We’ve talked to lots of nonprofits about how their editorial calendars develop over time, and we’ve identified three major drivers behind them. These drivers are not actual people, but rather how your nonprofit approaches its mission and, in turn, how that affects your communications. If it helps, you can think of these concepts as cartoon…
Every year in January, we release the Nonprofit Communications Trends Report. But, naturally, there are quite a few steps that come before that, including developing the list of questions, which we are starting on now. Some questions are perennial, like: Which communications channels are most important? How often will you communicate via print and…
“Sharing Your Progress” season is coming up fast. That’s when you talk about the highlights and victories of your year, and thank donors for helping you make it happen. We usually see these communications start in mid-November, peaking around Thanksgiving, and then leading into year-end appeals. Regardless of the format that your communications take, you’ll…
I hope everyone had a good week. Please join me for some Mixed Links… Let’s kick things off with some bold thinking. If you’re trying to get your nonprofit to appear less wishy-washy, you will appreciate this comic The Power of Polarization. Jonathan Simmons encourages new thinking and collaboration in Five Ways Charity Leaders Can Encourage…
Are you getting ready for Giving Tuesday? A little lost on where to start? The good news is, so many organizations want to help you succeed (and, let’s face it, use their product, too), that there’s no shortage of help for beginners. From case studies to campaign planners, webinars to checklists, there’s a lot of free…
I am so ready for the weekend. Let’s distract ourselves with some Mixed Links… Mary Cahalane is hosting September’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival and is taking submissions. The theme will be How Do You Say Thanks. Beth Kanter has more advice on productive meetings – this time she talks about how you can be a better…
Your reaction when your Executive Director says, “This looks TOO nice.” via GIPHY Heard this one before? The theory is that donors will think you wasted their money if any of your communications look like they cost you cash money to produce them. This theory holds that all of that money should be going to programs…
Welcome to the August edition of the Nonprofit Blog Carnival! We’re glad you’re here. Our topic for this month’s roundup is how you share progress and communicate accomplishments to your supporters. Annual Reports Ayda Sanver answers the question Do Your Really Need to Print an Annual Report? In this post, Reporting Impact, consultant Rebecca Davis, PhD,…
Good Friday to you, good people! Shall we indulge in some Mixed Links… John Haydon shares the good news that nonprofits can now add a “donate” button to their Facebook Page and Ads. (Want to learn more about using Facebook Ads for your nonprofit, join John for Fundraising with Facebook Ads – Going Beyond Just Boosting…
Every time I teach a Twitter class, I’m surprised at how many seasoned Twitter users DON’T use lists. A Twitter list is a curated group of Twitter users. It is an incredibly useful feature that makes Twitter much more manageable. You can create your own lists or subscribe to lists created by others. Here’s the help section…
You absolutely need to include contact information in your emails (and other forms of communication). Including a first name in your email subject lines and greetings instantly personalizes your message and warms the reader to its content. It’s an email marketing best practice. But lots of times the only contact information you have is an email…
I hear comments like these all the time — and these are real comments from our recent survey . . . I spend too much time doing things that aren’t important and don’t have time left for what really matters. My “do this eventually” list is growing and out of control. I am…
