CharityWorks Blog from Heather

You may think that the update of your website is a cost you can’t afford, yet I can tell you that it’s an investment you must make.

What would it tell the public if they came into your reception area and found an old and tatty reception desk, an IBM golfball typewriter and a receptionist who didn’t know how the organisation worked and who did what job.

In the virtual world, our website fulfils the same role. It’s our reception desk and it should reflect the vibrant, caring values of the organisation it represents. It should be easy to navigate and able to answer the same questions that would be asked of a real receptionist. It will change from time to time just like a real place with fresh flowers on the desk, a few sweets and magazines to read while you’re passing through.

Compared to our reception desk however, we expect an efficiency from our website that we may not expect from our receptionist. Our website should tell (at the very least) the introductory story, our history, our current concerns and how we are fixing them. It should call the reader to action. Join our campaign, donate to our cause, become a supporter!

Like our reception desk of days gone by, our website may be the first communication point with all sorts of vital supporters. It could be seen by government agencies deciding whether to contract you to deliver services. It will be the first port of call for employees deciding whether to give you a payroll donation. It will be seen by lawyers writing up the details of someone’s bequest. It will be seen by potential members deciding whether to join and it will definitely be seen by the newsmedia deciding whether to follow up on your recent media release. And when you are trying to find a new employee, be sure that they will make judgements about working for you, based on the impact of your website.

So if you find yourself having to justify the investment in a communication strategy which includes your website just remember what you have to lose!

Heather