How to increase website traffic (donations) for a charity websites

David Pottrell

David Pottrell

Hi! I’m a web developer and Head of Digital at Nebula Design who loves all things tech. When I’m not surrounded by code, I’m probably reading up on the latest development trends or on the pottery wheel.

I got my start in technology as a self-taught web freelancer, after studying at university and joining a small agency, Nebula Design was created. I specialise in both front-end and back-end development, typically around WordPress, I’ve also got expertise in Search Engine Optimisation, Ecommerce and various emerging tech standards.

Published on February 28th, 2024|Last updated on February 29th, 2024

In the world of charities, the heartbeat of every endeavor is the unwavering commitment to provide essential support and care to those who need it most. In this article, we’ll explore 5 effective methods to enhance online visibility and inspire generosity towards charitable causes.

By implementing these strategies, charities can optimise their digital presence and attract more support for their missions, ultimately making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

1. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Implementing robust SEO practices is crucial for improving visibility and driving organic traffic to a charity website. Conduct keyword research to identify relevant terms and phrases that potential donors may use when searching for charitable causes online. Incorporate these keywords strategically into website content, including page titles, meta descriptions, headings, and body copy. Additionally, optimise images and ensure that website architecture is search engine friendly to enhance indexing and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Example: A charity dedicated to offering respite care for children could optimise its website with keywords such as “children’s respite care charity,” “donate for children’s respite care,” and “support for families with children.”

2. Compelling Content Creation

Create high-quality, engaging content that resonates with the target audience and communicates the charity’s mission effectively. This may include impactful stories, testimonials from beneficiaries, informative blog posts, and visually appealing multimedia such as videos and infographics. By regularly updating the website with fresh and compelling content, charities can attract and retain visitors, encouraging them to explore the website further and consider making a donation.

A copyrighter can help here massively if budget allows for it. We work closely with plenty of worksmiths so reach out if we can be of help here.

Another useful tool for content creation is AnswerThePublic, this tool enables you to identify relevent topics to cover in your industry, whether it’s answering a question or joining a discussion.

Example: A wildlife conservation charity could share success stories of endangered species saved from extinction due to donor support, accompanied by captivating images and videos of conservation efforts in action, showing users exactly what donations help with.

3. Social Media Marketing

Harness the power of social media platforms to expand reach, drive traffic, and foster meaningful connections with potential donors. Share engaging content, including donation appeals, campaign updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the charity’s work, across various social media channels.

Be sure to encourage colleagues and followers to share the campaign to amplify its reach and engage a wider audience. Additionally, you could leverage social media advertising to target specific demographics and promote donation campaigns effectively.

Example: Taking inspiration from successful campaigns like Jessie May’s “Jail and Bail,” where volenteers are effectively jailed and tasked with raising money to be bailed out. Campaigns like this bring with it the opportunity to create fun videos or posts to share featuring volunteers and staff particupating, effectively generating buzz, increasing visibility, and driving traffic to their website where supporters can learn more about their work and make donations.

These posts and videos not only generate excitement and interest but also help increase the charity’s online visibility and drive traffic to their website. Through these efforts, supporters are encouraged to explore the charity’s work in depth and contribute to their cause by making donations.

4. Email Marketing Campaigns

Build and nurture an email subscriber list comprised of individuals who have expressed interest in the charity’s work or have previously donated. Develop personalised email campaigns to engage subscribers, share updates on projects and initiatives, and solicit donations. Segment the email list based on donor preferences and behavior to tailor messaging effectively and maximise engagement and conversion rates.

We recommend MailerLite and EmailOctopus – both have various useful features at a reasonable price bracket.

Example: An animal welfare charity could utilise email marketing campaigns to engage with supporters and raise funds for their cause. During times of heightened need, such as a surge in animal rescues or emergency medical treatments, the charity can send targeted emails to previous donors and subscribers. These emails can highlight specific stories of animals in need, accompanied by compelling images or videos showcasing the impact of donations on their welfare.

5. Collaborations and Partnerships

Forge strategic partnerships with businesses, influencers, and other organisations that share similar values or target audiences. Collaborate on co-branded campaigns, events, or initiatives that amplify the charity’s message and reach a broader audience. Cross-promote each other’s platforms and leverage partner networks to drive traffic to the charity website and encourage donations.

Example: A local food bank charity could partner with a supermarket chain for a “Buy One, Give One” campaign, where customers are encouraged to donate non-perishable items at checkout and are directed to the charity website for more information on how their contributions make a difference.

Try, try, and keep trying

In conclusion, by implementing a holistic approach that combines SEO optimisation, compelling content creation, social media marketing, email campaigns, and strategic collaborations, charity organisations can effectively increase website traffic and inspire more individuals to donate to their worthy causes. By continuously refining and adapting these strategies based on analytics and donor feedback, charities can cultivate a strong online presence and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

As with most strategies, it’s very much a matter of trial and error combined with an ongoing effort. If you’d like to find our more or if you have any questions relating to website traffic, please do get in touch or book a call.