 29, 2015

Hello and welcome to #NPMC chat! Our topic today: making your nonprofit website a priority  http://ow.ly/I6vEA 

Let’s start with introductions. Please tell us a little about you,even if you think you’re going to be quiet during the chat! #NPMC

Already see @mayawalk along with @silverbell and @daveharts who can answer our website questions! #NPMC

My name is Yesenia. I build websites for nonprofits. I live in Chicago and I've carbo-loaded just for this chat. #NPMC

I’m Marlene Oliveira, of Nonprofit MarCommunity and #NPMC chat. Also copywriter & communications consultant to nonprofits at moflow. #NPMC

Hi all. I'm a content strategist and data analyst at @wiredimpact. Excited to be talking about nonprofit websites today #NPMC

Hi #npmc - I am passionate about community building & cancer.

Oops. #NPMC hashtag was gone. I'm Mike Mella. I build websites for nonprofits!

Hello @btrfly12 and @mikemella - another web pro to help us! #NPMC

#NPMC I manage social media for a small national not for profit/literacy advocate @abclifeliteracy ...happy to join in today's chat!

@silverbell I can already see in addition to expertise, you'll be adding humour. :) #NPMC

Tweet volume about to spike. Heading (late) into #NPMC chat on: Making your nonprofit website a priority  http://ow.ly/I6vEA 

@heatherisabel happy to see you! #NPMC

BeeTeeDubs, I'm loving this Twubs tool. Shiny... #NPMC

#npmc Hello from the DC area! I help nonprofits with communications, esp. human rights groups w/ multilingual Drupal websites.

My name is Richard and work primarily with #faithbased orgs & #notforprofit #NPMC

At least one more web pro here: @juliareich! #NPMC

@OPgrrl Hello and welcome! #NPMC

@OPgrrl You saying six minutes is late makes me like you even more. I love a considerate person! #NPMC

Hi, #NPMC - I'm RoiAnn. I manage communcations for @HealthConnctOne, a national nonprofit based in Chicago.

Okay, as the intros roll in, I'll start with Q1... #NPMC

Q1 What do you like about some of the best nonprofit websites you’ve seen? What are they achieving? #NPMC

For those new to #NPMC chat, we’re using Q/A format - we post questions using Q1, Q2, etc. You respond by using A1, A2, etc. Thx!

Hi! I'm Julia at Stone Soup Creative, brand strategist and graphic designer for nonprofits #NPMC

A1 Best sites seem to know their target audience and aim at meeting their needs. All decisions keep their users in mind #NPMC

A1 At their best - regardless of platform - they both share their story & also engage others to see theirs as connected to their work #NPMC

A1: I'm attracted to clarity. I appreciate nonprofits that keep their homepages tidy, quickly tell me *what they do* & *who they help* #NPMC

Heading into a tweet chat - Making Your Nonprofit Website a Priority. Join us! #NPMC

A1. I like a nonprofit website with bold colors, simple and concise text, easy navigation, prominent contact info... #NPMC

@juliareich hi Julia - welcome to this month's #NPMC :)

A1. Using imagery appropriately. For nonprofits, images are especially helpful for conveying emotion. #NPMC

A1 Just having a nice, clear site that I can tell is updated & cared for tells me a lot about the organization. Curb appeal. #npmc

MT @silverbell A1: clarity. I appreciate nonprofits that keep their homepages tidy, quickly tell me *what they do* & *who they help* #NPMC

@silverbell brevity is indeed helpful - as long as not sterile - make sense? #NPMC?

A1 Love to see a focus on a few key audiences, not just ppl who already know you. #npmc

Agreed! MT @silverbell: I like clarity & NPs that keep their homepages tidy, quickly tell me *what they do* & *who they help* #NPMC

MT @mayawalkca A1 At their best - they both share their story & also engage others to see theirs as connected to their work #NPMC

I love it & agree. My recent marathon of HGTV may be crossing over a bit... A1: MT @btrfly12 Curb appeal. #npmc

@btrfly12 A1 "Curb appeal." ...Love that. #npmc

A1 Also ensure that info is not static in nature - best site aesthetically falls down without new content in my experience #NPMC

@mayawalkca @silverbell Yep, clarity + images for emotion. #npmc

A1 good NP sites seem to know who's visiting - not just "everyone" or anybody #NPMC

A1. Nonprofits to talk about the people they help instead of just the fact that they help them. #NPMC

@margaux_om I'm so glad you brought up images! I much prefer an authentic, casual image than a glossy stock one, any day. #NPMC

Great point @juliareich. Too often we hear folks wanting to be all things to all people. Important to focus it down #NPMC

Agree w/ @mayawalkca, fresh content is critical. Hardest, but funnest, part! #NPMC

I’m hearing best nonprofit sites focus on clarity: in terms of audience, needs, design, story. Also current content. #NPMC

A1 impact is certainly a buzz in the donor world. make your impact - vs. just activities - easily show. #npmc

@juliareich Right! The best NP sites aren’t just “building awareness” ;) #NPMC

And what about the second half of my question? Q1b What are the best nonprofit websites *achieving*? #NPMC

@davharts @juliareich great point - shine at you do best, not what others already do! #NPMC

MT @mo_flow Q1b What are the best nonprofit websites *achieving*? #NPMC

A1 sometimes key educational messages can get lost or be hard to find - remember what is most imp for someone new to your org #npmc

A1: Regarding Q1b, should be their single most prioritized outcome. #NPMC

Q1b Achieving - interesting word. Qualititative metrics always problematic. Awareness and engagement great achievement. How to gauge? #NPMC

A1b: Achievement for a nonprofit site starts w engagement. Sometimes email address, sometimes $$. Or could be unique to that org. #NPMC

A1 many "doors" into your nonprofit and website is a key one. is the experience through each entry consistent w/ org voice? #npmc

A1b Best NP sites are achieving... a *fun* (or at least enjoyable) and informative experience for visitors #NPMC

A1b Cont: Email list subscribers, donations, petition sign, membership registration, … #NPMC

@SethGiammanco Nice! Some examples? #NPMC

@mayawalkca the answers to your question are rolling in. :) #NPMC

MT @silverbell A1b: Achievement for a nonprofit site starts w engagement. Sometimes email address, $$. Or could be unique to that org. #NPMC

A1b. Strong nonprofit websites achieve - I hope - supporters: donors, volunteers, program participants, advocates #NPMC

A1b Best nonprofit sites are aimed at achieving goals central to their larger organizational goals #NPMC

A1b Marketing goals should never exist in a vacuum. They should be grounded in org. goals #NPMC

 https://www.malarianomore.org/po1/  for donations is an example #NPMC

A1b. Their website should make you think "this is a great nonprofit" not "this is a great website of a nonprofit" #NPMC

@mo_flow @juliareich love, love, love naming #fun & I'd add #play! #NPMC

@mikemella this made me chuckle. too close to real life. ;) #NPMC

@silverbell ;) #NPMC

 http://nysmap.org/  a microsite example with survey for constituent service eligibility #NPMC

Nice! MT @mikemella: NP website should make you think "this is a great #nonprofit," not "this is a great website of a nonprofit" #NPMC

So best sites support engagement & achievement of core org goals. Could incl email list building, donations, recruitment of supporters…#NPMC

Q2 What might be different for your org/community if your website had all of the right elements in place? #NPMC

@mo_flow also harnessing/utilising #socialmedia with each of those #NPMC

@SethGiammanco great example! #NPMC

@mo_flow Yes, b/c list building, donations, recruitment, etc. are usually steps along the path of engagement, furthering mission. #NPMC

A2: What a dreamy question... More unrestricted donations, More influence with elected officials, Larger base of volunteers. #NPMC

A little late to the party today, sorry about that! I'm Seneca from Seattle Chamber Music Society, glad to join the chat. #NPMC

@silverbell gotta dream BIG! :) #NPMC

@mo_flow We're moving from a topic based outline- program based w focus on outcomes + change: a solutions focused approach to literacy #NPMC

@SeattleSeneca Always happy to see you. #NPMC

Q2 not sure if all ever in place - per se. Aligning the org to support the online presence more important for engagement over style #NPMC

@mo_flow yup! and i totally just screengrabbed that and squirreled it away in my inspiration folder. #NPMC

MT @silverbell A2:dreamy question... More unrestricted donations, More influence with elected officials, Larger base of volunteers. #NPMC

@SeattleSeneca welcome to this month's #NPMC :)

A2. Yes, a website with all the right elements in place can amplify all of your organization's positive results. #NPMC

@heatherisabel tell us more? #NPMC

A2 my background is in volunteer management... I think sites could improve showing easy & longer-term ways to get involved #npmc

A2: somehow create a more experiential visit. help people "feel" what the mission is, not just look at a picture. #NPMC

A2 do #nonprofit #websites ever have everything in place, LOL? They are always in a state of improvement, re-design #NPMC

<3 amplify! MT @mikemella: A site w/ all the right elements in place can amplify all of your #nonprofit's positive results. #NPMC

@btrfly12 Fantastic example. What are some ideas you'd implement to showcase those volunteer opportunities? #NPMC

@btrfly12 can you say more what that might look like? #NPMC

@juliareich @mayawalk - let's say everything on 2015 wish list in place? :) #NPMC

@juliareich True. Websites are gardens, not buildings. They're never done! #NPMC

Excellent dreamy answer. MT @SeattleSeneca A2: create a more experiential visit. help people "feel" what the mission is #NPMC

A2: A yeah to @silverbell. So something diff, a well designed, strong content website is a critical backup to in person outreach. #NPMC

MT @btrfly12 A2 I think sites could improve showing easy &amp; longer-term ways to get involved #npmc

#NPMC A2: Moving from a traditional to a dynamic web template will help to engage our audiences and focus more on programs...

@juliareich I love this - make me think of an organic metaphor as opposed to institutional #NPMC

@mikemella @juliareich I think you may have changed my life with that perspective. #NPMC

#NPMC A2 con't: Rather than tradition vision/mission/contact pages. Will help to engage audiences and encourage more time spent on website.

@SethGiammanco I totally agree that a website often serves as backup to in-person outreach. It's just a tool, not a cure-all. #NPMC

@OPgrrl LOL! #NPMC

#NPMC A2 con't: As a nfp website = our biggest communications tool: must leverage this tool to highlight successes through dynamic interface

A2 volunteer stories w/ call to action good. Have centralized ALL the ways to interact - not click down into this or that program info #npmc

MT @heatherisabel #NPMC A2 con't: vs tradition vision/mission/contact pages. Will help engage audiences & encourage more time spent on site.

@btrfly12 Isn't it wild when the org's silos dictate how information is presented on the website? you make a great point. #NPMC

@heatherisabel how does a #socialmedia strategy fit for you? #NPMC?

A2: Agree sites are “alive” & must evolve, but also the CMS & content structure should allow for rich stories to be told day 1 - 365 #NPMC

@heatherisabel Define 'dynamic' interface? (wish list) #NPMC

@heatherisabel Can you say what you mean by dynamic interface? #NPMC

@mayawalkca #NPMC 1/2 social media is HUGE! It's integrated into ever aspect of our comms strategy, with links from the website...

@btrfly12 I like that! Website get way too complex. Have the info you need front and center, not buried. #NPMC

@mayawalkca #NPMC 2/2 ...where users can directly share website content on personal social media channels + follow hashtags for ad campaigns

A2 some people are toe-dippers, some ready to dive all-in. If volunteer application the only volunteer web content, really missing out #npmc

@silverbell @btrfly12 Right on, focused priorities and content so hard .. but seeing some sm/m orgs we work with coming around to it #NPMC

MT @SethGiammanco A2: Agree sites must evolve, but the CMS &content structure should allow rich stories to be told day 1-365 #NPMC

@heatherisabel do you use #twitter only for hashtags or #facebook & #google+ too? #NPMC

@SeattleSeneca @btrfly12 But what if different audiences need different info? How do you not bury some of it? #NPMC

A2 I think about engagement levels and meeting the end-user where they are at. Find all the touchpoints to highlight. #npmc

@juliareich @OPgrrl "dynamic interface" = responsive... the website will adapt to different platforms (tablet, mobile) automatically #NPMC

@juliareich @OPgrrl #NPMC this means the web content will automatically readjust layout + colours + template for optimum user experience

pretty annoying now when sites don't make it easy for me to share pages & where I have to draft own post... #npmc

@OPgrrl depending on how different audiences are, you can segment your communications & encourage them to enter via different pages #NPMC

@btrfly12 Agreed. Can't assume that they've already decided 'yes' just because they're on your website. #NPMC

@mayawalkca #NPMC Twitter mostly, but also on Facebook for B2B social media comms with partner organizations - we don't use google+

@OPgrrl @btrfly12 True, and as soon as you make it for 'everyone' it really works for no one. #NPMC

@heatherisabel @juliareich @OPgrrl yes a responsive template - regardless of platform ie #wordpress is essential! #NPMC

Q3. Understanding that every org will be different, what needs to be in place for an ‘optimal’ web experience? #NPMC

@heatherisabel @juliareich ahhhh - I understand now. Thank you. Also love the idea of making social media interactions seamless! #NPMC

It will always be struggle to balance audiences - but clearly stating your own key targets helps guide and shape site map #npmc

@heatherisabel @juliareich @OPgrrl Responsive Web Design #rwd is critical, a must in my opinion. It’s truly an accessibility issue. #NPMC

@mayawalkca Other good places to use hashtags (if appropriate for your org/cause) are Instagram and Tumblr #NPMC

@heatherisabel makes sense - thx for sharing! #NPMC

Already hearing some A3s in the form of strong CMS, responsive design, social sharing made easy... #NPMC

A3 mobile-friendly! an old site sometimes does better than a new but not mobile optimized - imho #npmc

A3: Wishlist for optimal website experience: clear copy, authentic story-telling & an easy way to take first step towards engagement. #NPMC

A3 what @heatherisabel said - #nonprofitwebsite def. needs to be responsive #NPMC

A3. A Web development budget! #NPMC

A3 solid host, needed back-of-house security, clear presentation without too much bling & keeping #mission central to traffic #NPMC

Hi, just joining briefly - I'm Kathy from Devices for Dignity. #NPMC

#NPMC A3 1/2: Integrated social media sharing, responsive template and overall "light" look and feel.

A3 we should clarify terms, mobile-friendly not same as mobile-opt / responsive... #NPMC

A3. And organizational understanding that a website can be so much more than a marketing tool. #NPMC

#NPMC A3 2/2: Websites should be designed with user in mind, content should be easy to access - don't crowd webpages with information

@juliareich care to elaborate for us? #NPMC

A3 optimal site - as develop, keep coming back to mission & org goals. Don't let the marketing/development lens be the only lens #npmc

@mikemella true dat! #NPMC

A3 Intuitive nav, strong calls to action, simple to use, strong user experience. The best sites make all desired actions easy #NPMC

@kjeaysward hello! #NPMC

@kjeaysward welcome to this month's #NPMC :)

A2 - more patients wanting to interact with our projects! It's pretty hard to effectively engage. #NPMC

Is it Mobile-Friendly or Mobile-Optimized?  http://www.nten.org/articles/2014/is-it-mobile-friendly-or-mobile-optimized … #NPMC

A3. Web development budget, and also willingness to keep investing in it over time. Again, *garden* not *building.* #NPMC

@juliareich helpful - thanks! #NPMC

Q3b How do we build this understanding?>MT @mikemella An organizational understanding that website can be more than a marketing tool. #NPMC

@kjeaysward what r key challenges for your org in engaging? #npmc

Q3b (reworded) What do internal players need to and *believe* and *value* for websites to be a priority? #NPMC

re A3b... still cringe when EDs and boards don't understand why website important. #npmc

Q3b one gauge I find very effective is to share the stories/engagement that usually occurs through connected #socialmedia strategy #NPMC

@btrfly12 Yikes! #NPMC

A3b ED, Dev Dir, Comm Dir all need to be in agreement about site's value as imp comm tool #NPMC

A3b. Have respect for the reach that a website can provide, especially considering the low cost. #NPMC

@btrfly12 I currently have connexions that last longer and more life-giving to org through 1st meeting digitally than otherwise! #NPMC

A3b: That their audience is everywhere and they need to be able to deliver their stories/experiences to meet them #NPMC

Q3b: One stat I love & always perks up Executive Director's ears: "Over half of donors check your website before they make a donation" #NPMC

A3b. Staff needs to see how website supports (and improves) their work on the ground. #NPMC

Right on, a foundation/hub for comm MT @mikemella: A3b. Have respect for the reach that a website can provide... #NPMC

A3b Tying site goals to org. goals can go a huge way in turning website from an expense into an investment #NPMC

#NPMC A3b website = best mar/com tool. In order to increase program participation and general cause awareness a strong web presence is key!

MT @silverbell Q3b: "Over half of donors check your website before they make a donation" #NPMC

@mayawalkca being aware and storing up those stories and examples important #NPMC

@mikemella @silverbell is their a source you can please share for this powerful insight? #NPMC?

A3b #npmc With outreach via social media website needs to be view as central content hub for all content available online 1/2

So int players need to value engagement that is possible, the cost efficiency & reach as M&C tool, the alignment it offer w/org goals…#NPMC

@btrfly12 Yes, that's exactly it-working with patients,people with #LTC,engineers, designers, clinicians, business people, academics! #npmc

Q3b web strategy - who ur trying to reach, what u'd like site to do, what u want to say, why u even have a site to begin w/! #NPMC

@btrfly12 absolutely - using them intentionally - with permission - through tools such as blog have proven helpful for me #NPMC

A3b #npmc Most people will not arrive at website through homepage yet we spend 50% of dev time with details on front page 2/2

Q4. What steps can we take to walk the talk of these values in our day to day work? #NPMC

A4: Participate in this chat? :-) #NPMC

A4: This monthly challenge to update our websites daily has been a great first step! #NPMC

Already hearing A4s in collecting engagement stories, measuring registrations, sign ups, content sharing... #NPMC

A3b Your NP’s website is the place where you have the most control over your message. In that sense, it’s a low-risk investment. #NPMC

@bph great observation and challenge! #NPMC

@SeattleSeneca It's like a workout for your website! :) #NPMC

A4 don't take ourselves too seriously, walk with others, don't feel we have to convince, & simply model the values with #integrity #NPMC

@mo_flow #NPMC A4 mar/com team should be involved in all programming discussions... must eliminate internal silos to general greater impact

A4 Huge step is using data to inform decision making. Can use numbers instead of hunches to determine actions #NPMC

Really can't believe our time is almost up... #NPMC

A4. Frequent/Recurring web content checks w/ these values in mind. Engagement reports to key staff and board stakeholders. #NPMC

MT @heatherisabel @mo_flow #NPMC A4 must eliminate internal silos to general greater impact

@juliareich thx for the Favs & engagement at #NPMC :)

Q5. Any key lessons from today's chat? What do you want to put into practice? #NPMC

A4 #NPMC Review landing pages metrics in Google Analytics

#NPMC A4 con't: we must remember to build a communications strategy into every element of our work, from the get-go!

@mo_flow always a good sign of time well spent at #NPMC #TweetChat

I had So. Much. Fun. chatting with y'all! Hope to see ya on Twitter again soon! (Have to run to a meeting now.) #NPMC

@davharts Yes! And non-marcomm people will be more comfortable investing $ if they can see data to support it. #npmc

So sad to say goodbye... Thank you everyone for a great chat! Chat archives will be posted soon at  http://ow.ly/qmZRO  #NPMC

@davharts Great point, the value of things like Google Analytics is huge. Actually making data driven choices is important. #NPMC

Please @ message me any time with topic ideas for future #NPMC chats!

#NPMC A4 Explore ways to show reach of posts around the web - great listening tool  http://brand24.net 

Save the date/time for next #NPMC Chat: Thursday, February 26 at 1 pm ET.

#NPMC Takeaway #1: Secure budget for mobile optimization!

A5 translate stories that occur through online presence & #socialmedia into content & real life stories 4 internal.external engagement #NPMC

Thanks, all! Good times. #NPMC

A4: 1) Document 2-3 site outcomes 2) Set & monitor metric for them 3) use content/exp to influence - take risks w/ 3, learn, evolve #NPMC

#NPMC This been fun! Great to meet everyone!

@silverbell thx - enjoyed learning & sharing with you too! #NPMC

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to catching up again soon #NPMC

Thanks everyone, was fun. Some great nuggets shared. #NPMC

@mo_flow thx again - great use of time as usual! #NPMC

Thanks…missed most of the chat, so will check out the transcript. #NPMC

Great #NPMC chat - as always - thank you, @mo_flow and everyone!

A5 reminded re: need to cultivate those internal audiences on website value and what it can do as a tool #npmc

You are all most welcome. Thanks for chatting! #NPMC

@SethGiammanco @mindsondesign @juliareich thx for the follows, great to meet you at #NPMC & look forward to sharing & learning together!