We’ve all read those mission statements or fundraising appeals that seem to have smart ideas, but when you take a closer look you realize they just have a lot of words. Shorter is nearly always better. Replace these wordy phrases with their concise alternatives. a majority of = most a sufficient amount of = enough…
Our contributing writer Antionette Kerr is working on a new e-book on both storybanking and photobanking — how you collect, store and organize your stories and photos. She’s got some great how-tos and resources pulled together. But it’s missing your real-world stories and data. So we need your help! Can you take this quick survey…
You can’t just add a “Donate” button to your nonprofit’s website and expect it to be successful. Join us this week for Writing a Donor-Centered Website with Tom Ahern. This will be the only time this series is offered in 2016. Many online gifts are impulse purchases. So any number of things can detract a…
Are you telling a bunch of great little stories in your communications that don’t really seem to add up to much? You are likely missing a larger story arc. I’ll be speaking at the 2016 Nonprofit Storytelling Conference in Chicago in November (early bird registration ends this Friday!). I’ll talk about how to take all…
Here’s how to ask, train, support, and reward the front-line folks who have the greatest access to 5-star stories! Join me to learn How to Jumpstart Your Story-Gathering Team Thursday, June 30, 1-2PM Eastern Stories are one of the easiest (and one of the most useful) types of insights your team can gather. And, when…
I’ll be speaking at the 2016 Nonprofit Storytelling Conference in Chicago in November (early bird registration ends June 30!). One of the topics I will cover is what you actually do with the great stories you’ve written. How do you build them into your editorial calendar so you get the most out of them? I…
Is your writing dry and boring? A lot of nonprofit messaging is. Eliminating jargon and overall wordiness is a great place to start, but here are 20 more ways that you can bring your writing back to life. 1. Use more descriptive nouns and verbs. Don’t say child when you can say teenager or toddler…
Need some new ideas for your newsletter, blog, or social media? Consider one of these five summer-inspired themes: 1) Summer Heat. How does hot weather impact your services or your clients? Can you offer advice to your readers about anything related to summer heat? Humane societies can offer tips for keeping pets cool. Agencies that address…
Want to get your supporters pumped? Try a “Share Your Story” page on your website. A “Share Your Story” page gives you an ongoing (or short term) opportunity to collect inspirational stories that support your mission, move decision makers toward change, and motivate donors to give to your cause. “Share Your Story” shows supporters that they matter, …
If you want people to sign up for your email newsletter, you have to give them a reason to do it. What’s the value? What’s in it for them? Here are three e-news sign-up boxes on website home pages that I recently came across and why I like each approach . . . Amnesty International…
Sending a petition, pledge or other advocacy call to action to your email list? Try one of these tried-and-true words and phrases to get the open, click and completion! I’ve combed thousands of emails from top advocacy organizations to get these phrases that work…so you don’t have to! And if you’re interested in learning more about…
I love writing email appeals — diving deep into an issue, learning about the inspiring work that nonprofits do, and weaving words that inspire generosity. When I teach others how to write email appeals — through webinars, trainings and consulting work — I get peppered with questions. Some about content, but a lot about mechanics. A good…
