What makes for a successful charity website blog

April 11th, 2023

Young mans portrait as graffiti

Introduction

In this article, we look at some popular charity website blogs that successfully present quality content to their respective audiences. We look at the types of content and their presentation and see why these blogs are great for showing authoritative and authentic content that informs the user and drives traffic to their sites.

Shelter logo

The Shelter blog is a prime example of a successful charity blog that effectively promotes the organisation and its cause. One of the key reasons for its success is the diverse content it offers, covering topics related to housing and homelessness in the United Kingdom.

By addressing pressing issues such as the housing crisis, renters’ rights, and emergency housing, the blog appeals to a wide audience and showcases Shelter’s expertise in the field. The article “Budget 2023: will the chancellor step in to fix the housing benefit gap that’s causing homelessness?” for example, demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by renters and in doing so positions Shelter as a thought leader in the sector. This is vital up-to-the-minute content relevant to a large audience and politically contemporaneous.

Another factor contributing to the blog’s success is its ability to engage readers through storytelling. The Shelter Blog frequently shares personal stories of individuals and families who have been affected by housing issues or benefited from the charity’s support.

These stories create an emotional connection with readers and highlight the real-life impact of Shelter’s work, as demonstrated in their article “Shelter and B&Q: transforming homes and improving lives”. By showcasing these powerful narratives, the blog drives traffic and increases the organisation’s authority in the field of housing and homelessness.

The Shelter Blog also excels in providing practical advice and resources for individuals facing housing challenges. By offering actionable tips and valuable information, the blog serves as a go-to resource for those in need of guidance. For example, their article “10 frequently asked questions and answers about temporary accommodation” equips readers with essential knowledge and tools, further solidifying Shelter’s position as a reliable source of information and support for people experiencing housing difficulties.

Finally, the blog’s strategic use of search engine optimization (SEO) plays a significant role in driving traffic to the site and raising the charity’s online profile. By incorporating relevant keywords and optimizing content for search engines, the Shelter Blog is more likely to appear in search results when users are seeking information related to housing and homelessness issues. This increased visibility leads to greater engagement with the blog and, by extension, the charity itself, ultimately contributing to the organisation’s mission of tackling homelessness and poor housing conditions in the UK.

Young Minds logo

The YoungMinds blog is a good example of how a charity can successfully promote its cause and engage its target audience through a well-crafted blog. A significant factor contributing to its success is the blog’s focus on delivering content that resonates with young people facing mental health challenges.

By sharing personal experiences, advice, and coping strategies, the blog offers valuable support and fosters a sense of community among its readers. For instance, their article “What opening up about my mental health taught me as a young Muslim man” demonstrates the power of sharing personal stories to inspire and empower others who might be experiencing similar struggles.

Another reason the YoungMinds blog is successful is its emphasis on addressing a wide range of mental health topics that are relevant to young people. By covering various subjects, from self-care tips to academic stress, the blog caters to the diverse needs and interests of its audience.

This comprehensive approach to content enables the charity to reach a larger audience and establish itself as an authority on youth mental health. One example of this is the article “How I learnt to manage panic disorder in school”, which provides practical guidance for young people seeking support from their educators.

The blog’s visually appealing design and user-friendly layout also contributes to its success. The clean, easy-to-navigate interface allows readers to quickly find and engage with content that interests them. Furthermore, the use of vibrant colours and images injects a sense of energy and positivity, making the blog an inviting space for young people to explore and engage with.

This welcoming atmosphere encourages visitors to spend more time on the site, increasing the likelihood that they will engage with the charity’s work and support its cause. The blog has a particularly well-laid-out design. Pulling out key quotes with the strong yellow background colour, allows the reader to quickly take in the general thrust of the article.

By incorporating relevant keywords and optimizing content for search engines, the blog increases its visibility to users seeking information and support on youth mental health issues. This increased exposure not only leads to greater engagement with the blog but also bolsters the charity’s overall reputation as a trusted source of guidance and information for young people facing mental health challenges.

Age UK logo
The Age UK Discover blog is our final example of a successful charity blog that effectively promotes the organisation and its cause. One of the key factors contributing to the blog’s success is its focus on addressing the interests, concerns, and needs of older adults.

By providing a wealth of information on topics ranging from health and well-being to financial advice, the blog creates a comprehensive and valuable resource for its target audience. For instance, their article “Do I need ID to vote in the UK?” offers practical and accessible tips to help older adults maintain their political engagement.

As with our other blogs, the Age UK blog is excellent at communicating personal stories and the lived experiences of older adults. By sharing personal narratives and insights, the blog fosters a sense of connection and community among its audience, while also raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities that come with ageing.

One such article, “A passion for pets”, showcases the inspiring story of a woman who found renewed purpose and joy through her love of her pets and the constant companionship they bring her. This type of factual narrative resonates with readers and encourages them to pursue their own passions.

The blog’s visually appealing design and user-friendly interface also play a significant role in its success. With a clean, easy-to-navigate layout and a combination of images and text, the blog creates an inviting and accessible space for readers to explore and engage with the content. This approach encourages visitors to spend more time on the site, increasing the likelihood that they will become more familiar with the charity’s work and support its mission.

Lastly, the Age UK Discover blog leverages search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to drive traffic to the site and enhance the charity’s online presence. By incorporating relevant keywords and optimizing content for search engines, the blog increases its visibility to users seeking information and support related to ageing and later life. This increased exposure not only leads to greater engagement with the blog but also strengthens the charity’s reputation as a trusted source of guidance and information for older adults and their families.

Conclusion

These blogs demonstrate the value of high quality, authoritative content in reaching out to an audience and developing a proper communication with them. When Red Ink developed the Carers Centre Tower Hamlets site, we were tasked with making the blog section as simple to update as possible, enabling the organisation to easily and effectively talk directly to its users and staff.

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