How to get more men to respond to nonprofit appeals
Do you have any interest in getting more men to respond to your fundraising appeals? Or perhaps to your cause marketing efforts? If you answered yes, then you may want to read an article I found in...
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Donors do the Fundraising
I’ve watched a few “commercials” on public television that do a solid job of getting donors to fundraise. What do I mean? They profile a donor who has named PBS in their Will (or some form of planned...
View ArticleCommunicating too much results in communicating little, or nothing at all
There’s only so much that can be effectively communicated in a single direct mail letter, email, or page of web copy. But let’s stick with direct mail for today. Let’s say you’re sending a letter to...
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The thrill of response. The agony of silence.
Sending out a nonprofit marketing campaign and hearing nothing but crickets chirping is deflating. The silence and lack of response is agony. It’s also costly. Ever considered that the low response is...
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Bore your nonprofit readers in 11 different ways
Puzzled as to why your donors, members and advocates aren’t responding in droves? Wondering why those great letters, emails, and web stories seem to fall on deaf ears? You might be boring them. Copy...
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Data fades. Just like fireworks in the sky.
Why does a copywriter have “data” as the topic of her blog post? Because quality data . . . diverse, accurate information on donors and members . . . is information that allows me to write stronger...
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‘Cause it makes good sense to team up
It’s good business sense to team up with a retailer or other for-profit company to help your nonprofit cause. Yup. Cause-marketing is alive and well. And it’s also a way to boost your year-end...
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Thank you gifts LOWER donations [Study]
A number of charities try to encourage donations by offering a reward – a thank you gift. Examples include National Public Radio (NPR), Public Broadcasting System (national, regional and local PBS...
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Awareness Fundraising Could Be Risky
Surrender success when you "ask" for money to raise awareness Asking donors to support your cause so you can “raise awareness” might prove risky to your nonprofit. How so? A study by the University of...
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Nonprofit Trends for 2013 – Collection of Predictions
What is the outlook for the nonprofit sector in 2013 and beyond? What do you need to do in order to keep your mission thriving and your doors open? What changes will you need to make and adapt to? This...
View ArticleFollow the Straight and Narrow
Did you ever receive that advice from your parents while growing up? In broad terms it means that staying out of trouble leads to a more rewarding and successful life. And doing the “right thing” is...
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Path to Donor-Centric Copy
Whether writing to donors of your charity, members of your association, or any other supporter of your nonprofit … your marketing copy must be centered on the reader. For simplicity in this post I’ll...
View ArticleBest Time to Ask a Major Donor for that First Gift
If you’re trying to get that first gift from a prospective major donor, what’s the best time of day to meet with them? Based on research outlined in Neuromarketing blog, avoid the times right before...
View ArticleWe really don’t know you
I received a telemarketing call last week from a charity. However, it took some effort to figure that out. At first she only identified herself as Rachel and asked how I was doing. I was puzzled. She...
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5 Most Common Mistakes in Fundraising Copy
Although my complete list of common mistakes in fundraising copy is much longer, these five mistakes top the list. All types and sizes of organizations are guilty: Large and small, charities and...
View ArticleIs “Friend-Raising” Really the Best Way?
I’ve been wondering lately if we’re taking the concept of “friend-raising” too literally. And when the concept is taken too literally I believe the risk of offending prospects and donors increases. If...
View ArticleWhat are they saying behind your back?
Ever wonder what donors, members and prospects say behind your back? Every wonder how they feel about the experience they have with your nonprofit? Are their thoughts pleasant? Or are they bitter?...
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5 Steps to Speedy Fundraising Response
There are many reasons why you might need donors and members to respond quickly. And one of the best channels for achieving fast response is email. (Okay; the other rapid response channel is mobile...
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Power To The Copy! Simple copy, that is.
Write short sentences. Use few adjectives. Keep it simple. Get higher response. Power to the copy! That opening paragraph is known as writing in the imperative voice or mood. It gets attention because...
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Insanity or a happy world?
The other day I was watching my neighbor rake up leaves in her yard. As she raked, her two toddlers giggled and ran about jumping into the piles of leaves again and again. Mom didn’t mind because they...
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