Yes, I know you’re educated and sophisticated. And so is your organization.
Just don’t let all that coolness show up in your fundraising.
The Marketsmart blog looks at the need for simple messaging at Why you should simply make your planned giving messages simple:
Supporters of your mission can get sophistication from a bottle of wine or a good book. But when it comes to your letters, they just want to know what the problem is and how they can help. You won’t impress anyone by complicating your appeal. And you won’t insult them if you make it simple.
It’s a lot harder to communicate simply. And a lot of fundraisers make it even harder for themselves because their pride in their own sophistication drives them to show off.
It’s rude. It’s boorish. And it’s not an effective way to raise funds.
Keep it simple!
Filed under Future Fund Raising Now by on Mar 6th, 2013. Comment.
The most painful number in online fundraising is the gap between the number of people who arrive on a giving page and the number who actually complete the process of giving. Those people presumably intended to give, but something went awry.
You should do everything possible to make sure that whatever went wrong wasn’t your fault. Here are some ideas from npEngage on ways to keep donors on your donation page until they’ve donated (You have been abandoned):
- Include as few fields as possible
- Avoid a “review & confirm” step in the donation process
- Include a prominent security badge
- Remove captchas
- Include a short but compelling message on the form
- Use single-page forms
- Make sure your forms display well on mobile devices
Filed under Future Fund Raising Now by on Feb 27th, 2013. Comment.
It is an accepted and often taken for granted, and thus not mentioned, that any technique you use in your business on the internet is only as effective as the person using it.
There are so many varied and highly unique methods to be found with online business, such as Scientific Commissions for example. There is also no surprise that any marketing method will produce widely different results.
The mistake that is usually made happens when a person looks at the method and thinks all that is needed is to copy it or use it based on what they have read. Everything you will ever do in business does not exist in isolation and draws from different directions.
If you are familiar with testing and tracking, then you have a very good idea that the small pieces we mentioned are what you test with any type of campaign.
Everybody dreams of being his or her own boss. Many people start an Internet Marketing business to achieve just that. Financial freedom, at least the possibility of it, is what they want to achieve. Almost everybody wants to quit their day job at some point. Several factors are involved, leading people toward an Internet Marketing career. So when you go to a job that you do not like, and force yourself to do the work everyday, this can be hard to do! Both experienced and new Internet Marketers tend to have problems staying motivated. It just seems to be human nature. In this article we’ll teach you a few techniques you can use to keep your motivation levels high.
Don’t try to just “wing it” all day long, but have a schedule. This can be as easy as a list of things that you need to accomplish every day to keep your business on track. Beyond just a list of tasks, you should also create a timetable, so you can allot a certain amount of time for each item. You won’t have to worry about forgetting to do something, or make excuses to avoid unpleasant tasks, as you’ll have your schedule in front of you all day. You may not need to write everything down forever, as once you become accustomed to a certain schedule, it will be natural for you to stick to it. This helps you become efficient even when no one else is around to arrange your schedule for you! Form a list of diminutive issues that you must take care of. These tasks can be as minor as re-adjusting your desk chair, checking email or organizing notes from a project. Taking care of the slight items is the objective here. Nothing is too diminutive to go on this list. Yes indeed, you will most likely remember that you should get those things done however jotting them down is still important. It is important to write down all of your tasks that need to completed, even if you think you might not forget them. More noteworthy when you get them down on paper, you can eventually cross through them. Even if they seem minor, crossing items off your list can really increase your motivation. It could provide you with the vigor needed to move on toward the larger projects that you’re been steering clear of.
Map out your goals and keep that map somewhere handy. The easiest way to do this is to choose a great big goal that you want to accomplish, like making enough money through Internet Marketing to quit your day job, and then break it down into smaller and smaller chunks. The next thing to do is start out with the smallest section and move forward from there. This lets you see plainly how you are making steps toward attaining your grander goals. When you can see how much progress you’ve already made, it gives you the motivation to keep working.
Many different things can affect your motivational levels, but only if you allow them to. Hopefully this article has shown you several things that can help you stay focused and motivated as you pursue the goals that you have. This information is just a glimpse of what is available. Finally, just keep trying. The harder you try, the quicker you will find the motivational strategies that work best for you.
Filed under Chris Stoddard by on May 11th, 2012. Comment.
Filed under Nicva by on Oct 14th, 2011. Comment.
It’s hard to raise funds. Harder than it used to be, harder than you want it to be. And it’s not getting any easier.
What do you do? A lot of things, but one of them is make darn sure you’re connecting with your donors.
The Queer Ideas blog has some superb ideas about making it in tough times, at If you think stewarding donors is expensive, try ignoring their needs instead.
Here are three brilliant suggestions for holding on to your donors even when times are hard:
- Drop your ‘luxury’ communications. (“those communications which might please charity staff, but do nothing for donors.”)
- Re-double your efforts to find great stories.
- Ask donors for what they can afford.
Check it out. Read the whole post and get busy.
Filed under Future Fund Raising Now by on Sep 28th, 2011. Comment.