Having been involved in a number of different non-profit organisations, as well as being a non-profit dog breeder and exhibitor since 1986, I fully understand how many organisations and hobbyists can struggle to raise awareness about their causes and interests.
Having a website provides a platform to showcase your mission, activities and accomplishments to a broader audience. It allows you to reach potential supporters, volunteers, or members who may not have otherwise been aware of your existence. It can further expand your reach beyond its immediate community and allow people from anywhere in the world to discover your organisation, learn about your work, and potentially get involved or support your cause. A website can be a centralised hub where you can share important information, news and updates in real-time, and a convenient and accessible way for supporters to stay informed and engage with your activities.
One of the biggest problems for most non-profit organisations and individuals, is lack of finances. A website can offer various fundraising opportunities, such as accepting online donations, selling merchandise, and offering membership subscriptions. An additional bonus is that I wish to help you by providing free services, and all you have to pay for is the cost of hosting.
I know how hard building a strong community around your cause or hobby can be without a centralised platform for interaction and engagement. With features like forums, blogs, and social media integration, a website can foster community-building and engagement among supporters or fellow enthusiasts. It provides a space for sharing ideas, experiences, and resources, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Some non-profits and hobbyists may struggle to establish themselves as credible and professional entities, especially without a professional online presence. A well-designed website conveys professionalism and credibility, instilling trust and confidence in potential supporters, partners, or customers. It showcases your work, achievements, and impact in a visually appealing and organised manner, enhancing your reputation within their community or industry.
But why not just have a Facebook group?
While Facebook Groups can be a valuable tool for communication and community building, there are several reasons why a website might be better suited for a non-profit club:
- Control and Ownership: With a website, you have full control and ownership over the content and design. This means you can tailor the website to your specific needs, branding, and messaging without being constrained by the limitations of a social media platform.
- Customisation: A website allows for greater customisation in terms of design, layout, and functionality. You can create a unique online experience that reflects their identity and effectively communicates your mission and activities.
- Branding: A website provides a dedicated space for your branding, logo, and visual identity. This helps reinforce the your brand and distinguish it from other organisations and individuals, whereas content on Facebook Groups and Pages can sometimes feel more generic or blended with other content on the platform.
- Information Organisation: Websites offer more flexibility in organising and presenting information compared to Facebook Groups. You can create dedicated pages or sections for different aspects of your work, making it easier for visitors to find relevant information without scrolling through a social media feed or having it completely disappear.
- Search Engine Visibility: Websites are more easily discoverable through search engines like Google, which can help you reach a wider audience. People searching for information related to your mission or activities are more likely to find your website than a Facebook Group.
- Longevity: A website provides a more permanent and stable online presence compared to social media platforms, which can change or become obsolete over time. You can invest in building your website as a long-term asset that will continue to serve your needs for years to come.
- Professionalism: Having a dedicated website conveys professionalism and credibility to stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and partners. It demonstrates that you are serious about your mission and operations, which can help attract support and engagement.
- Data Ownership: You have more control over user data collected through your website compared to data collected on social media platforms. This can be important for privacy compliance and building relationships with supporters based on trust and transparency.
- Monetisation Opportunities: While Facebook Groups are limited in terms of monetisation options, websites offer more flexibility for fundraising and revenue generation. You can integrate donation forms, sell merchandise, or display ads on your website to support your activities.
- Integration with Other Tools: Websites can be easily integrated with other online tools and services, such as email marketing platforms, donation processing systems, event management software, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems. This integration can streamline operations and improve efficiency for you.
Overall, while Facebook Groups can be a valuable supplement to your online presence, having a dedicated website offers greater control, customisation, branding opportunities, and long-term sustainability.