When you run a small local organization, you have to mind a very tight budget. At the same time, you have to have effective marketing to attract supporters to your mission. Here’s one way to make a much smaller investment to get a truly powerful and affordable nonprofit website.
Introducing… Websites as a Service.
Remember when you had to buy a whole new software package when your version became out of date? No? If not, you can thank the Software as a Service (SaaS) movement for that.
Instead of buying the same software (like Microsoft Office, for example) over and over, you pay for a subscription that ensures you get all the updates automatically. You have the security of knowing that your system is always covered – at least as long as you have an active subscription. Plus, the price is a whole lot lower if you’re paying month-to-month.
Websites as a Service (WaaS) works the same way. You pay a much lower fee upfront to launch your website project. Then, instead of getting it handed over so you can fend for yourself – you get ongoing support for the life of your subscription. You get a professional design for your business or organization, and a team to answer your questions or make changes for you when you need them.
What’s the difference between websites as a service and a “regular” website project?
Besides the lower cost, which is definitely a strong selling point, many small business owners and nonprofit leaders aren’t really sure of their online business needs. They know they need a website, but don’t understand how important the website is to their business operations.
When a website is planned from a pure design perspective without considering its role as the foundation of your online business processes – you end up with art without function. Your website isn’t art. It’s a business tool.
Nonprofit organizations and small businesses both need leads to grow and function. Whether you run on sales or donations, you need to convert your website visitors into leads that then become customers. That means art isn’t going to cut it. You don’t just want them to look around and leave – you want them to take action.
Paying for your website over time rather than just having it delivered like a package means you get a team on your side that understands the business focus of your online real estate. Investing in a website as a service ensures that you’re not stuck making essential technology decisions alone.
So why are websites as a service a great option for an affordable nonprofit website?
When most small nonprofit teams come together, they usually don’t have a tech expert in the group unless the main service or mission is specifically tech-related. And even then, IT and software development require different skills – albeit similar – than marketing technology strategy.
Depending on the provider you choose, websites as a service are a great option for nonprofits and small businesses because they come with support and tech tools built-in. For example, our website plans include tools like appointment scheduling and CRM (customer relationship management) software in the standard website package. In most cases, with a traditional site build or DIY services like Wix or Squarespace – you have to pay extra or purchase a whole other subscription to get them.
The tech strategy consulting that you get with a Main Street website plan is unique to us, but most WaaS providers are happy to answer any specific questions you may have via their technical support systems.
WaaS subscriptions are ultimately a really solid way to get an attractive and affordable website with the power and support you need to grow your organization or business. Want to find out if WaaS is right for your nonprofit? Schedule a free call with us today.
