I was amazed to discover that NACE did not have a presence on any social media networks nor did they have a website. So early on I set NACE up on Facebook and as of yesterday, they now have a website.
As a non-profit that is heavily relied upon by the people in our community at all times and particularly during our current economic times, budget available for marketing is nil. So, we did the whole thing for about $10. Yes, you can have a Facebook page for free, pay a small amount for a domain name (in this case www.nacefoodshelf.org), and then use Google sites (again for free) to create a workable web site. All for about $10 a year for the domain name.
And most importantly, you can be a Non-Tek and create your own website and you don't need to understand HTML, Java Script or Drupal. Sites like Facebook, MN Gives, YouTube, etc. will provide you with the HTML code needed to embed their links into your website, so all you have to do is cut and paste.
With Google sites (yes, you will need a Gmail account), templates are available so you can start with a basic layout and theme and then add and change as you need to. You can add additional pages, change the layout or color, add tables, pictures, etc. Mostly with the click of a link or a quick upload. And I mean quick. Using the content from Facebook and some emails I had received from the NACE director, I created their basic web site in about three hours one afternoon. Yes, it is still a work in progress, but NACE is now on the World Wide Web. I do know that some technical stuff has rubbed off on me over the years of living with a tech guy, but even if it takes 6 hours, that's pretty amazing to have your site in less than one working day.
And most importantly, you will have a presence on the Internet. And in this day and age that is critical for any business - small or large: non-profit or for-profit.
