Soapbox Engage Blog

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Work smarter, not harder"? An online directory software helps you do just that. It allows you to easily build and manage any online directory or listing website.

Online directories are critical tools for many nonprofits and small businesses, helping enhance your online presence, boost your fundraising, and improve your visibility. They're also invaluable tools for networking, fundraising, and scaling your organic growth.

Choosing the right online directory software can feel like a monumental task. Not all products are the same, and many options require retrofitting to meet your unique needs. We've gathered some valuable tips and insights to help you choose the right online directory software for your nonprofit.

Table of Contents

1. Online Directory Software Essentials
2. Soapbox Engage Directories App Features

Online Directory Software Essentials

Online directory software allows you to create and manage any list or directory conveniently online for your nonprofit. Some of the most common nonprofit uses for online directory software include creating contact or member lists, events lists, articles, photo galleries, and more.

Online directory software also allows you to accept and manage online donations in one organized way.

Benefits of online directory software for nonprofits

There are many practical applications for online directory software. Nonprofits use them for a variety of networking and fundraising purposes.

Whether you're building a membership directory, sharing your nonprofit's research, or creating call-to-action content for your readers, an online directory is a great tool to add to your fundraising strategies.

Here are some of the top ways your nonprofit might use an online directory:

• An online directory can create one convenient place to accept and manage donations.
• Online directory software allows you to automatically maintain and update your newsletter and email subscriber database.
• Many nonprofits create exclusive memberships for donors. An online directory is an easy way for members to join and access your organization.
• Many directories have public and private-facing features, allowing you to organize a massive amount of information and only publish what's necessary.
• Online directory software makes it easy to create and maintain social, community, or city guides for your nonprofit or community.

Online directory software features to consider

As with most things in life, not all online directory software is created equal. Some features and characteristics make certain directory software ideal for nonprofits.

When shopping for the best directory software, it's essential to be selective and clearly understand the "problem" you're trying to solve. What are you planning to accomplish with the software? Knowing the answer to that question can help eliminate many of the products on the market.

Here are some key features and functions to investigate when shopping for an online directory software:

A flexible directory software that can grow with your organization: Even if you've only got one directory project in mind at the moment, your nonprofit is growing! You might have more ideas and projects in the future. Look for a directory platform that offers enough space to grow your current directory projects and add more projects down the line without paying a hefty service fee.

A transparent pricing structure that fits your budget: While we're talking about service fees, as with many software or online platforms, directory products can have confusing pricing structures. Some platforms charge a fee per directory or per number of users. Other software options have entirely different pricing models and hidden service or maintenance fees. Make sure you understand the all-inclusive cost of the software you purchase so you're not burdened with surprise fees in the future.

Look for directory software that includes training and high-quality customer support: Look for directory software that offers training and ongoing tech support. Look for a company with excellent customer service reviews, and don't be afraid to ask about training tools. Quality customer and technical support set your organization up for great success and avoids unnecessary frustration and headaches if you run into technical issues.

Mobile-friendly features: About half of all web traffic worldwide comes from mobile devices. Mobile devices (excluding tablets) account for 54.4% of all website traffic in the fourth quarter of 2021. It's more important than ever to ensure your directories and other products are mobile-friendly. This is especially critical if you plan to create online directories for donors or supporters to access.

Customizable search forms and keyword search options: Look for an online directory software that allows you to create searchable data forms. Whether you want to create a member directory or a library of content, it's essential to be able to search the information quickly and easily. If you're planning to give access to the directory to members, having keyword and form search options will increase the overall performance and value of the information you're offering.

Integrates with your CRM system and other online tools: Find an online directory tool that integrates with your CRM system, donation pages, and other online tools you already use. Creating searchable forms for data stored in your CRM system or allowing members to update their information can save your team time and energy.

Brand consistency is vital with directory software: Choose an online directory software that allows you to add your logo, colors, and other design features to match your branding. Continuity in branding builds trust with your audience, boosts your professionalism, and reassures people they're in the right place.

Soapbox Engage Directories App Features

While there are countless directory software options on the market, few are designed exclusively with nonprofits in mind. The Soapbox Engage Directories app caters directly to nonprofits and charities. It gives you the tools to easily create engaging and searchable directories.

Here are some of the key features you'll want to explore further:

• The Directories app allows you to create searchable data forms. It works seamlessly with Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack and Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement.
• Use the customizable search forms to allow visitors to see and explore any field from Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics.
• The Directories app lets you customize your design to match the branding of your website and donation pages.
• With no fee per directory, the Donations app is affordable and will grow with your nonprofit for years to come.
• The mobile-ready app allows users to search from anywhere and on any device.

Whether you're streamlining your grant application process or creating a database of educational resources, the Directories app does it all and won't require endless hours of setup and maintenance.

 

Now that you're ready to shop for the right directories software for your nonprofit, here are three more resources to aid your fundraising efforts.

• Here's What To Consider When Creating Your Nonprofit's Brand: Effective nonprofit branding is how you tell the world about your story and your mission. Branding is a powerful tool that can bring your nonprofit to the next level, but you want to do it right. Here are five things to consider when creating your nonprofit's brand.
• Moves Management Basics for Every Nonprofit: Attracting and retaining donors, volunteers, and other supports takes strategic effort and donor stewardship. Moving donors toward new giving levels or into recurring giving programs takes even more strategy! This is where Moves Management comes in. Head over to this blog to learn the basics of Moves Management and how to implement it in your own nonprofit fundraising and donor care strategies!
• Event Management Software: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know: Planning fundraising events of any size can be overwhelming at best. Event management software can help organize and handle many parts of the event planning process. This blog is packed with tips and insights to help you choose the right event management software for your nonprofit!