In today’s digital world, a well-designed website is no longer a luxury for charities - it’s a necessity. A strong online presence helps organisations connect with their community, promote their mission, and provide critical resources. But how can charities build an engaging and affordable website that achieves these goals?
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the process of creating an affordable, engaging website using my recent project with the Holme Lacy Village Hall as a case study.
If you’re a charity looking for practical insights and inspiration, you’re in the right place.
1. Understanding the Charity’s Mission and Audience
Every great website starts with a deep understanding of the organisation’s purpose and the people it serves. For Holme Lacy Village Hall, this meant:
Meeting the Team: I sat down with the trustees to discuss their goals and vision. Their mission was clear: to foster community engagement and make their space accessible for events and activities.
Defining the Audience: I worked with the trustees to identify the primary users of the website, including:
Local residents looking for a venue for events.
Community groups organising activities.
People looking for a wedding venue
Potential donors and sponsors interested in supporting the hall.
Setting Clear Goals: Together, we outlined specific objectives for the website:
Increase awareness of the venue and its facilities.
Provide detailed information about facilities and events.
Highlight the hall’s role as a community hub.
2. Planning and Strategy
Planning is where vision meets practicality. For Holme Lacy Village Hall, this phase included:
Content Strategy
Facilities Information: I made sure the site included detailed descriptions and high-quality images of the hall’s spaces. This is critical for helping potential users envision their events.
Community Calendar: Adding an event calendar kept the local community informed about upcoming activities.
Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Prominent CTAs like “Download Booking Form” and “Contact the Booking Clerk” were strategically placed to encourage user interaction.
Site Architecture
I focused on creating a simple, intuitive navigation structure:
Home Page: An overview of the hall’s mission and upcoming events.
Facilities Page: Detailed descriptions of available spaces.
What’s On Page: A dynamic calendar for community events.
Bookings Page: A downloadable booking form with clear instructions for submission via email to the booking clerk. I suggested implementing an online booking system to streamline the process, but the committee preferred this more straightforward approach for now. However, an online system could be added in the future if the committee opts for a more automated solution.
The Team Page: Profiles of trustees and volunteers to build trust.
3. Design and User Experience
Design is about more than aesthetics - it’s about functionality and inclusivity. Here’s how I approached the design for Holme Lacy Village Hall:
Responsive Design
With mobile devices accounting for a significant portion of web traffic, responsive design was a priority. The website is fully optimised for smartphones, tablets, and desktops, ensuring accessibility for all users.
Visual Appeal
Colour Palette: I used warm, welcoming colours to reflect the hall’s community spirit.
Imagery: High-resolution photos of the facilities and events create an inviting atmosphere.
Typography: Clean, legible fonts make the content easy to read.
Accessibility Considerations
To ensure inclusivity, I implemented:
Alt text for all images.
High-contrast colour combinations.
A consistent and logical tab order for users navigating via keyboard or assistive devices.
4. Development and Implementation
For charities, cost-effective solutions are essential. Here’s how I kept the project affordable without compromising quality:
Affordable Solutions
Platform Choice: I used WIX, a cost-effective website builder with flexibility for future updates.
Plugins and Features: Built-in tools and apps available on WIX added essential functionality, such as event calendars, without additional costs.
Key Features Integrated
Event Calendar: A user-friendly calendar on the “What’s On” page keeps the community informed.
Downloadable Booking Form: The “Bookings” page includes a simple form that users can download and email to the booking clerk. While an online booking system could simplify this process in the future, the current solution aligns with the committee’s preferences.
Team Introduction: The “The Team” page adds a personal touch, showcasing the people behind the charity.
5. Testing and Launch
Before launching, thorough testing is critical to ensure a smooth user experience. Here’s how I handled it:
Quality Assurance
Functionality Tests: Ensuring all links, forms, and features worked as intended.
Mobile Optimisation: Testing the website on various devices and screen sizes.
Performance Checks: Optimising page load times for a faster, smoother experience.
Client Feedback and Revisions
I worked closely with the team at Holme Lacy Village Hall to gather feedback and make final adjustments. Collaboration ensured the website met their expectations.
6. Post-Launch Support and Maintenance
A website isn’t a one-and-done project - it needs ongoing care to stay effective.
Holme Lacy Village Hall opted for a post-launch maintenance contract which included updates and maintenance to ensure the website remains secure and functional.
This includes:
Monitoring for potential issues.
Updating WIX features and apps.
Providing occasional support for new features or adjustments.
Updates to the event calendar.
Addition of new announcements.
Manage basic website content.
Conclusion
Building an affordable website for a charity is about more than cutting costs - it’s about maximising impact. By focusing on the organisation’s goals and audience, planning strategically, and leveraging cost-effective tools, you can create a website that drives engagement and fosters community connection.
The Holme Lacy Village Hall’s new website is a testament to this approach. Its engaging design and user-friendly functionality have already enhanced the charity’s ability to serve its community.
If you’re a charity or small business looking for an affordable, effective website, let’s connect. Together, we can build a digital presence that lasts.