Your donation pages are an important next step in a donor's journey to supporting your organization. This comprehensive guide shares pro tips and tricks from GivingFuel's expert page builders to help you create pages that look professional, maintain brand consistency, and drive better results.
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Getting Started: The Pro Builder's Workflow
NOTE: Before you begin, create a dedicated folder for your page assets. Professional builders always organize their materials first to streamline the building process.
Step 1: Asset Collection
Professional page builders start with:
- Logo files
- Website screenshots of sections to emulate
- Brand color codes
- Key images sized for web use (when in doubt, Google for the right sizes)
- Background textures or patterns
Step 2: Page Planning
Take a strategic approach:
1. Map your donor journey
2. Identify key sections needed
3. Plan mobile breakpoints
4. List all required form fields
5. Outline navigation structure
Pro Tip: Screenshot Workflow
On Mac:
- Command + Shift + 4: Selective capture
- Command + Shift + 5: Set exact dimensions
On Windows:
- Windows + Shift + S: Snipping tool
- Use Snip & Sketch for precise dimensions
Master Class: Using Banner Fields
NOTE: Banner fields are the secret weapon of professional page builders. While paragraph and header blocks seem simpler, banners offer significantly more power and flexibility.
Why Banners Are Better
✓ Layer multiple elements
✓ Add background images/videos
✓ Control mobile display
✓ Create color overlays
✓ Set custom heights
✗ No limitations of basic text blocks
Example: Why Banners Are Better
Basic Version:
Simple text about your mission
Banner Version:
- Background video of your work
- Mission statement overlay
- Call-to-action button
- Mobile-optimized layout
Advanced Banner Techniques
1. Video Backgrounds
- Use for ambient motion
- Keep file sizes small
- Consider mobile data usage
2. Overlay Effects
- Dark overlays for text readability
- Brand color overlays for consistency
- Gradient overlays for depth
3. Height Control
- Desktop: More breathing room
- Mobile: Compressed for scrolling
- Minimum heights for consistency
Image Gallery Secrets
Configuration Options
- Up to 4 columns wide
- Multiple format choices
- Landscape
- Portrait
- Square
- Circle
- Full-width capability
- Mobile-specific layouts
Pro Tips for Image Galleries
1. Mobile-First Planning
- Start with mobile layout
- Scale up to desktop
- Test different breakpoints
2. Layout Strategy
Desktop:
- 3-4 columns for impact
- Consistent image heights
Mobile:
- 1-2 columns maximum
- Stacked for easy scrolling
Mobile Optimization Mastery
Note: Over 50% of donors likely view your page on mobile. Poor mobile experience can significantly impact conversion rates.
Professional Testing Methods
1. Browser Developer Tools
- iPhone/Android previews
- Different screen sizes
- Performance testing
2. Real Device Testing
- Send preview links to phone
- Test on multiple devices
- Check load times
Mobile-First Content Strategy
1. Text Optimization
- 2-3 sentences per block
- Larger font sizes
- High contrast for readability
2. Image Strategy
- Stack instead of side-by-side
- Compress for fast loading
- Maintain quality on retina displays
Essential Best Practices
The Save-First Philosophy
WARNING: One crash can erase minutes / hours of work. Professional page builders save obsessively.
1. Save After Every Change
- Click save immediately
- Don't trust auto-save
- Use preview frequently
2. Testing Protocol
- Preview before publishing
- Check all device sizes
- Test every button and link
- Verify form submissions
Asset Management
1. File Organization
- Label screenshots clearly
- Use version numbers
- Create backup copies
- Store in dedicated folders
2. Image Optimization
- Compress image file sizes for web
- Maintain aspect ratios
- Use consistent sizes
Common Page Types
1. Donation Pages
- Suggested amounts
- Impact statements
- Trust indicators
- Mobile payment options
2. Campaign Pages
- Progress indicators
- Storytelling elements
- Social proof
- Clear calls-to-action