Without traffic to your website, it will be difficult for your NFP to raise money. If donors don’t see what you have to offer, then they won’t realise that their donations will be helping themselves as much as others. People want to give to charities, particularly to those causes which resonate deep within. But unless you get your website directly in front of your potential donors you will not be able to convince them that your charity is worthwhile.

It can be a struggle, and with the regular updates and changes in SEO and social media marketing, it is hard to know whether what you are doing is right or wrong or whether you need to be doing it in the first place.

1. Update your keywords

Keep your focus on your keywords and don’t be afraid to go into more detail. Rather than use short keywords such as “charity” or “nonprofit”, be more specific about what kind of charity or nonprofit you run. People are seeking accuracy from their search engine results, and more specific keywords will help.

2. Create a Facebook group

Creating a Facebook group that will send traffic to your website is a great start. It can be a wonderful place where donors and volunteers can pose their questions. As you know, people love the support of a community so create a warm, friendly environment for education and discussion.

3. Send out regular newsletters

It is important that you send out regular newsletters which direct potential volunteers and donors back to your email. You can mention blog posts and other interesting tidbits that can help increase your overall website traffic.

4. Link back to other posts

When you write a blog post or even a guest blog post, try to link back to other relevant blog posts so readers will stay on your website for longer. This will not only benefit your SEO but increase your conversion rates and referrals.

5. Make use of images

Catch your readers’ attention by using images that will help you achieve your mission. Rather than opt for stock photos all the time, get someone to bring in a camera and take team photos which can be used for future blog posts. Your readers will be keen to see the faces behind the brand they support.

6. Contribute to other websites

Contributing to other websites such as Huffington Post will allow you to be seen as an expert in your field. You will open yourself up to a whole new audience, and through your byline, interested readers will follow your link back to your website.

7. Write more often

Writing more blog posts will increase your chances of being seen. If you are currently posting once a week, double or even triple it. Experiment and see how much more traffic visits your site when you pen more blog posts.

8. Add links to Facebook

If you think that Facebook is only full of pretty kitty images, then think again. It can be instrumental in directing people back to your page if you get into the habit of posting your links in your comments, on your photo descriptions and any other place you can think of.

9. Post on YouTube

If you don’t feel comfortable speaking in front of the camera, then get someone to do it on your behalf. Create a brand ambassador and publish regular videos on YouTube and drive viewers back to your NFP website.

10. Focus on value

When you set out to create your social network plan, aim for value of information first and foremost. If necessary, ask your readers what they want to see and stick with what works. Use your time wisely and always respond promptly directing readers back to your home page when necessary.

11. Measure the results

Take the time to look at your website analytics and see what is successful for you. Rather than spend time jumping on every new social media app that is released, focus your attention on mediums you know which are already giving you results. Then amp up your efforts to monopolise on it even further.

12. Give your website a makeover

Is there a way you can make your website better? Can you update posts and categories so they are more organised and easier to find? Perhaps you can refresh some of your older posts and make them more relevant. A mini makeover may just be the thing to attract readers, both new and old, to your website.