Nonprofits no longer need to rely on glossy mailings and expensive, labor-intensive galas to raise funds. Many nonprofits have embraced online marketing to reach audiences effectively and keep fundraising costs low. This way, you can have more resources going to your cause of choice!Here are ten digital strategy tips to help you target donors, convey your messages, and encourage people to give.
Use Clear Messaging
People have very short attention spans. Marketers estimate that people will spend no more than 20 seconds on a website before moving on. You have very little time to grab them and keep them there. Your messaging needs to be clear and compelling. You need to state upfront what you do and what you want. You need to let people know why they should help immediately.
Make Your Website Visually Compelling
With so little time to make an impression, you have to use more than words. Visually arresting images will make someone stop more quickly than even the most beautifully crafted sentence. Use vibrant photos and graphic design to illustrate your mission.
Incorporate Video
Video can tell your organization's story in a fast, attention-grabbing manner. It also uses emotion to tug the heartstrings and purse strings. Video can quickly convey where you are looking for support and how people can provide that support. It can also demonstrate results: projects done, lives changed, awareness generated. By showing how effective your nonprofit is, you can solicit more support.
Encourage Microdonations
Sometimes people hesitate to donate because they cannot give large amounts. Let your audience know that every bit helps, and encourage small one-time or regularly scheduled microdonations. A brilliant digital strategy will allow donors to click and give easily.
Know Your Audience
Your digital presence must appeal to the people you know are following your cause. Web design is never one size fits all. Environmental nonprofits must be attractive to outdoors enthusiasts. Medical research nonprofits may want to emulate the branding of respected healthcare facilities so that audiences find the site familiar and trustworthy.
Make it Easy to Donate
If it is hard to figure out how to donate, you can lose followers quickly. Invest in technology that will allow donors to use credit cards, and remember their information when they return next year. Many cost-effective digital tools can help your organization and members solicit and track donations efficiently.
Distribute Regular Newsletters
Keep your audience informed of what you are doing with the money they give. Collect your contacts in a database and communicate with them consistently (but not so often that you become a pest).
Get Professional Assistance
If you are building or upgrading your website, bring in the experts. It is worth the investment. Marketers can help you use the same tactics big corporations use to raise funds for your cause. Find an agency that can advise on SEO, video, and other online options to increase your reach.
Leverage Social Media
Enable your supporters to follow you on social media. Determine which platform they are using (LinkedIn for more corporate types, Facebook for the 30-60 year old demographic) and keep them up to date with posts that drive them back to your website.
Draw Them In
Your digital strategy should get your supporters to engage with your site. Invite comments and questions—post polls or questionnaires to better get to know your audience. The more you draw people to your site, the more likely they will begin to care, agree, and ultimately decide to give.
Digital Strategy Can Boost your Nonprofit to the Next Level
People order their pizzas and transportation on their phones nowadays. Why shouldn't they expect their favorite nonprofits to keep them informed that way too?By integrating a digital strategy into your overall outreach efforts, you can expand your nonprofit's reach. Online tactics will help you grow your audience, increase donations, and raise your brand awareness.Contact us for more information on building the perfect digital strategy, including video, for your nonprofit.
