Agents of Nonprofit

Nonprofit Website Essentials with Ed Harris

Jun 17, 2024

Ed Harris, Founder of Blue Hills Digital, shares insights on nonprofit websites. Topics include importance of websites, elements of effective design, when to redesign, choosing tools, content decisions, and pros/cons of platforms like WordPress and Squarespace.

40:10

Episode guests

Ed Harris

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

A strong online presence is vital for nonprofits to establish credibility and reach a broader audience.

Regular website evaluations and redesigns are essential to maintain relevance and user-centricity.

Deep dives

Ed Harris' Journey into Working with Nonprofits

Ed Harris shares his transition from academia to working with nonprofits by leveraging his website building skills honed during years of involvement with digital platforms. Starting from managing content for a local nonprofit, Ed's career path evolved into roles like content manager, communications director, and website builder in the nonprofit space, emphasizing his inclination towards supporting social change.

Intro

2min

Importance of Nonprofit Websites in the Digital Age

20min

Varied Timelines and Data Migration in Nonprofit Website Projects

3min

Strategic Planning and Design Process for Building Websites

4min

Choosing the Right Website Platform and Agency

7min

Exploring the Role of AI in Web Design and Emphasizing Human Involvement

4min

In this episode, we're with Ed Harris, founder of Blue Hills Digital, to uncover the secrets behind effective nonprofit websites. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Ed shares invaluable insights on website management and development, emphasizing the critical role a robust online presence plays in advancing an organization’s mission.

Topics We Cover:

Ed's journey from grad school research to running a full-time business supporting nonprofits
Why websites matter
The crucial elements of nonprofit websites, from clear mission communication to technical necessities like security and mobile-friendliness
When and why a website redesign is needed, and how to approach it for maximum impact
Choosing the right tools and technologies based on organizational needs.
The significance of a thorough design phase to ensure a well-structured, user-friendly website
Tips on deciding what content to retain, update, or archive during a website overhaul.
Weighing the pros and cons of WordPress versus managed platforms like Squarespace and Wix

To Learn More and Connect with Ed:
Blue Hills Digital Website
Ed Harris on LinkedIn

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