Your website is more than just a digital page — it’s your virtual headquarters. Think of it like your physical office or store: it’s where people “visit” to learn about your cause, connect with your mission, and take action (donate, volunteer, partner, or join your programs).
Choosing the right website platform is a key first step to building a strong online presence. But don’t worry — it’s simpler than it sounds!
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you choose the best platform — and start strong without feeling overwhelmed.
What to Look For in a Website Platform
When picking a platform, especially for non-profits and social causes, here’s what really matters:
- Ease of Use – It should be beginner-friendly, so you can update and manage your site easily.
- Customization Flexibility – You should be able to adjust layouts, colors, and features to match your organization’s brand and mission.
- Hosting Included – Hosting is like your website’s “storage space” online. Some platforms include it already, making life easier.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – So that people can easily find your cause when they search online.
- Strong Customer Support – Tech problems happen — you’ll want good help available!
- Reasonable Cost – Start free or low-cost and grow as you can invest more.
Choosing the right platform is important — and to keep things simple, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 3 platforms for non-profits and social businesses: WordPress, Wix, and Shopify.
Let’s dive in:
1. WordPress
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org – What’s the difference?
- WordPress.com hosts everything for you. It’s easier to start with but has a few limitations unless you upgrade.
- WordPress.org gives you full control — but you’ll need to arrange hosting separately and manage updates yourself.
Best for: Organizations that want flexibility to scale over time and don’t mind learning a few tech basics.
Pros:
- Highly customizable (great for growing needs)
- Powerful SEO tools (help your cause get found!)
- Tons of free and paid themes/plugins
- Huge online community for help
Cons:
- Learning curve at the beginning
- Responsible for your own updates and backups if you self-host
Action Tip:
If you have a tech volunteer or a little time to learn, WordPress.org gives you endless possibilities.
2. Wix
Wix is loved for its super simple drag-and-drop builder. No tech skills needed — you can literally design by moving blocks around.
Best for: Non-profits that want to launch quickly and easily without worrying about technical details.
Pros:
- Very beginner-friendly
- Beautiful templates ready to use
- Hosting is included
- Quick setup for donation forms, event pages, and more
Cons:
- Not as flexible if you want to move your site to a different host later
- Basic SEO tools (still good enough for small to medium visibility)
Action Tip:
If you need a professional-looking site up fast with minimal fuss, Wix is a great starting point.
3. Squarespace
Squarespace offers sleek, modern templates that make your site look professionally designed right from day one.
Best for: Social enterprises or non-profits that care a lot about brand appearance and storytelling.
Pros:
- Elegant, mobile-friendly designs
- Hosting included
- Good customer support and tutorials
- Easy to use donation, blog, and event page tools
Cons:
- Less flexible than WordPress for major customizations
- SEO tools are good, but not as advanced as WordPress
Action Tip:
If visual storytelling is a big part of your mission, Squarespace will make you shine beautifully online.
4. Shopify (for social enterprises)
Although Shopify is mainly known for e-commerce, it’s perfect for social businesses that sell products (like fair trade goods, handmade items, etc.).
Best for: Social businesses that want to sell products online to fund their mission.
Pros:
- Built for online selling (easy product pages and checkout)
- Hosting included
- Secure and reliable
- Great for growing your impact through commerce
Cons:
- Monthly fees are higher than basic website builders
- Less ideal for organizations not selling products
Action Tip:
If selling products is part of your mission, Shopify is a powerful platform to build a sustainable revenue stream.
| Platform | Best For | Ease of Use | Customization | Hosting Included | Ideal User |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress | Growing non-profits, flexible websites | Moderate | Very High | No | Those who want full control and scalability |
| Wix | Simple, beautiful websites fast | Very Easy | Good | Yes | Beginners or small teams wanting visual setup |
| Squarespace | Elegant, modern websites with minimal effort | Easy | Good | Yes | Non-profits valuing design and simplicity |
| Shopify | Selling products online + fundraising | Easy | Moderate | Yes | Social businesses with online shops |
Action Steps to Build Your Website
1. Pick Your Platform
- WordPress → Choose if you need full control, flexibility, and plan to grow big.
- Wix → Choose if you want fast setup with easy drag-and-drop editing.
- Squarespace → Choose if you want a stunning, professional-looking site with minimal fuss.
- Shopify → Choose if your main goal is to sell products, accept donations, or run an online store.
2. Secure a Domain Name
Pick a domain name that matches your nonprofit’s mission or social brand.
(Example: www.helpinghands.org)
3. Set Up Hosting
- WordPress: Choose a reliable hosting provider (like SiteGround, Hostinger, or Bluehost).
- Wix, Squarespace, Shopify: Hosting is included — you just sign up and go.
4. Design Your Website
- Choose a template aligned with your cause or mission.
- Customize your colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand.
- Focus on clarity, simplicity, and inspiring visitors.
5. Add Key Pages
- Home
- About Us / Our Mission
- Programs or Services
- Get Involved / Volunteer
- Donate
- Blog or News
- Contact Us
6. Optimize for SEO
- Use simple page titles (e.g., “Volunteer Opportunities | [Your Organization]”).
- Write clear, keyword-friendly descriptions.
- Make sure your website loads fast and looks good on mobile!
7. Launch and Share!
- Announce your new website on social media, newsletters, and events.
- Invite your community to visit, donate, and get involved.
Pro Tip:
No matter which platform you choose, keep your message clear and make it easy for visitors to take action (like donating, joining, or volunteering).
