Reasons why your NGO should have a website?
Whenever we hear about a foundation or trust, or even feeling a bit generous and desires to help the under privileged through a NGO, we straightaway Google Search about the company or try to check their Website first. But mostly, we either don’t get proper results or the websites have poor information which lead us to backstep because of lack of trust and authenticity. Whether you believe or not, digital relevance can make or break a game in this current world.
Most of the NGOs have committed their lives to solving the community’s problem far away from the donor and supporter groups and despite that there is a HUGE trust deficit to bridge. ON top of it, a faceless existence aggravates the situation. Everyone has a website these days. Everyone creates websites for different activities, but the aim is same for all. They want to reach out, they want to interact, and finally, they want to be successful. Although it takes much more than just a great website in order to successfully market one’s organization, a website, nonetheless plays a crucial role in the outreach and discovery today. The emphasis on why is important. It certainly does make one think what exactly the reasons behind this dependence on websites are.
Here are some points why you need a website if you are running an NGO organization:
1. Helps in Discovery
Communication is the key on which the lock of every organization turns. Transparent and effective communication is the only way to go when the need for networking arises. Proper communication is very easily facilitated by a website through a well- placed contact or email address, which is accessible 24×7 for both parties thus making it faster, efficient and a direct way to communicate and network.
Websites have become an imperative tool for communication. A website acts as portfolio and a platform where all kinds of stories can be put up which you know matters the most. Therefore, if you run an NGO, setting up a website would be the first step to attract the attention of people who sympathize with the cause. How else would they find you from any corner of the country if you don’t have a digital presence?
2. Increase in Contribution
The current market thrives on e-commerce. Rare times, that people actually go out and purchase grocery these days. So, it’s a high scope or aim to wish that people will take the pain to go to a bank and make a NEFT/RTGS and submit it to the said bank. The whole process is lumber-some. Many people, even though they like the cause and wants to help an organization, the lengthy processes like such, makes them take a step back.
With a website, you can introduce a payment gateway system. A website forms a direct, secure and even anonymous platform of privy individuals to contact an organization. A lot of people are wary of direct confrontation, especially in the age of anonymity and the website is a very convenient way for such people and also makes for a more hassle-free and speedy way to contact and contribute for causes and the organization by extension. Donations are key to a functioning NGO and your website can help you with that.
3. Online Legitimacy
A well designed website can help confer instant credibility with anyone. A good website has come to be indicative of the seriousness and dedication of an organization—all of which can be achieved in a very short period of time with the right kind of partners (all of them much more cost-effective now than ever before). This is one of the greatest advantages of the internet. Instant communication, instant networking and instant credibility upon building a successful community have one thing in common: instant effect. Manage to add in an .org in your domain name and establish legitimacy instantly.
Remember, your website is your testimonial of the mission your organization is working on. Virtual world is powerful and you must know the tools to play right for the greater good.
4. Creation of Community
The web comes together as a unique space for the voices of opinions, regardless (in most cases) of their effect. Although this may not always forbear well for individuals, it is quite a boon to any organization. Keeping track of oneself on one’s website may not only help keep the short-term and long-term goals of the organization in mind, it also lends to itself a sense of control—an autonomy in its actions and performance. Web masters controlling the website therefore have more than just control over the image of an organization.
Word of mouth is powerful. Just imagine, if thousands give their words and discuss about your organization and its great deeds all the time, what kind of an impact will it create around a community?
