Mobile web browsing isn’t the future, it’s the default. According to the data, 62% of website visits are performed on mobile devices. For your nonprofit, mobile devices are the primary way users engage with your website.
If you want users to learn about your mission, sign up to volunteer, and make a donation via your website, make sure they can easily navigate to these pages while browsing on their phone. If your site wasn’t built with mobile in mind, you could be missing these opportunities.
Fortunately, you don’t need a complete website redesign to improve your site’s mobile experience. Small, strategic upgrades can make your site more accessible, more effective, and better aligned with your goals. We’ve compiled this list that you can begin to implement today:
1. Start With a Mobile-First Mindset
A responsive website shouldn’t just shrink your desktop site—it should be designed with mobile users in mind from the jump. That means prioritizing ease of navigation, readability, and clarity on smaller screens. Think bigger buttons, simplified layouts, and clear calls to action that are easy to tap.
💡 Pro tip: Use mobile-specific wireframes early in your design process to avoid retrofitting later.
2. Prioritize Load Speed
Nobody likes waiting, especially on mobile. Slow sites drive visitors away, increase bounce rates, and hurt your SEO rankings. In fact, studies show that 1 in 2 people expect a site to load in less than two seconds. If it doesn’t, they’re gone. [ Source: Google Research ]
Quick wins here include compressing images, reducing unnecessary JavaScript, and enabling caching.
3. Make Navigation Foolproof
Tiny buttons and awkward tap targets are a mobile UX killer. Mobile visitors don’t want to hunt for the Donate button or scroll endlessly to find your latest campaign.
- Use sticky headers and simple menus
- Create a sitemap hierarchy that puts the most important actions front and center
- Avoid drop-downs and mega-menus
- Keep it clean and intuitive
- Stick with large, finger-friendly buttons
- Avoid grouping links too closely
4. Embrace Accessibility Standards
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about equity. Following WCAG guidelines ensures your content is usable by people with disabilities and improves the experience for everyone. This includes using proper heading structures, adding alt text to images, ensuring strong color contrast, and making sure everything is operable via keyboard or screen reader.
Want to learn more about accessible web design? Read more here: Accessible UX Design: Unlock the Power of Web Accessibility
5. Make Sure Your Forms Are Usable
Forms are a huge pain point on mobile, especially if you’re asking donors or volunteers to type long-form responses on a tiny touchscreen. Refine your forms:
- Minimize the number of required fields
- Auto-format inputs (like phone numbers or zip codes)
- Use the right mobile keyboard (e.g., number pad for phone fields)
6. Design for Thumbs, Not Mice
Desktop UX often assumes users will hover, right-click, or precisely click small targets. On mobile? It’s all thumbs. Ensure touch targets are large enough (WCAG AAA requires at least 44px by 44px) and spaced far enough apart to avoid accidental taps.
7. Test on Multiple Devices
It’s not just about phones vs. desktops. Your audience is using Androids, iPhones, tablets, and everything in between. Don’t assume what works on one screen will work on all. Use responsive testing tools (like BrowserStack or Chrome DevTools) to simulate different screen sizes and catch bugs before your users do.
8. Measure, Iterate, Repeat
Good mobile design is an ongoing process, not a one-time checklist. Use analytics tools to see where users drop off or get stuck. Track performance metrics like page speed and conversion rates. Then optimize based on real data.
Let’s Talk About Your Mobile Experience
At SmartLogic, we build responsive, mobile-first web apps and custom platforms that help nonprofits do more with less. Whether you're looking to improve your site’s accessibility, speed, or user experience (or build something brand new), we can help you find a solution that fits your mission and budget.
Ready to optimize your user experience? Schedule a free strategy call with our team and let’s talk about it!
