In this digital age, nonprofits need effective tools and strategies to help them engage donors and corporate sponsors. With any given issue, a nonprofit must first determine its most pressing concerns – whether it’s fundraising or community engagement – and then develop plans to address those concerns. By identifying the best tools available, a non-profit can not only increase donations, but it can also take the community by storm and make a positive impact on its immediate surroundings. Some of the most essential tools and proven non-profit marketing strategies include:
Events Marketing Strategies
Digital marketing has revolutionized the way people interact, both online and off. It allows for interactive communication between the group and its supporters while at the same time generating high amounts of traffic. These days, increasing attendance for your concert fundraiser or annual gala requires an online events marketing strategy using a variety of channels and methods to spread the word. These tactics include engaging website design, digital ads, digital ticketing, social media promotional competitions, and more. If you’re in need of a digital marketing specialist to plan your entire campaign or just create specific materials, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to access highly skilled independent consultants or boutique agencies.
Targeted Website Design and Content
Nonprofits looking to increase donations and awareness should definitely consider content that increases transparency and appeals to the interests of members and potential donors . Generally, all websites should be user-friendly with a clean layout and high-quality images, but design elements are just the basics of a good non-profit website. A website with compelling copy will attract sponsors and generate donations faster than one that doesn’t communicate a clear mission or call-to-action. Three ways to improve your web content and encourage corporate and community support are:
Disclose how you plan to use donations – research shows that donors are more likely to make a contribution when they know specific details about what it costs to fund your programs or initiatives. So, creating a video, infographic, or web page about how much it costs for each child to attend a free summer athletic program will generate more donations in the long run.
Share third-party endorsements – reputation plays a major role in building trust among supporters and getting sponsors with deep pockets to spend their marketing dollars with your organization. Testimonials from other sponsors and high-profile partners can drive online visitors to your donation page or sponsorship packet.
Streamline the donation process – there are many donor management software and crowdfunding platforms you can use to simplify the fundraising process for you and your supporters. Displaying donate and sponsor buttons with an appealing call to action can help you convert more leads and reach your goals.
Virtual Events
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that events marketing, whether in-person or online, is a key component to effectively raising funds for your non-profit. Not only will it help you get the word out about your organization, but it will also increase the number of people that visit your website and foster relationships with national sponsors that are looking to reach a larger online audience. Popular fundraising events that you can host online are virtual concerts, virtual book clubs, virtual movie nights, virtual auctions, or a virtual conference.
Digital Press Kit
Another helpful tool that is often overlooked by many non-profit managers is a digital press kit. A press kit contains everything that a donor or potential donor needs to know about your organization. It is a complete representation of your brand, and it is often the first impression for potential donors and media. The advantage of having a press kit is that it is easy to distribute to the right target audience, and it will give them valuable information about your cause or mission. There are a variety of free online marketing tools, like Smartsheet, Canva, and Adobe, that you can use to create an eye-catching press kit.
As you can see, there are many different tools available for promoting a non-profit organization. These tools can be used to improve the look and performance of your website, as well as create an online presence that is more attractive and appealing to donors and prospective supporters. Using these tools, your non-profit can increase donations and patrons, as well as attract new members from all around the world. Use online marketing strategies wisely, and make sure that your website and other marketing materials are appealing to prospective donors and supporters.