Why Video is a Powerful Storytelling Tool

Used correctly, video can build stronger relationships, raise funds, raise awareness, recruit volunteers, and on it goes.  However, creating an EFFECTIVE video requires the same attention to detail that any acquisition or renewal direct mail campaign demands.  This includes the requirement for clear messaging accentuated by relevant pictures (still or moving pictures), and a clear […]

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Social Media Icons and the Nonprofit Homepage

The home page of ANY website – charity, association, for-profit, etc. – is prime real estate.  What goes where, color schemes, style sheets, primary call-to-action for the page, rotating content, and so on are just a few of the main design considerations. A recent blog post by Nonprofit Tech 2.0 briefly discussed where social media […]

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Raise money with appeal letters that are “appealing”

Every single communication with your subscribers, donors, members, advocates, and prospects must be appealing TO THEM. They’ll respond when it’s memorable.  They’ll respond when . . . o You make donors feel special.  They want what everyone else is having … only different. o They get more attention than the person sitting next to them. o They’re noticed, […]

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Crank Up the Facebook Heat

The oppressive above-average heat wave hitting the mid-Atlantic region inspired today’s post. Crank up the heat.  Become more intense and add more fire to your efforts to write donor-centric (or member-centric) updates on Facebook. Naturally I want you to do this across the board on ALL your communications.  But today the focus is on Facebook. Here […]

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Honoring Fallen Heroes – Memorial Day, May 30

Here in the United States we honor the service and sacrifice of those who died while wearing our nation’s uniform on Memorial Day.  Throughout history over 1.1 million military men and women have fallen. In 2011 Memorial Day will be observed on this coming Monday, May 30th (always on the last Monday of May).  It’s also […]

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What to say and how often to say it

Two recent posts from friends and colleagues cover two critical view points or strategies.  I’ll hit the highlights here but I urge you to read the full post on each of their blogs. 1 – Your nonprofit website and branding By Sarah Durham in The Duck Call One of the main points Sarah made in […]

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You’re annoying subscribers

An experience with an association triggered this post.  But I have no doubt it applies to a number of charities as well. It illustrates the importance of making everything EASY for your members, donors, advocates, subscribers, volunteers, etc.  And how important it is to think like they do.  View their interactions with you FROM THEIR […]

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When to send email

Best answer on when your nonprofit ought to send out email is to TEST. No two organizations are alike.  Therefore frame your strategy around a plan to test frequently. Look at your data.  When do you get the highest open rates, click-through-rates, and conversions? I’ll remind you that your content also influences response.  Just be […]

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When you need to raise $5K, $12K or more … fast

As the saying goes, “Dig your well before you need the water.”  In other words, there’s preparation and advance cultivation needed if you want dependable results. I think you’ll see what I mean when you read the cartoon below.  The cartoon also answers HOW to raise the money quickly when needed. Go here to find several […]

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Chapter 2 of Nonprofit Storytelling

Did you miss the first chapter – When to tell a story (Chapter 1)? Catch it here. Today I’ll cover the basic building blocks of a memorable story (per Peter Gruber, CEO of Mandalay Entertainment Group and former studio chief at Columbia Pictures). A compelling and memorable story has Challenge, Struggle, and Resolution. It takes […]

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