Most nonprofits are not known for their marketing ability unless they are national in scope and have large budgets. Then you might have a little understanding about what the organization is all about. I don't believe there is a fear of seeing a nonprofit advertising during the Super Bowl any time soon. Do you? 

However, now more than ever there are thousands of people telling nonprofits
that if they only establish a website they would be getting lots of attention and,
more importantly, online donations!

This idea is an outright lie and simply not true. Marketing any product or service takes time, energy, good ideas and money. Most nonprofits are so concentrated on raising money they don't feel they have time to think about establishing or maintaining their community image, or trying to market their organization other than by "word or mouth" to let people know what they are all about. Many nonprofit's attitudes are based on a false hope that because they are good and do good things money will follow.  
                     
As a test to see how good you think you have been, start first with your board of directors. Ask each individual board member privately to tell you as if you were a stranger all about the nonprofit they serve. Time the person and see if they can talk to you for at least five minutes. While this may sound easy, you would be surprised how few can actually do this!  

With this in mind, ask yourself the question, "If the board of directors can't even tell me about the nonprofit then, what does the public truly know?"

Do you need more help? A list of marketing guide books can be found by clicking here!

All About Marketing  http://www.mapnp.org/library/mrktng/mrktng.htm