What is the best website builder for a nonprofit organization?
As a designer, I’m a firm believer in the flexibility and support that Squarespace offers as a tool for building and managing a nonprofit website. Over the years, I’ve built many sites for churches, nonprofits, and other organizations, and I get the same questions from potential clients each time:
Can Squarespace handle the needs of our nonprofit?
Won’t it be too difficult for our staff to learn how to manage the website?
Will we have to hire you for every little update we want to make?
Good news! The vast majority of the time, Squarespace is a terrific option for your nonprofit, charitable organization or community group. Let’s chat more about why:
Why Squarespace is great for nonprofits and foundation websites
Your organization doesn’t get locked into an expensive web developer contract
One of the top reasons I suggest Squarespace is that your site is no longer held hostage by one person who charges every time an update is needed, or worse, every month, even if you didn’t make an update. A huge part of the ethos of my business is getting you back into the driver’s seat with your website, so you can use it how it will best serve your cause. We spend time digging deep into what your vision and needs are so you have a website you’ll actually use. And the monthly fee for using Squarespace as a host and management tool? It’s under $20USD a month for most of my clients - a far cry from the hundreds many of my clients are used to paying.
Able to make updates easily as a staff or volunteer
I've built many sites on Squarespace, and had maybe 5-10 emails regarding confusion on how to fix something. And to be clear, most of my clients ask me beforehand, “Are you sure I can handle this? I’m not that great with computers…” Turns out, after my live training session and with the accompanying workbook, they are that great with computers in the end.
Most of them are afraid because they’ve seen the backend of their old Wordpress site, and it still gives them nightmares. Let me be the first to tell you - there are NO plugins or security things to update! Now tell me that doesn’t make you do a happy dance. Squarespace handles all the nitty gritty, so you can focus on keeping your site content flowing.
Squarespace website builder Features for Nonprofits and community groups
Able to accept donations online
Simplify your donation opportunities by taking it online! Squarespace handles all the emails and invoices, organizing everything for you, and processing the payments. I’ve set up tithing for churches this way as well, which is a handy way to keep technology all under one roof.
Easy to use for Blogging
This is a great way to use your site and encourage readers to come back time and again. The intuitive blogging system is easy to pick up on, and even easier to maintain. Here’s a blog post walking through creating a blog post on Squarespace. Also, you can transfer blog posts from Wordpress to Squarespace, so you don’t miss a beat.
Integrate your Email Campaigns with Squarespace
After you write your blog post, keep your members up to date with the latest news with your email campaigns. It’s so easy to connect your GoogleSheets, MailChimp account, or even to build an extremely intuitive mailing list with automations with Squarespace Campaigns. Keep it easy, and keep your readers engaged!
Events Calendars to keep members up to date
A terrific feature to have on your site, an events calendar clearly displays that you’re engaged with the community and making things happen. Use your calendar to show the variety you offer and how you’re meeting real needs.
Accept Forms Online
This can be really useful for accepting applications, forms, and even simple registrations. Link the data to a GoogleSheet and simplify your life from a million emails.
Simple to set up SEO for searching on Google
Squarespace makes getting found on Google fairly foolproof - following their SEO prompts and using your keywords leaves you knowing your site will be picked up by those who are already searching for it.
Awesome support articles, videos, and chat
Got a question on how to do something on the site? It’s honestly as simple as a quick Google search of what you’re trying to do, with the word ‘Squarespace’ attached to it. Really! Up will pop an article that details exactly what you need to do, step by step, and usually with a video to explain it visually too. Still got a question? I love Squarespace chat. They are professional and quick to find the answer you need, everytime, getting you back to work in no time.
How do I know if it works in our case?
I always ensure to tackle this within the initial client consultation, and 90% of the time, I do think it's the best option. I believe that a clean, modern, mobile-responsive site serves nonprofits well and saves money in the long term.
Here’s the biggest caveat: You need to thoroughly consider at the beginning of the project any crucial features you're hoping to have. Then, as a designer, I can ensure I can build a simple website that is easy to use for both your staff and your readers.
If you have very specific dreams and vision for anything you want your website to do (many designers refer to this as ‘functionality’), you must talk about this early. I always guide potential clients through the steps of considering what their site most needs, and how we can achieve that. Then there’s no surprises along the way of “Why can’t you make XYZ happen?”
The best way to learn more? Chat with a designer!
So, are you convinced? Or do you need more info? Get in touch with any additional questions you may have - I always offer free consultation calls so I can understand your nonprofit’s needs and what kind of site would serve you best.
