Looking back before moving forward.
It’s not the most exciting thing to do. However, the results have proven essential to nonprofits as they approach any website project.
Many nonprofits that come to ArcStone for help already have a website. They come to us because their site isn’t doing what they want; it isn’t drawing in donations or volunteers or effectively communicating what they need to say. Knowing this, we look over what they’ve done in the past and attempt to uncover exactly what will make it better in the future. This all is included in what we call a website audit.
What is a website audit?
First, let’s explain what an audit even entails. Essentially, it’s a look at what causes a good versus bad experience for a user on your website. Then it’s looking at how the site is performing technically. We look for issues, errors and missed opportunities so we can better understand where the site is at and where it could go.
What’s covered in a nonprofit site audit?
These very from client to client, based on need, but this is an overview of what all we typically review.
- Google Analytics (GA) accessibility: Is anyone at your nonprofit reviewing your analytics? How easy is it for them to get to the data that matters to your organization specifically?
- GA setup and implementation: Is your account set up properly? What tags are you using? Understand some of the basics on Analytics »
- GA data quality and additions: If it is set up, what’s being tracked within your account? What information do you need to see that you aren’t? Learn about filters and conversions »
- Metadata: Is your site using metadata? Does it follow best practices?
- Responsiveness / mobile-friendly design: Is the site responsive? How many users are using mobile devices and is it working for them? More on mobile sites »
- Site indexing and crawlability: Is your site being indexed and crawled?
- Site errors: Are there any errors on your site?
- Site speed: How does your site function in terms of speed? Discover how slow site speed negatively impact SEO »
- Schema implementation: Do you have schema implemented?
- Internal linking: Are there links set up within your site?
- Manual actions from Google: Do you have any manual actions or violations?
So before you dive right in to a redesign, be sure to ask yourself some of these questions. Nonprofits have tight budgets, and you need to be sure you have a solid plan for tackling your biggest priorities efficiently. With an audit, it’ll become far clearer what these are.
If you’re interested in learning more about ArcStone’s website audit services, please contact us.
