Where to place the donate button
Placement of the donation button is very important and can make all the difference in the kind of response your page receives from visitors. Here are some best practices to consider for the button placement:
- Place the donation button on your website’s top-right corner: Studies show that users most commonly scan websites in an F or Z pattern. This means the best spot for the Donate button on your website is usually the top right corner.
- Emails should use ‘above the fold’ placement: When running fundraising email campaigns, it is important that the call to action button is placed above the fold as most users check emails on their mobile or handheld devices and are very likely to miss the button if it's further down.
- Place the Donate button at the top of your charity’s social media profile: For social media such as Instagram and Facebook, a donate button can be added to your nonprofit’s official profile. The layout for the profiles is mostly pre-set and buttons for most social media platforms can be added towards the top of the page, right after your nonprofit’s introduction (in Instagram) and just below the cover photo (in Facebook).
Related: 6 Tips to Increase Your Donation Page Conversion Rate
4 tips and best practices for effective donation buttons
1. Ensure it captures attention
For maximum visibility and to grab the attention of your supporter, the button should stand out from the rest of the page. You can customize the button using your brand’s colors. As a rule of thumb, the donation buttons should be big, bold, and bright. The last thing you want is a supporter trying to find the Donate Now button and then bouncing off the site without making a contribution.
2. Pair the button with online ticket purchases or event registration
Another way to augment your fundraising efforts with donation buttons is by pairing them with online raffle ticket purchases or event registrations. You can provide an optional donation button with pre-filled amounts when site visitors are about to complete their purchase or registration This makes for an easy and convenient conversion from visitors to donors.
3. Write impactful CTAs for the donation button
Crafting an impactful and compelling Call-To-Action (CTA) on your button will ensure the best results. The copy on your button should gently encourage and motivate supporters to stand behind your cause.
- Keep the copy short but specific: This means you should cut out unnecessary words.
- Use active language: Besides using active tense, the words should imply change or action. Words such as change, act, or transform, have a positive vibe and appeal to the emotions of the supporter, compelling them to take the desired action.
- Show urgency: Using words such as ‘today’ or ‘now’ can show urgency and encourage supporters to take an action right away.
- Evoke emotions: A CTA that says ‘save a life today’ is better than a button that says ‘Donate now’.
Related: Payment Processors for Nonprofits: What Are They and Why You Need One
4. It should have the right design, images, font, and color
Everything from the design to the imagery, font, and color of your button can play a role in influencing overall donations for your cause. Here are some elements for you to consider:
- Keep the design simple: Avoid using complicated graphics or icons and keep the design elements clean and simple to offer a great user experience.
- Choose the right font size and type: We don’t need to overcomplicate the process. The only thing to be sure of is that the font is the appropriate size and type to ensure readability.
- Pick colors to enhance readability: The button and the overlying text should utilize a color contrast that supports accessibility guidelines. At the very basic level, this will ensure better readability and understanding on your donors’ behalf which will lead to better conversions too.
A donate button is more than just a call to action. It can be the key differentiator between reaching your financial goal or finding it hard to stay afloat. When designing your CTA, make sure it is visible, captures attention, has an impactful CTA, and the right design, color and font to maximize donations and support. Additionally, remember to combine it with powerful storytelling to see the magic!