In this blog, learn how to craft your digital story, create an optimized website and discover strategies for attracting traffic to your site. Follow the path we outline in this article, and your online presence will be \u201cup and running\u201d shortly.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve discussed\u00a0key digital tools<\/a>\u00a0to support your charity operationally in our last blog. But one large aspect of a \u201cdigital transformation\u201d is the public-facing side \u2013 you want your charity’s digital story to be communicated in the most effective way possible to maximize potential supporters.<\/p>\n Keep reading to explore strategies on how to craft your digital presence effectively, as well as strategies for how to market your website and bring more eyeballs on it.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Inside this blog:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200d\u200d<\/p>\n CanadaHelps\u2019 began in 1999 when a university student named Aaron Pereira reached into his pocket to donate while attending a church service. As he dug around, Aaron realized he did not have any cash on hand, he wanted to donate electronically. Thus, the idea for a digital way to make donations was born.<\/p>\n That\u2019s our story, what\u2019s yours?\u00a0 Every organization begins with a good story.<\/p>\n In 2025, your online presence is your \u2018digital story\u2019. To build your compelling digital story, circle back to your charity’s mission, vision, and values. Expand on these core ideas. Your mission, vision, and values can be a framework to anchor and build your online identity.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n It starts with a good website<\/strong>. So, let\u2019s unpack how to make a\u00a0good site<\/em>. A charity\u2019s website acts as the \u2018storefront\u2019; it\u2019s the centrepiece, through which new traffic and long-time visitors see, walk through and browse the aisles of your \u201cstore\u201d.<\/p>\n Your website is your most important marketing tool\u2013it\u2019s where supporters gain an impression of who you are and what you do. Without a well-designed website, it is difficult, if not impossible, for you to build supporters and advance your purpose.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Designing a website requires empathy. Put yourself in the user\u2019s shoes, whether they\u2019re a first time viewer or a loyal supporter, and think about their journey. You want to create a hub for information on your purpose, initiatives and campaigns whilst avoiding information overload\u2013aim to foster a seamless user interface where visitors can take action in a few smooth clicks.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Digital navigation and accessibility benefit everyone, not just differently-abled people. Having a well-thought-out design is essential for general usability. Navigation and accessibility design principles help people find what they are looking for quickly and easily.<\/p>\n An accessible website means all web traffic can effectively navigate and interact with your content.<\/p>\n Embedding or linking your\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>CanadaHelps Donation Form<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on your website can help you with many of these optimizations.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Visuals illustrate your charity\u2019s story\u2013brand, impact and purpose. In the world of website building, visuals inspire\u2013they add vitality and bring your cause and the impact you have to life.\u00a0 Photos and videos are powerful tools for constructing your brand identity, and for fostering empathy from your audience.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s important to be thoughtful about the visuals you use. Consider the privacy and confidentiality of the people who are depicted and seek informed consent. Think holistically too, photos and visuals also have the power to stigmatize or reinforce stereotypes about the people or groups who access or depend on charitable services.<\/p>\n Content is the \u2018meat\u2019, the \u2018stuff\u2019 and the substance of your digital presence. Website content comprises components that work together to create an effective and engaging online presence that tells your story, adds depth and fills your website\u2019s nooks and crannies.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Calls-to-Action guide the user through the next stage of their website lifecycle. Have you ever visited a website but been a bit lost at what action they want you to take next? A good website CTA effectively encourages users to take a desired action. Although you may want them to ultimately donate, you should also think about other secondary calls-to-action for people that are not ready to donate yet.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Now that your website is up and running, the next step in your digital journey is to begin marketing efforts.<\/strong>\u00a0If your website can be thought of as the storefront, marketing is how we bring people inside the store. Marketing strategies you typically fall into two buckets\u2013organic<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0paid<\/em>.<\/p>\n The objectives of website marketing is to:<\/strong><\/p>\n A comprehensive digital presence aims to strike a balance between organic and paid tactics. Let\u2019s explore some of the most effective organic and paid digital marketing techniques.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Organic marketing strategies build visibility and acquire customers naturally, through non-paid methods. When starting out, most of your marketing efforts should focus on\u00a0organic\u00a0<\/em>methods to reduce costs, establish longevity and build sustainable relationships.<\/p>\n
\nCreate Your Website<\/a>
\nDrive Traffic to Your Website<\/a>
\nNext Steps<\/a><\/div>\nCraft Your Digital Story<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nCreate Your Charity’s Website<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Pillars of a Strong Website<\/h3>\n
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1. Navigation and Accessibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Some of the most important navigation and accessibility components of your website are:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/a>\u200d<\/strong><\/p>\n2. Visuals<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Visuals include the following elements:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.canadahelps.org\/media\/nyws-homepage.png\")
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\u200d3. Content\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Content includes:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Engaging, high-quality website content should follow these principles:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\u200d4. Calls-to-Action<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Example call-to-action:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Principles for crafting a compelling CTA:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Drive Traffic to Your Website<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Organic Marketing<\/h3>\n
Here are some examples of effective organic marketing techniques:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.canadahelps.org\/media\/fred-victor.png\")
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