Digital Marketing Therapy: Recent Episodes
Sami Bedell-Mulhern
Digital Marketing Therapy supports nonprofits in raising more money online. Learn ways to utilize your website, social media, content and email marketing to support your online fundraising and retention efforts.
Are you making the most of your nonprofit's content? In this episode, I sit down with TJ Robertson, founder of TJ Digital, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your content repurposing strategy. We discuss innovative ways to leverage AI tools that can help you connect with donors, save time, and stretch your budget.
Harnessing AI for Efficient Content Repurposing TJ shares insights on: - Creating a comprehensive brand guide using AI assistance - Developing a “brand ambassador” AI to maintain consistency across teams - Turning one piece of content into multiple formats for various platforms - Overcoming the fear of on-camera content creation
Practical Applications for Nonprofits Discover how AI can help you: - Craft consistent messaging across different departments - Repurpose video content into blog posts, social media updates, and more - Streamline your content creation process - Expand your reach with multi-platform distribution
Addressing Common Concerns We tackle important questions about: - Getting started with AI tools if you're feeling behind - Maintaining authenticity when using AI-generated content - Balancing efficiency with quality in your content strategy
Building Trust Through Video Content TJ recommends practical strategies for: - Overcoming camera shyness and creating authentic video content - Leveraging short-form video to stand out in a crowded digital landscape - Using video to build trust with your audience at scale
Whether you're new to AI or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you leverage technology in your nonprofit's content strategy. Learn how to create more engaging content, save time, and stretch your resources further.
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 06:28 Creating a Brand Bible with AI Learn how to develop a comprehensive guide for consistent messaging across your organization.
12:47 Repurposing Content Across Platforms Discover how to turn one piece of content into multiple formats for maximum reach.
19:36 Overcoming Video Content Hesitation Explore strategies for creating authentic video content that builds trust with your audience.
26:15 Integrating AI into Your Workflow Understand how to incorporate AI tools into your daily tasks for increased efficiency.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can ethically and effectively utilize AI to amplify your nonprofit's message and reach more supporters. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to content creation and distribution.
TJ Robertson Meet TJ Robertson, founder of TJ Digital—an agency dedicated to helping small and medium businesses stand out in today’s AI-driven world. With 16 years in digital marketing, TJ is passionate about transparency, results, and making sure clients show up where it matters most: in AI-powered platforms like Google, ChatGPT, and TikTok. Outside of work, he’s a husband, dad of three, and a fan of board games and camping.
Learn more at tjrobertson.com https://www.youtube.com/@UCXo0fazQabsLonrHH4t9fBg https://www.instagram.com/tjrobertsondigital/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-robertson-seo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@tjrobertson52?refer=creator_embed https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-robertson-seo/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you feeling overwhelmed as you gear up for the busy season? In this solo episode, I'm here to offer a much-needed pep talk and share some powerful mindset shifts to help you navigate the challenges ahead. As we transition from summer mode to year-end campaigns, it's crucial to approach our work with renewed focus and energy.
Embracing Imperfection in Your Nonprofit's Communications Let's talk about the paralyzing effects of perfectionism and how it can hinder your progress. I share: - Why minor mistakes in emails or social media posts aren't the end of the world - How to turn communication mishaps into opportunities for engagement - The importance of moving forward despite imperfections
Harnessing the Power of Collaboration Drawing inspiration from recent marketing phenomena, we explore: - Strategies for creating buzz around your campaigns through partnerships - How to make it easy for collaborators to amplify your message - The impact of coordinated marketing efforts in your local community
Staying True to Your Foundation When things get hectic, it's essential to: - Focus on consistent, foundational activities that drive long-term success - Avoid getting caught up in the comparison game - Remember that small, daily actions lead to significant results over time
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways. 06:22 Turning Mistakes into Opportunities Learn how to reframe communication errors as chances for deeper donor engagement.
12:15 Collaborative Marketing Strategies Discover ways to create a ripple effect in your community through strategic partnerships.
19:30 Maintaining Focus on Core Activities Understand the importance of consistent, foundational work in achieving your nonprofit's goals.
Don't miss this opportunity to reset your mindset and approach the busy season with renewed clarity and purpose. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your perspective on nonprofit leadership and impact.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you making the most of your website visitors? In this episode, I sit down with Abby James from Nonprofit Megaphone to explore innovative ways to connect with people who've shown interest in your organization. We discuss how to leverage website visitor data ethically and effectively to grow your supporter base and enhance your fundraising efforts.
Overcoming the “Creepy Factor” Abby shares insights on: - Why collecting visitor information isn't as invasive as you might think - How to approach outreach in a way that feels authentic and valuable - Balancing personalization with privacy concerns
Practical Strategies for Engagement Discover actionable advice for nurturing relationships with website visitors: - Crafting a welcoming initial email that sets clear expectations - Developing a consistent communication strategy beyond the first contact - Using segmentation to tailor your messaging effectively
Maximizing the Value of Visitor Data Learn how to: - Identify potential business partners and volunteers from your website traffic - Use visitor information to refine your programs and services - Leverage data for both online and offline marketing efforts
Getting Started with Visitor Engagement We address key considerations for implementing a visitor outreach strategy: - Essential tools and platforms to simplify the process - How to involve different departments in utilizing visitor data - Setting clear goals for your engagement funnel
Whether you're new to digital marketing or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you turn website visits into meaningful connections and support for your mission.
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key moments: 05:40 Ethical Considerations Explore the balance between personalization and privacy in visitor outreach.
12:15 Crafting Effective Welcome Emails Learn how to make a strong first impression that encourages further engagement.
19:30 Data-Driven Decision Making Discover how visitor information can inform your organizational strategy and program development.
26:45 Building a Sustainable Engagement Funnel Understand how to create a journey that guides visitors towards deeper involvement with your nonprofit.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can ethically and effectively utilize your website visitor data to grow your nonprofit's impact. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to supporter engagement and fundraising.
Abby James Abby has been immersed in the Google Ad Grant world for over 5 years, holding various positions at Nonprofit Megaphone. Nonprofit Megaphone is a Google Certified Partner and manages more than 750 Google Ad Grant accounts for nonprofits. With her experience in managing accounts and background in marketing and development, she now consults with nonprofits every day on how to fully utilize this program and amplify their missions!
Learn more at nonprofitmegaphone.com https://www.facebook.com/nonprofitmegaphone/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofitmegaphone
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you struggling to attract more visitors to your nonprofit's website? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO, to explore the power of search engine optimization (SEO) for mission-driven organizations. We discuss why SEO is a crucial long-term strategy for increasing your online visibility and connecting with potential donors and supporters.
Building a Foundation for Sustainable Growth Steven shares insights on: - Why SEO is like investing in your retirement account for your nonprofit - The importance of patience and consistency in your SEO efforts - How to balance short-term paid strategies with long-term organic growth
Practical SEO Strategies for Nonprofits Discover actionable advice for improving your website's search rankings: - Crafting content that aligns with what your audience is actually searching for - Leveraging free tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics - Optimizing your Google Business Profile for local nonprofits
Measuring Success and Adapting Your Approach Learn how to: - Track your SEO progress using key metrics and tools - Identify which content is resonating with your audience - Adjust your strategy based on real data and user behavior
Overcoming Common SEO Challenges We address potential hurdles in implementing an SEO strategy: - Balancing SEO efforts with other marketing priorities - Staying motivated during the initial “sandbox” period for new websites - Adapting to changes in search engine algorithms and user behavior
Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you increase your nonprofit's online visibility and connect with more supporters.
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 06:28 Understanding Organic vs. Paid Traffic Learn the difference between organic search results and paid advertising, and how they can work together in your digital strategy.
12:15 Essential SEO Tools for Nonprofits Discover free and paid resources to help you research keywords, analyze your website's performance, and track your progress.
19:36 Creating Content That Ranks Explore strategies for developing blog posts and web pages that address your audience's needs and align with popular search terms.
26:15 Optimizing for Local Search Understand how to leverage your Google Business Profile to improve visibility for local nonprofits and events.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how SEO can help your nonprofit reach more people and make a bigger impact. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to online visibility and donor engagement.
Resources Google Ad Grant: https://www.google.com/grants/ Google Search Console & Analytics: https://search.google.com/search-console/about SEMRush: https://www.semrush.com/ Ahrefs: https://ahrefs.com/
Steven Schneider Steven is co-founder and CEO at TrioSEO, an agency that helps B2B brands design and implement ROI-focused SEO strategies.
Before TrioSEO, he co-owned a portfolio of 40 blogs, managed 400 articles monthly, and scaled to 7 figures via SEO – no paid ads, social media, or other strategies.
Today, TrioSEO creates content that converts browsers into buyers. Their team manages everything – the process is 100% hands-off for founders and CMOs
Learn more at TrioSEO.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneis/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your nonprofit's workload? In this episode, I sit down with Karen King, founder of Gold Star Pro, to explore how automation can revolutionize your organization's productivity and give you back precious time to focus on your mission.
Embracing Automation Without Losing the Human Touch Karen shares valuable insights on: - Why automation doesn't mean depersonalization - How to create personalized experiences at scale - Balancing efficiency with authenticity in your communications
Streamlining Your Nonprofit's Processes Discover practical strategies for: - Identifying tasks that can be automated - Creating a roadmap for implementing automation - Leveraging data to make informed decisions
Overcoming Common Automation Hurdles We address key concerns, including: - Maintaining consistency in your messaging - Ensuring quality control in automated processes - Freeing up time for strategic thinking and creativity
Getting Started with Automation Learn how to: - Map out your current processes - Identify areas for improvement - Choose the right tools for your organization's needs
Whether you're a small grassroots organization or an established nonprofit, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on how to work smarter, not harder. Don't miss this opportunity to explore strategies that could transform your approach to productivity and impact.
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 06:28 Mapping Your Processes Learn why creating a roadmap is crucial before implementing any automation tools.
12:47 Personalization in Automation Discover how to maintain a human touch while leveraging technology for efficiency.
19:36 Data-Driven Decision Making Explore how automation can provide valuable insights to guide your strategy.
26:15 Consistency and Trust-Building Understand how automation can help you maintain a consistent presence and build trust with your audience.
Don't let burnout hold your nonprofit back. Tune in to learn how automation can help you create more impact while reclaiming your time and energy.
Resources Worldschooling Central: A community founded by Karen King, helping families educate their children through travel.: https://www.worldschoolingcentral.com/
The Escapepreneur: Another program by Karen King, teaching entrepreneurs how to design businesses that fund their ideal lifestyle.: https://www.theescapepreneur.com/
Karen King Karen King is a visionary entrepreneur, world traveler, and founder of Gold Star Pro—a platform and coaching program designed to help solopreneurs and coaches build scalable, location-independent businesses. With over a decade of experience in technology coaching and marketing, Karen specializes in simplifying business automation so her clients can focus on creating freedom, not just revenue.
After leaving corporate burnout behind, Karen sold everything to travel the world with her family, embracing a “world schooling” lifestyle for nearly a decade. This journey inspired her to launch Worldschooling Central, a 13,000-member community helping families educate their children through travel. Now, she merges her expertise in business automation with her passion for freedom through The Escapreneur Movement—a program teaching entrepreneurs how to design businesses that fund their ideal lifestyles.
Learn more at usegoldstar.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/worldschoolingcentral https://www.instagram.com/gold.star.pro/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-e-king/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you struggling to create engaging video content for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with John Gargiulo, founder and CEO of Air Post, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your video production process. We discuss innovative ways to leverage AI tools that can help you connect with donors, save time, and stretch your budget.
Harnessing AI for Impactful Video Creation John shares insights on: - Using AI to generate realistic video content from text prompts - Repurposing existing footage with AI-powered editing tools - Creating personalized video messages at scale - Translating video content into multiple languages effortlessly
Practical Applications for Nonprofits Discover how AI can help you: - Craft compelling fundraising event videos - Produce Netflix-quality content on a shoestring budget - Streamline your video editing process - Expand your reach with multilingual content
Addressing Ethical Concerns We tackle important questions about: - Maintaining authenticity when using AI-generated content - Balancing efficiency with transparency - Communicating your use of AI tools to stakeholders
Getting Started with AI Video Tools John recommends practical tools for: - Creating AI avatars for spokesperson videos - Enhancing video quality and removing filler words - Generating storyboards and scripts
Whether you're a seasoned video creator or just starting out, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you leverage AI in your nonprofit's video strategy. Learn how to create more engaging content, save time, and stretch your resources further.
What to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 03:54 The Excitement of AI in Video Production There have been rapid advancements in AI video technology, especially with Google's VO3 as a significant leap forward. AI can now create realistic videos with sound, opening up new possibilities for content creation.
06:22 Authentic Use of AI in Nonprofit Video Production You can use AI to repurpose existing footage, create personalized videos, and translate content into multiple languages. This allows for better efficiency and expanded reach.
12:40 The Future of AI in Video Production AI is revolutionizing video production, replacing traditional methods. AI helps you create high-quality, Netflix-level content at the click of a button, opening up new possibilities for nonprofits to create compelling video narratives.
15:54 AI Tools and Job Security in Content Creation AI won't replace human creativity but will act as a highly capable assistant. Human input in content creation will always be critical.
19:21 Recommended AI Video Tools and Final Thoughts There are several AI video tools for different purposes, from caption generation to avatar creation. Experiment with AI tools and communicate with them effectively.
John Gargiulo Founder and CEO of Airpost, an AI-driven platform automating video ad production. Former Global Product Marketing Lead at Airbnb, where he launched and scaled new products and features for millions of hosts and guests. Seasoned marketer with over 15 years of experience in creative direction, digital marketing, and online advertising. Frequent speaker on the future of AI in marketing, user-generated content, and advanced creative strategies for consumer brands in ecommerce, fintech, and mobile
Learn more at Airpost.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gargiulo/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you looking to boost your nonprofit's fundraising efforts and connect with more donors? In this episode, I sit down with Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, to explore the power of event fundraising in 2025 and beyond.
Roger shares his wealth of experience in helping organizations create successful fundraising events, from galas to golf tournaments. We discuss why events are becoming increasingly important for nonprofits of all sizes, especially in an uncertain funding landscape.
Crafting Events That Resonate Discover practical strategies for: - Tailoring your event to your specific audience - Balancing cost-effectiveness with donor expectations - Leveraging technology to streamline your auction process
Maximizing Impact Without Breaking the Bank Roger offers insights on: - Creative alternatives to traditional galas - Engaging donors through interactive experiences - Using data to inform your event planning decisions
Building Long-Term Fundraising Success Learn how to: - Create a sustainable event strategy that grows with your organization - Use software to build institutional memory and improve year-over-year results - Balance the needs of different stakeholders in your event planning process
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to event planning, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you create memorable experiences that inspire generosity and build lasting relationships with your supporters.
Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways: 05:40 Tailoring Events to Your Audience Learn how to research and design events that resonate with your specific donor base.
12:15 Leveraging Technology for Better Results Discover how software can help you track data, improve decision-making, and streamline your event processes.
19:30 Creative Fundraising Ideas Explore unique event concepts that can energize your supporters and set you apart from traditional galas.
26:45 Building a Sustainable Event Strategy Understand how to create an event program that grows with your organization and adapts to changing donor needs.
Roger Devine Roger Devine has led a life based on service, communication, education, and entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, he has spent the past 20 years assisting and advising local and national nonprofit organizations and charities on how to grow their programs and ensure financial stability through fundraising events, such as gala auctions, golf tournaments, and trivia nights.
In addition to assisting organizations across the country, Roger has personally chaired dozens of fundraising events for his kid's schools, his Rotary Club, and Pacific Northwest nonprofits focused on causes such as building schools in rural communities, matching US military veterans with service dogs, and pandemic relief.
Learn more at schoolauction.net
Sign up for a FREE Trail: https://my.schoolauction.net/registrations/new?product_id=281&aff_id=firstclick
https://www.facebook.com/SchoolAuction https://www.pinterest.com/schoolauction/ https://www.instagram.com/SchoolAuction/ https://twitter.com/schoolauction?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the buzz around AI and wondering how it fits into your nonprofit's digital strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Arti Anand, an AI automation expert, to demystify the role of artificial intelligence in personalizing donor engagement and streamlining operations.
Embracing AI Without Losing the Human Touch - How AI can enhance, not replace, genuine connections with donors - Strategies for maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation - The importance of transparency when implementing AI tools
Practical Applications for Nonprofits - Using AI for efficient proposal generation and follow-ups - Implementing AI voice agents for improved donor communication - Leveraging ChatGPT for problem-solving and strategic planning
Overcoming Implementation Challenges - Start small and iterate your AI strategy - Train AI tools effectively using your organization's unique data - Balance automation with human oversight for optimal results
Addressing Common Concerns - Maintaining personalization in automated communications - Ensuring AI aligns with your nonprofit's values and mission - Communicating the benefits of AI to donors and stakeholders
Whether you're AI-curious or skeptical, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit technology. Discover how embracing AI can free up your team to focus on what matters most – making a meaningful impact in your community.
Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways: 03:31 AI as a Tool for Personal and Business Growth It is important to identify what brings joy and generates income, then using AI and automation to handle necessary tasks that don't fall into those categories. This approach allows for better time management and increased productivity.
11:05 Balancing Automation and Personalization There are concerns about AI and automation leading to depersonalization. Start with what works manually, then automate 80% of it. This approach saves time and increases productivity while still maintaining quality through human supervision. Pay attention to the iterative nature of implementing AI solutions in business.
18:20 Understanding AI Agents and Their Applications There are different types of automations, including linear, AI-powered, and AI agents. AI agents can be used in businesses, such as replacing receptionists for appointment booking. It's important to have proper training and data input for effective AI implementation.
24:26 Transparency and Practical Implementation of AI Transparency is so important when using AI in organizations. Communicate the use of AI to stakeholders, emphasizing its benefits. Attach AI implementation to specific outcomes that solve pain points for users.
28:10 Getting Started with AI in Business Start by describing the problem and desired outcome to ChatGPT, then consulting with multiple vendors. The importance of asking the right questions and starting with a proof of concept is important.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge on harnessing AI to enhance your nonprofit's efficiency and donor engagement. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to digital strategy and fundraising.
Resources Follow Aarti on Insta and DM her FC-Pod to receive her playbook to adopt AI.
Aarti Anand After years of building SaaS products, Aarti saw businesses wasting time on outdated, manual prospecting and thought, “This is broken.” With AI on the rise, she knew the answer wasn't more outreach—it was smarter automation.
Now, Aarti is on a mission to help businesses ditch the grind and scale faster. No more chasing leads that go nowhere—just an AI-driven system that works while you sleep.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartianand82/ https://www.instagram.com/aartianand82/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you looking for innovative ways to boost your nonprofit's revenue and expand your reach? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked strategy of affiliate marketing and how it can benefit mission-driven organizations. I sit down with Aya Hesham, CEO of Vivian Agency, to uncover the potential of strategic partnerships that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.
Demystifying Affiliate Marketing for Nonprofits Aya breaks down the concept of affiliate marketing and explains why it's a powerful tool for nonprofits: - Creating mutually beneficial partnerships with aligned businesses - Generating additional revenue streams without compromising your mission - Offering supporters new ways to contribute to your cause
Finding the Right Partners Discover practical strategies for identifying and approaching potential affiliate partners: - Analyzing your audience to determine relevant products and services - Leveraging affiliate networks to streamline the process - Ensuring partners align with your organization's values and mission
Implementing Affiliate Marketing with Authenticity Learn how to integrate affiliate partnerships into your nonprofit's communication strategy: - Crafting genuine stories around recommended products - Balancing promotional content with your core messaging - Testing and refining your approach to maximize engagement
Overcoming Common Concerns We address potential hesitations about affiliate marketing in the nonprofit sector: - Maintaining ethical standards and transparency - Focusing on value-add for your audience rather than “pushing” products - Viewing partnerships as an extension of your mission, not just a revenue source
Whether you're a small grassroots organization or an established nonprofit, this conversation offers fresh insights on diversifying your income streams while providing additional value to your supporters. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a strategy that could transform your approach to partnerships and sustainability.
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 05:23 Identifying Relevant Affiliate Opportunities Learn how to research and select partners that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.
12:47 Crafting Authentic Promotional Content Discover strategies for sharing affiliate offers in a way that feels genuine and adds value to your community.
19:36 Integrating Affiliate Marketing into Your Strategy Explore practical tips for incorporating affiliate partnerships into your existing communication channels and content plan.
26:15 Scaling Your Affiliate Program Understand the time investment required and how to grow your affiliate marketing efforts sustainably.
Aya Hesham Turning Partnerships into profit, Aya helps brands scale their revenue and visibility through strategic Affiliate & Influencer partnerships. As the CEO of Vivian Agency, she leads a team of top specialists dedicated to building communities for brands by connecting ambassadors and their audiences to the products they love.
Learn more at VivianAgency.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivianagency/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-elrahman-saad-799638213/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you struggling to connect with major donors and secure those game-changing gifts for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with Ellen Christine Ruiters, a nonprofit leadership and fundraising consultant who has helped great causes raise over a billion dollars globally. Ellen shares her insights on building authentic relationships with high-net-worth donors and creating a strategic approach to major gift fundraising.
Shifting the Mindset: From Asking to Partnering Ellen emphasizes the importance of viewing major donors as strategic partners rather than simply sources of funding. We explore: - Why today's donors want to be heard, understood, and involved in problem-solving - The power of engagement design in creating meaningful donor experiences - How to balance donor input with maintaining your organization's mission and direction
Practical Strategies for Cultivating Major Gifts Discover actionable advice for nurturing relationships with potential major donors: - How to identify and engage with donors who are ready to increase their giving - The art of asking thoughtful questions and truly listening to donor motivations - Creating personalized stewardship plans that respect donors' preferences
Leveraging Donor Insights for Organizational Growth Ellen shares a brilliant strategy for involving donors in your nonprofit's development: - How to conduct donor interviews that provide valuable feedback and insights - Using donor input to shape your organization's growth strategy - Turning engaged supporters into potential board members and major gift donors
Whether you're new to major gift fundraising or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you build stronger, more authentic relationships with your top supporters.
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 06:28 Crafting Effective Donor Conversations Learn how to ask the right questions and truly listen to donor motivations, creating a foundation for meaningful partnerships.
19:38 Personalizing Donor Engagement Discover strategies for tailoring your approach to each donor's preferences and communication style.
30:47 Turning Donor Feedback into Action Explore Ellen's powerful technique for using donor insights to shape your organization's growth strategy and cultivate deeper commitment.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to major gift fundraising and create lasting partnerships with your most impactful supporters.
Resources One:One and Team coaching. Join my MasterMind Group. Listeners can have FREE access to my course. The Thriving Nonprofit Leader: https://theideallife.com/the-thriving-nonprofit-leader/
Ellen Christine Ruiters Ellen Christine understands the challenges of nonprofit leadership because she’s been there. A nonprofit founder turned leadership and fundraising consultant, she has helped great causes raise over $1 billion globally.
Through culture-building, high-net-worth donor strategies, and impactful storytelling, Ellen empowers nonprofits and their leaders to thrive.
Her program, The Thriving Nonprofit Leader, helps organizations and their teams rediscover joy in their work while attracting more high-impact donors.
Learn more at TheThrivingNonprofitLeader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-christine-ruiters/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you struggling to cut through the noise and truly connect with your donors? In this episode, I sit down with Jake Sucoff, founder and CEO of Patient Procure, to explore the art of crafting compelling impact stories that resonate with your audience.
Jake shares his passion for helping organizations translate their mission into powerful narratives that inspire action. We discuss:
The Power of Personal Stories - Why leading with individual stories is more effective than overwhelming statistics - How to identify and develop your organization's core impact narratives - Strategies for tailoring your message to different stakeholder groups
Creating a Holistic Impact Strategy - Integrating your impact stories across all communication channels - Balancing detailed information with concise, engaging content - Tips for repurposing content to maximize your storytelling efforts
Overcoming Common Pitfalls - Why under-communicating is often a bigger risk than over-communicating - How to simplify your message without losing its power - The importance of staying human-focused in a world of algorithms
Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit marketer or just starting to develop your impact strategy, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you share your mission more effectively and connect with the hearts of your supporters.
Wanna Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways: 06:46 Crafting Relatable Impact Stories It's important to create stories that are universally relatable and tailor them to specific audiences. The power of personal narratives over statistics in conveying impact and emotional connection is crucial.
15:23 Simplifying Impact Communication for Nonprofit Leaders Focus on the core mission and impact rather than getting overwhelmed by marketing technicalities. Simplify the message and get back to the fundamental “why” of the organization.
26:51 Human-Centric Approach to Impact Storytelling Focus on human connection in storytelling, rather than getting caught up in metrics or algorithms. Speak directly to their audience and prioritize quality over quantity.
Jake Sucoff Jake is an entrepreneur, marketer, and 4 time best man. He's the founder and CEO of Patient Procure, a marketing agency that specializes in helping medical practices book their ideal patients and keep them coming back. PatPro leverages exceptional content, storytelling, and technology to create reliable patient funnels so practitioners can focus on what they do best- caring for patients.
Jake's career spans 15 years of building and launching products across diverse markets – including B2B SaaS, enterprise healthcare, a startup incubator and loyalty rewards hardware. He's spent these years working directly with C-suite executives, pitching in high-pressure environments, and using data to influence decisions.
Jake's real passion is his family, friends and music. He's constantly tinkering with automation and AI these days so he can spend less time in the office and more time with the people he loves.
Learn more at heyjakey.com www.patientprocure.com https://www.instagram.com/jakesucoff/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsucoff/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you making the most of your nonprofit's public relations efforts? In this episode, I sit down with Aquila Mendez, founder of Haute in Texas PR and marketing agency, to explore how organizations can maximize their PR strategies and create lasting impact.
The Evolution of Public Relations - How PR has become more integrated with marketing - The importance of building relationships with media outlets - Strategies for crafting compelling, newsworthy stories
Maximizing Your PR Efforts - Repurposing press releases across multiple channels - Creating a crisis communication plan before you need it - Leveraging thought leadership to build credibility
Crafting Effective Pitches - Focusing on superlatives and data points - Using clear, jargon-free language - Highlighting the true impact on your community
Building Strong Agency Partnerships - What to look for when hiring a PR agency - Questions to ask potential partners - The importance of trust and alignment in agency relationships
Whether you're just starting to explore PR or looking to refine your existing strategy, this episode provides valuable insights to help your nonprofit amplify its message and reach new audiences.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert and take your organization's storytelling to the next level. Tune in now and discover how to harness the power of public relations for your cause.
Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Key Takeaways: 04:09 The Changing Landscape of PR Public relations has evolved to work more closely with marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and relationship-building. 11:49 Crafting Effective Press Releases Learn strategies for creating press releases that resonate with media outlets, including the importance of being prepared with supporting materials. 19:38 Pitching Media Successfully Discover the key elements of an effective media pitch, including focusing on superlatives, data points, and clear, jargon-free language. 28:25 Choosing the Right PR Partner What to look for when hiring a PR agency, including understanding their philosophy and approach to measuring ROI.
Aquila Mendez Valdez Aquila is the Founder of Haute in Texas, an award-winning PR and Marketing agency. She’s been asked to speak to audiences across the US, Europe and Asia, and has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek and The Telegraph, in addition to numerous TV appearances and podcasts. Her blog collaborations and client roster feature some of the world’s biggest brands, including Vogue, Prada, Lincoln, Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott, Orangetheory. She is also the founder of Haute in Network Agencies, a franchise model to help other women own their own agencies, and was named a San Antonio Biz Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.
Learn more at hitpr.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Growing pains are an inevitable part of any organization's journey, whether you're a nonprofit or a tech startup. In this episode, I sit down with Deirdre Tshien, co-founder and CEO of Capsho, to explore the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business in the ever-evolving AI landscape.
Navigating the Ups and Downs of Growth Deirdre shares her candid experiences of: - Pivoting and refining Capsho's focus in response to market changes - Balancing innovation with staying true to the company's core mission - Overcoming the temptation to please everyone and learning to say “no”
The Power of Listening to Your Audience Discover why tuning into your community's needs is crucial for sustainable growth: - How Capsho uses customer feedback to guide product development - The importance of validating ideas before investing resources - Strategies for prioritizing features that truly serve your audience
Staying Focused in a Competitive Landscape Deirdre offers insights on: - Managing imposter syndrome when faced with new competitors - The value of “staying in your own lane” and focusing on your unique strengths - Cultivating an abundance mindset in a crowded market
Lessons for Nonprofits While Capsho isn't a nonprofit, Deirdre's experiences offer valuable takeaways for mission-driven organizations: - The importance of setting clear priorities and avoiding mission drift - How to approach growth opportunities with a critical eye - Balancing innovation with staying true to your core purpose
Whether you're considering a new initiative, struggling with decision-making, or feeling overwhelmed by competition, this conversation will inspire you to approach growth with intention and confidence.
Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways. 04:40 Mindset for Growth and Scalability Explore the mindset needed for business growth, focusing on setting immediate, achievable goals rather than long-term projections. It is import to stay adaptable in rapidly changing industries and maintain focus on core objectives while managing growth. 09:20 Focusing on Core Mission and Adapting to Market Changes Capsho when through a journey of refining its product and target audience. It's always important to stay true to the company's mission while being responsive to market changes and customer needs. Discusses strategies for prioritizing development and expansion decisions. 17:57 Validating Ideas and Prioritizing Resources It's Important to validate new ideas through customer willingness to pay. Explore strategies for prioritizing limited resources and the challenges of saying no to seemingly good opportunities that don't align with core objectives. 24:09 Listening to Users and Managing Competition Listen to paying customers for product development decisions. Manage imposter syndrome and stay focused on your own goals in a competitive market. Tune out the noise and stay true to your mission.
Deirdre Tshien Deirdre Tshien is the Co-founder & CEO of Capsho, the fastest way to get clients from your content!
Capsho is an AI-Powered Content Marketer that helps entrepreneurs who podcast, vlog and livestream create repurposed content that converts. From one audio or video upload, Capsho helps create title & description, social media posts, blog post, lead magnet checklist, LinkedIn Newsletters, images and short video clips.
She is the creator of The Honey Trap Method, author of Honey Trap Marketing and host of the Win the Content Game. She is a 2023 Honoree of the 100 Women to KNOW in America.
Learn more at capsho.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and on the brink of burnout in your nonprofit work? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Rob Tracz, a personal performance coach dedicated to helping driven individuals achieve success without sacrificing their well-being.
Rob shares his powerful journey from severe burnout to becoming a champion for sustainable success. He reveals how his relentless pursuit of “shadow success” led to deteriorating relationships, declining health, and missed opportunities with loved ones.
Key Insights on Preventing Burnout Learn practical strategies to recognize and combat burnout: - Identifying early warning signs in your routine and habits - The importance of intentional consumption – both nutritional and digital - Creating a support system through the “team triangle” concept - Balancing challenge and recovery in your work
Supporting Your Team and Organization Discover how leaders can foster a culture that prevents burnout: - The critical role of open communication and psychological safety - Implementing seasons of intensity and recovery in your organizational calendar - Leading by example in prioritizing well-being Personal Strategies for Thriving Rob offers actionable advice for individuals: - Introducing small, manageable challenges to reignite motivation - Leveraging your personal values and strengths to guide decision-making - Building a network of mentors, peers, and cheerleaders for support
Whether you're a nonprofit leader looking to support your team or an individual seeking to reclaim your passion and energy, this episode provides valuable insights to help you thrive in your mission-driven work.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to create sustainable success and avoid the pitfalls of burnout. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to work and life.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 04:09 Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout Rob shares personal indicators he overlooked, including falling into mundane routines and neglecting intentional consumption habits. 14:38 The Team Triangle Concept Learn about creating a support system with mentors, peers, and cheerleaders to navigate challenges and maintain accountability. 22:39 Balancing Push and Recovery Strategies for determining when to persevere through challenges and when it's time to pivot or let go. 28:53 Creating a Culture of Well-being Tips for leaders on fostering an environment that prioritizes communication, support, and sustainable success.
Rob Tracz Rob Tracz is a Personal Performance Coach who specializes in guiding driven individuals through the challenges of balancing success with personal well-being.
With his unique approach, Rob helps business owners, leaders, and professionals break through stagnation, align their personal and professional goals, and create sustainable success. His coaching is built on six core principles—Resilience, Intentionality, Clarity, Optimization, Social Support, and Opportunity—giving his clients the tools they need to thrive under pressure while maintaining a fulfilling life.
Beyond coaching, Rob is an engaging speaker, strategist, and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping others unlock their full potential without sacrificing what matters most.
Learn more at RobTracz.com & SurvivingtheSideHustle.com http://instagram.com/robtracz
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you considering building a website for your nonprofit but feeling overwhelmed by the options? In this episode, I sit down with Becky Launder, co-founder of Oh My High, to discuss the essential factors you should consider before embarking on your website journey.
Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Website Becky emphasizes the importance of having a website for credibility and round-the-clock visibility. We explore how a well-crafted site can: - Showcase your services and impact - Share testimonials - Collect leads and donations 24/7
Key Considerations Before Building Before you start, think about: - How your organization might evolve over time - Your technical skills and available time - Functionality needs (e-commerce, email marketing, donation forms) - Budget constraints
Understanding Website Jargon We break down common terms like domain names, hosting, and plugins to help you navigate the technical landscape with confidence.
The Oh My Hi Difference Discover how Oh My Hi offers: - User-friendly templates - Robust features for nonprofits - Affordable pricing options - Exceptional customer support and community
Taking Action Ready to get started? We share resources and a special offer to help you launch your nonprofit website quickly and effectively.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain clarity on your website strategy and find a solution that aligns with your nonprofit's mission and budget. Tune in for insights that will set your organization up for online success.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 01:12 The Importance of Websites for Businesses Websites are crucial for credibility, showcasing services, and working 24/7 to collect leads and provide information to potential customers or supporters. 03:25 Considerations Before Building a Website Discussion on factors to consider before creating or rebuilding a website, including future changes, DIY vs. hiring experts, functionality needs, and integration with existing tools. 11:49 Oh My Hi Platform Introduction Oh My Hi is a user-friendly website platform with built-in support and community features, designed for non-technical users. It't not for for e-commerce heavy businesses but very advantageous for nonprofits because you can easily embed your donation form.
Resources View the NonProfit Template: https://demo-nonprofit.ohmyhi.com/?aff=197 Learn More about Oh My Hi: https://ohmyhi.com/?aff=197#pricingstrategy ohmyhi.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you struggling to attract the right donors and volunteers to your nonprofit? The secret might lie in your organization's vision and mission statements. These foundational elements are more than just corporate jargon – they're powerful tools that can transform your fundraising efforts and organizational impact.
In this eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Dan Johnson, a seasoned nonprofit coach who has raised over $3 million for new nonprofits and helped turn around struggling organizations. Dan shares his expertise on crafting compelling vision and mission statements that resonate with donors and align with your organization's goals.
Why Vision and Mission Statements Matter Dan reveals why these often overlooked elements are crucial for nonprofit success:
- They provide clarity and focus for your organization's efforts - They help attract donors and volunteers who share your values - They guide decision-making and strategic planning - They differentiate your nonprofit from others in the same space
Key Insights on Crafting Effective Statements Learn how to create vision and mission statements that drive results:
- The five essential components of a powerful nonprofit vision - How to craft a problem statement that resonates with donors - Tips for creating a mission statement that highlights your unique approach - The importance of incorporating specific, measurable goals
Putting Your Vision into Action Discover practical strategies for integrating your vision and mission into every aspect of your organization:
- How to use your statements in marketing and fundraising efforts - Ways to incorporate your vision into staff and volunteer onboarding - Tips for regularly reviewing and refining your statements
Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your nonprofit's approach to vision and mission statements. Tune in to gain insights that will help you attract the right supporters, increase your impact, and create lasting change in your community.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 06:28 Crafting an Effective Problem Statement Get specific about the issue being addressed, talking to those affected, and using their language. A well-crafted problem statement helps donors connect emotionally and understand the organization's unique approach to creating change. 19:38 Setting Measurable Goals and Staying Focused Include specific, measurable goals in vision statements to drive accountability. Stay focused on the core problem and not getting distracted by unrelated opportunities. Regular review of vision and goals helps keep your organization on track. 30:47 Developing Effective Value Statements Another role of value statements is in attracting and retaining staff and volunteers. Limit values to three core principles and including specific ways the organization upholds them. This approach helps create accountability and ensures the desired culture is maintained. 34:51 Crafting a Unique Mission Statement An effective mission statement clearly communicates an organization's unique approach. Explicitly state what makes the nonprofit different from others addressing similar issues, which can help with fundraising and marketing efforts.
Dan Johnson Dan is a nonprofit coach that helps business owners and professionals create nonprofits that last. Dan has raised over $3 million for new nonprofits, turned around several struggling organizations, and helped over 30 nonprofit leaders create sustainable nonprofits.
Dan is a 4x nonprofit founder, former impact evaluator, and nonprofit coach. He grew his first nonprofit to 10,000 volunteers nationwide in 3 years, and has created federal and state policy change on numerous issues. Dan’s work has been featured in The Nonprofit Communications Report, CNN, The Chicago Tribune, The Examiner, Mic Magazine and organizations he’s helped have been featured in national outlets including Vanity Fair, the New York Times, and hundreds of local news stories.
Dan developed the 5 Levels of Sustainability to give new nonprofit leaders a pathway to creating a nonprofit that lasts. He serves nonprofit leaders through 1:1 and group coaching programs. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and two sons, Alex and Leo, and is a long-suffering fan of Detroit Lions football.
Learn more at https://nextlevelnonprofits.us https://www.facebook.com/chngthewrld https://www.tiktok.com/@npmentor https://www.youtube.com/@nlnonprofits
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you looking to create a steady stream of income for your nonprofit? Monthly giving programs might be the answer you've been searching for. In this episode, I'm joined by Katherine Lacefield, a seasoned philanthropic consultant with over 20 years of experience, to explore the power of recurring donations.
Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program - Creating a compelling narrative around your program - Crafting an exclusive experience for monthly donors - Implementing effective stewardship strategies
Strategies for Growing Your Monthly Donor Base - Targeting existing donors for conversion - Segmenting your audience for personalized outreach - Leveraging year-end campaigns to boost monthly giving
Retaining and Engaging Monthly Donors - Tracking key metrics for program health - Conducting exit surveys to improve retention - Making the giving experience fun and memorable
One of Katherine's standout tips? Don't wait for perfection. Launch your program and refine it as you go. Remember, if you don't believe in the value of monthly donations to your organization, how can you expect others to?
Whether you're considering starting a monthly giving program or looking to revamp an existing one, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you create a sustainable source of funding for your nonprofit.
Ready to take your fundraising to the next level? Tune in now and discover how to build a thriving community of monthly supporters for your cause.
Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways: 03:28 Exploring the Benefits of Monthly Giving The advantages of monthly giving programs for nonprofit are consistent finances, operational stability, and sustainability. Its cost-effective and a great long-term value for organizations. 08:18 Crafting an Effective Monthly Giving Campaign Create a separate donation page, name the program, and develop stewardship strategies. It's also so important to build relationships with donors and suggests personalizing communication to increase retention and engagement. 15:49 Strategies for Growing Monthly Donor Programs To start building your program start with existing donors. Segment your database and craft a compelling story. Get an example of a client that converted on-time donors into monthly donors and how clear communication and goal-setting is impactful. 24:47 Tracking and Improving Monthly Donor Retention Monitoring monthly donor retention and gathering feedback is critical to the health of the program. Track donor longevity, reasons for leaving, and overall satisfaction. Even if someone stops being a monthly donor, maintaining relationships is important to encourage future support. 28:25 Final Tips for Successful Monthly Giving Programs Build confidence in your organization's mission, don't waiting for perfection before launching, and making the donor experience fun and engaging. Build personal connections with donors and think creatively about fundraising approaches.
Katherine Lacefield Katherine Lacefield is a trusted partner in the philanthropic space, leveraging over 20 years of experience empowering organizations and individuals to bring about positive impact in their communities. Her knowledge and expertise span many areas, from overall fundraising strategy, monthly donations, major donation campaigns, and peer-to-peer, to a nuanced understanding of the global grantmaking landscape, animal welfare and rights, and sustainable development. She is the founder of Just Be Cause Consulting and the host of the Just Be Cause Podcast.
Learn more at www.justbecause.consulting Threads: https://www.threads.net/@just.because.consulting?xmt=AQGzrTxxXpSOESIRL4Q6G-lzM-EGknSAHAJ7m51p3yMirJw Podcast: http://www.justbecause.consulting/podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mac-donald/ https://www.facebook.com/JustBeCauseConsulting https://www.instagram.com/just.because.consulting/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Can you believe it? We've hit a major milestone – 300 episodes of the Digital Marketing Therapy Podcast! To celebrate this incredible journey, I'm taking you on a whirlwind tour of our top 15 episodes, packed with actionable insights and strategies to elevate your nonprofit's digital marketing game.
From crafting compelling year-end emails to leveraging AI for content creation, we're covering a diverse range of topics that have resonated most with our listeners. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.
Practical Tips and Strategies As we reflect on these top episodes, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible guests, loyal listeners, and the wealth of knowledge we've shared together. This journey has been about more than just digital marketing – it's about building a community of passionate nonprofit professionals dedicated to making a difference.
Looking Ahead We're not stopping at 300! I'm excited to continue bringing you fresh insights, practical strategies, and inspiring stories to help your nonprofit thrive in the digital landscape. If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes.
Thank you for being part of this amazing journey. Here's to the next 300 episodes of Digital Marketing Therapy!
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: #15 – EP 201 [03:34] | How to Market Your Monthly Giving Program #14 – EP 194 [05:52] | 7 Ways to Maximize Calls to Action on Your Website #13 – EP 132 [09:28] | Mastering Local SEO with Wendall Jordan #12 – EP 58 [13:45] | My Dad and Business Part II : Innovation #11 – EP 76 [16:23] | Taking an In Person Event on Line with United Way #10 – EP 24 [20:10] | Sales Funnels with Cody Burch #9 – EP 200 [24:33] | How to Increase the Annual Value of Monthly Donors with Patrick Kirby #8 – EP 273 [28:07] | Crafting the Perfect Year End Emails with Vanessa Chase Lockshin #7 -EP 205 [34:03] | Using AI to Create Content with Scott Bywater #6 – EP 196 [38:10] | 6 Ways Your Website May be Hurting Your Organization with Dani MacGregor #5 – EP 196 [40:44] | Time to Jump Into LinkedIn #4 – EP 128 [43:10] | Creating Campaigns with Stories with Vanessa Chase Lockshin #3 – EP 219 [45:45] | Leveraging Social Media for Better Connections with Amanda Kohal #2 – EP 251 [49:15] | Coming up with Content Ideas for Short Form Video #1 – Ep 236 [53:25] | Minimizing Your Limiting Beliefs with Tracy Pleschourt
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
In a world dominated by digital marketing, it's easy to overlook the power of traditional methods. But what if I told you that one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience is sitting right in your mailbox?
Direct mail remains a potent tool for nonprofits to generate brand awareness, target new audiences, and communicate impact. In this episode, I'm joined by Wilson Zehr, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in high technology and telecom, to explore the untapped potential of direct mail for nonprofit organizations.
Why Direct Mail Still Matters Wilson shares compelling reasons why direct mail should be an integral part of your nonprofit's marketing strategy: - Unparalleled reach: Direct mail can access every household and business in America, six days a week - Proactive communication: Unlike digital methods, direct mail allows you to initiate conversations when it's most relevant - Precise audience targeting: Tailor your message to specific demographics with remarkable accuracy - Built into daily routines: People are accustomed to checking their mail, making it a non-intrusive form of marketing
Creative Approaches to Direct Mail Gone are the days of boring postcards. Wilson introduces us to various direct mail formats that can help your nonprofit stand out: - Standard postcards: Cost-effective for simple messages - Jumbo postcards: More space for impactful visuals and messaging - Self-mailers: Ideal for conveying more detailed information - Letters: Perfect for personalized, in-depth communication - Snap packs: Intriguing format that encourages opens
Key Elements of Effective Direct Mail Wilson breaks down the formula for direct mail success: - 70% list selection - 20% offer - 10% creative elements
By focusing on these components, you can craft direct mail pieces that resonate with your audience and drive action.
Integrating Direct Mail with Your Overall Strategy Learn how to seamlessly incorporate direct mail into your nonprofit's marketing mix: - Complement digital efforts for a holistic approach - Use direct mail to validate and reinforce online messaging - Leverage the tangibility of mail pieces for lasting impact
Are you ready to revolutionize your nonprofit's outreach? Tune in to discover how direct mail can become your secret weapon for connecting with donors, sharing your story, and making a lasting impression.
04:09 Why Direct Mail Matters in Fundraising Direct mail offers unique benefits: reaching every household reliably, proactive communication, precise audience targeting, and integration into daily routines. With an average return of $12 for every dollar invested, direct mail remains a valuable part of a holistic marketing strategy for nonprofits. 09:38 Creative Direct Mail Strategies Wilson shares a case study of a successful school bond campaign using targeted direct mail alongside other marketing channels. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring messages to different audience segments and timing mailings strategically to maximize impact and voter engagement. 14:06 Direct Mail Formats and Best Practices Various direct mail exist, including postcards, self-mailers, letters, and snap packs. While there are pros and cons of each format choosing the right option is based on message complexity and audience preferences. 23:02 Crafting Effective Direct Mail Pieces The key to successful direct mail is understanding your audience, crafting a compelling offer, and creating eye-catching visuals. Segmentation, targeting, and aligning messaging with audience values to drive conversions and engagement.
Dr. Wilson Zehr Dr. Wilson Zehr has 20+ years’ experience in high technology and telecom – over a decade working with Internet-related (SaaS) products and services. He started his career as a Software Engineer; then expanded into full life-cycle product marketing, program management, strategic alliances, executive leadership, consulting, and teaching at the university level.
Over the course of his career, Wilson has created numerous new products/brands and successfully brought them to market. Wilson has established and managed strategic alliances with a number of the world’s largest technology and communications firms. He is a serial entrepreneur who has been part of, started, or advised, more than a dozen technology startups. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Zairmail (www.zairmail.com), Cendix (www.cendix.com), and Eastern Oregon Ventures (www.easternoregonventures.com).
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
As your nonprofit grows, the question of how to manage your marketing efforts becomes increasingly crucial. Should you hire a contractor, bring marketing in-house, or maintain a mix of both? In this episode, we explore the intricacies of building and expanding your marketing team, offering insights on when and how to make these pivotal decisions.
Our guest, Kasper Sierslev, brings a wealth of experience from both agency and in-house perspectives. As a visionary thought leader in marketing operations, Casper shares valuable strategies for nonprofits at various stages of growth. Key Insights on Marketing Team Development - The importance of balancing in-house expertise with external perspectives - How to determine which marketing functions to bring in-house first - Strategies for effective collaboration between internal teams and external agencies - The value of documenting processes and creating annual marketing plans Building Your Marketing Dream Team Casper suggests starting with a small, versatile team:
- A digital graphic designer for visual content creation - A copywriter to maintain consistent messaging and brand voice
This foundation allows you to handle day-to-day marketing tasks while still leveraging external expertise for specialized projects or campaigns.
Maximizing Agency Partnerships When working with external agencies, Casper recommends:
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Clearly defining project scope and expectations - Fostering transparent communication and collaboration - Utilizing agencies for their unique insights and industry trends - Balancing agency work with in-house capabilities for cost-effectiveness Streamlining Your Marketing Operations To create more time for creative work, Casper emphasizes the importance of:
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Mapping out processes and creating playbooks - Batching content creation for efficiency - Regularly reviewing and refining your marketing strategies
By implementing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your marketing team's structure and capabilities, ultimately driving more effective campaigns and better results for your nonprofit. Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 07:12 Building Your Initial Marketing Team Start with a digital graphic designer and copywriter as your foundation for handling day-to-day marketing tasks.
15:38 Balancing In-House and External Resources Learn how to effectively collaborate with agencies while maintaining control over your marketing strategy.
23:05 Streamlining Marketing Operations Discover techniques for creating efficient processes that free up time for creative work and strategic thinking.
29:47 Embracing Creative Ideas Understand the power of innovative thinking in marketing and how to prioritize creativity in your campaigns.
Kasper Sierslev Kasper Sierslev is not just a marketer; he's a visionary thought leader dedicated to transforming in-house marketing and creative collaboration. Kasper's journey is a testament to his commitment to sharing knowledge and nurturing creativity, not solely for client acquisition, but for the elevation of the entire industry.
As the founder of a company that helps brands establish and fortify in-house competencies, Kasper brings a wealth of experience. His extensive background encompasses pivotal roles in respected brand agencies, as well as steering his own startup and overseeing global campaigns for one of the world's largest shipping companies. This multifaceted experience equips him with a unique perspective, allowing him to effortlessly bridge the gap between diverse industry landscapes.
Kasper's passion for in-house marketing is palpable, evident in his best-selling book, “Moving In-House. (https://moving-in-house.com/the-book)”
Learn more at https://zite.agency https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaspersierslev/ https://www.instagram.com/cphillustrated/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you struggling to engage visitors on your nonprofit's website? You're not alone. Many organizations find it challenging to tell their story effectively online, often missing the mark when it comes to showcasing the true impact of their work.
In this episode, I'm joined by Daniel Molina, an accomplished marketing professional and entrepreneur, to discuss strategies for creating a compelling online presence that resonates with donors, volunteers, and those seeking help.
Key Insights on Website Engagement - The power of video in storytelling and emotional connection - Balancing short-form and long-form content for maximum impact - Creating a redemptive narrative that inspires action - Transparency in fundraising and project goals - Avoiding political pitfalls in your messaging
Crafting Your Nonprofit's Story Daniel emphasizes the importance of a three-part storytelling approach:
- Highlight the issue with relevant statistics - Present your organization's solution - Showcase the fruits of your efforts
By following this structure, you can create content that not only informs but also motivates visitors to get involved.
Practical Tips for Website Optimization - Use video to capture attention and convey emotion quickly - Offer multiple engagement options: volunteer, donate, and seek help - Create project-specific fundraising goals to give donors a sense of ownership - Ensure your content remains timeless to avoid frequent updates
“Don't have this black box that no one knows what's in it. You want to make sure that you are fully transparent and people know where the money is going, who's involved.” – Daniel Molina
This episode provides actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their digital presence. You'll learn how to create a website that not only informs but also inspires action, ultimately helping you further your mission and make a greater impact.
Ready to transform your nonprofit's online storytelling? Listen to the full episode for more valuable insights and strategies you can implement today.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 03:55 Crafting Compelling Website Content for Nonprofits Create a narrative that includes the problem, solution, and impact. Use video to capture attention and convey emotion, followed by photos and text. Transparency is so important. Right now avoid political stances, and focus on the organization's core mission to connect with donors on a human level.
18:48 Effective Calls-to-Action and Conversion Strategies Conversion strategies are important. Create multiple options beyond just donating. Provide ways for visitors to volunteer, get help, or sign up for newsletters. Show project progress and costs to give donors a sense of ownership and transparency in how their money is used.
Daniel Molina Daniel Molina is an accomplished marketing professional and entrepreneur, owning Red Palm Studios since 2002. With extensive experience and knowledge in the latest web trends, he has successfully worked with high-profile clients and small business startups, delivering maximum exposure. As a passionate entrepreneur, Daniel Molina believes in giving back to the community and making a positive impact. Through various initiatives and partnerships, he actively engages in community outreach, addressing social issues and supporting local causes. Daniel's dedication to creating a better society extends beyond business, demonstrating his commitment to improving lives and fostering a sense of unity.
Learn more at www.redpalm.us https://danielmolina.life/ https://www.instagram.com/danielmolinalife/ https://www.instagram.com/redpalmmarketing/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you ready to supercharge your nonprofit's digital marketing efforts? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Lewis, a seasoned marketer with 30 years of experience in copywriting and technology, to explore the game-changing potential of ChatGPT for small to medium-sized nonprofits.
We dive deep into how this powerful AI tool can become your 24/7 marketing consultant, helping you craft compelling content, conduct market research, and even run virtual focus groups – all without breaking the bank.
Unlocking ChatGPT's Potential for Nonprofits Steven shares invaluable insights on:
- How to use ChatGPT as a thought partner and consultant - Crafting the perfect prompts to get the results you need - Developing a unique tone of voice for your organization - Creating synthetic personas for risk-free testing and feedback
Key Takeaways: - ChatGPT isn't just for content creation – it's a versatile tool for strategy and research - Learn how to have meaningful “conversations” with the AI to refine your marketing approach - Discover how to leverage ChatGPT's vast knowledge base to understand your audience better - Find out how to use synthetic personas to test ideas without risking donor relationships
Practical Applications for Your Nonprofit - Use ChatGPT to develop and refine your organization's tone of voice - Create virtual focus groups to test new ideas and campaigns - Generate data-driven insights to support your marketing decisions - Streamline your content creation process while maintaining authenticity
This episode is packed with actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to make the most of AI technology in their digital marketing efforts. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to the world of AI, you'll find valuable strategies to elevate your nonprofit's online presence.
Ready to revolutionize your nonprofit's digital marketing strategy? Listen to the full episode and discover how ChatGPT can become your secret weapon in reaching and engaging your audience more effectively than ever before.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key moments: 09:30 Understanding ChatGPT: The Basics and Beyond ChatGPT is a large language model trained on vast amounts of data. Providing context helps shape ChatGPT's outputs. There is a lot of potential for ChatGPT to be a thought partner and consultant for businesses of all sizes.
24:34 Addressing Security Concerns and Developing Tone of Voice Be sure to balance proprietary information protection with leveraging ChatGPT's capabilities. Creating your tone of voice will help your prompts become even more effective.
35:57 Advanced ChatGPT Techniques: Synthetic Personas and Focus Groups Use ChatGPT to create synthetic personas for focus groups. This technique allows organizations to test ideas and content safely without risking real donor relationships. The approach provides valuable insights and data for decision-making.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how AI can transform your nonprofit's digital marketing efforts. Tune in now and take the first step towards a more efficient, effective, and data-driven marketing strategy.
Steven Lewis Steven Lewis is a marketer with 30 years of experience in copywriting and technology. His course Make ChatGPT Your CMO shows business owners how to turn ChatGPT into a 24/7 marketing consultant that gives expert advice tailored to their business.
Learn more at https://taleist.agency/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you ready to take your LinkedIn strategy to the next level? In this episode, we're diving deep into creative ways to boost your visibility and reach new audiences on the platform. Whether you're a nonprofit looking to connect with potential donors or a business aiming to grow your professional network, you'll find valuable insights to elevate your LinkedIn game.
Our guest, Peter Murphy Lewis, founder of Strategic Pete.com and fractional Chief Marketing Officer, shares his expertise on leveraging LinkedIn's features to maximize your impact. From automated connections to newsletters and live streaming, Peter unveils strategies that can transform your approach to this powerful professional network.
Key Takeaways: - Discover how to use automation tools for strategic connections - Learn the power of LinkedIn newsletters for repurposing content - Explore live streaming capabilities to engage your audience - Understand why authenticity trumps perfection in video content - Gain insights on repurposing content across platforms
Practical Tips for LinkedIn Success: - Utilize automation tools to connect with 15-30 people daily - Create a LinkedIn newsletter to repurpose existing content - Apply for creator status to access live streaming features - Embrace imperfection in your video content for authenticity - Implement a content strategy that spans from top to bottom of the funnel
Peter also shares a brilliant tactic for engaging with industry leaders and potential collaborators through strategic tagging in your newsletter content. This approach not only increases your visibility but also opens doors for meaningful professional relationships.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your LinkedIn strategy, this episode provides actionable advice to help you make the most of this platform. Remember, it's not about perfection – it's about consistency, authenticity, and providing value to your network.
Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence? Listen now and start implementing these strategies to expand your reach, build meaningful connections, and achieve your professional goals.
Want to skip ahead? [04:14] Video Content on LinkedIn: Authenticity Over Polish The importance of authenticity over polished production encourages users to embrace imperfections. It's more about being genuine and getting to know your connections and letting them get to know you.
[11:28] Repurposing Content and Newsletter Strategies Tagging keynote speakers, sharing job postings, and engaging with new subscribers will go a long way. Add value, increase visibility, and foster meaningful connections on the platform while using content you've already created.
Resources talkclip.app Quuu Promote: https://www.quuupromote.co/ Google Ad Grants: https://www.google.com/grants/ People Worth Caring About | Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8f4FVNBnlH8hC8VRCHG_Dvo3I0DuzZV6 Bob Speelman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-speelman Alana Sparrow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanasparrow Ep 289 | Power of Creating a Personal Brand on LinkedIn with Alex Thoric: https://www.thefirstclick.net/ep-289-power-of-creating-a-personal-brand-on-linkedin-with-alex-thoric/
Peter Murphy Lewis Peter Murphy Lewis is the innovative founder of StrategicPete.com and a respected fractional Chief Marketing Officer, skilled in turning complex marketing data into actionable strategies that boost revenue and growth. His expertise spans diverse sectors, including software, travel, media, zoos, and banks. As host of two TV shows and producer of a documentary, Peter combines strategic marketing with storytelling flair. Living with his family in a literal zoo, he is a trusted advisor for CEOs seeking to streamline marketing efforts and accelerate business outcomes.
Learn more at www.sbxproductions.com Book your free discovery call with Pete: https://strategicpete.com/audit/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/ https://www.youtube.com/@StrategicPete https://www.instagram.com/gringopeter/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you considering starting a podcast for your nonprofit but feeling overwhelmed by the process? You're not alone. Many organizations recognize the potential of podcasting as a powerful marketing tool but struggle with where to begin.
In this episode, I sit down with Vince Quinn, co-founder and creative director of SBX Productions, to explore the world of podcasting for nonprofits. Vince shares invaluable insights on how to leverage podcasts to amplify your organization's message, connect with donors, and streamline your marketing efforts.
Why Podcasting Matters for Nonprofits Vince emphasizes that podcasting isn't just another task to add to your already full plate. Instead, it's a versatile content creation machine that can: - Drive your entire marketing strategy - Repurpose content across multiple channels - Build trust with your audience - Provide networking opportunities Getting Started: Key Considerations Before you hit record, Vince recommends focusing on: - Alignment: Ensure your podcast concept aligns with your organization's mission and daily activities. - Pilot Testing: Create a few episodes privately to refine your process and ensure sustainability. - Content Planning: Use bullet points rather than scripts to keep conversations natural and engaging. - Time Management: Plan your recording and post-production schedule to stay consistent. Maximizing Your Podcast's Impact Vince shares strategies to make your podcast work harder for your nonprofit: - Invite key stakeholders: Feature donors, corporate sponsors, and beneficiaries to strengthen relationships and create powerful testimonials. - Repurpose content: Turn episodes into blog posts, social media content, and newsletters. - Network strategically: Use your podcast to connect with high-level contacts at partner organizations.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 11:55 Developing Your Podcast Concept and Strategy Your podcast can help drive messaging and build brand awareness. It can also help with bring in and feature donors. Understanding what you want your podcasts purpose is goes a long way. 18:04 Preparing for Podcast Episodes and Handling Interviews Prepping for your interviews is important, but be genuine. It doesn't need to be fully scripted. People want to hear conversations the are authentic and feel like they're hanging out with you in their living room. 24:07 Leveraging Podcasts for Networking and Sponsorships This can be a great way to highlight and feature your donors and sponsors. You can also interview people you've been wanting to connect with.
Resources: SquadCast Descript Opus Clip CapCut Vimeo
Vince Quinn Vince Quinn is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of SBX Productions, where he helps businesses and foundations start podcasts that power their marketing. He also hosts a podcast about the same thing, called It's Not Just Talking.
Learn more at www.sbxproductions.com
Podcast Pilot Program: https://calendly.com/vincequinn/intro-call-w-vince-quinn-podcast Quiz: https://sbxproductions.com/podcast-compass-quiz/ Podcast: https://sbxproductions.com/our-podcast/ Calendar: https://calendly.com/vincequinn/podcast-guest-booking https://www.instagram.com/sbxprod/ https://www.youtube.com/@sbxprod https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-quinn-7456114a/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
This episode is in partnership with thousands of other podcasts highlighting nonprofits this week!
Kristin Orphan, co-founder of Finally Home, an organization dedicated to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families. With over 20 years of experience, Kristin shares her journey of founding a nonprofit while navigating the challenges of being a foster and adoptive parent herself.
Kristin's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
She opens up about:
The Genesis of Finally Home - How personal experiences as foster and kinship parents led to identifying a crucial gap in support for families - The initial focus on marriage education for foster and adoptive couples - Balancing naivety and passion when starting a nonprofit
Navigating Challenges and Growth - Adapting to unexpected hurdles in building partnerships - The importance of staying true to your mission while remaining flexible in your methods - Lessons learned from pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic
Sustaining Passion and Preventing Burnout - The value of taking sabbaticals and delegating responsibilities - Creating a culture that encourages innovation and accepts failure - Balancing entrepreneurial vision with practical implementation
Looking Ahead to 2025 - Exciting developments in team leadership and virtual training programs - The joy of seeing team members flourish in their roles - Expanding reach through initiatives like the Family Journey show
Kristin's insights offer valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders, founders, and anyone passionate about making a difference. Her emphasis on building a strong team culture, embracing flexibility, and maintaining a sense of purpose provides a roadmap for sustainable impact.
Whether you're considering starting a nonprofit, facing burnout in your current role, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation with Kristin Orphan will rejuvenate your spirit and remind you of the profound impact one person's vision can have on countless lives.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 14:38 Building a Nonprofit Organization There are many surprises and challenges of starting a nonprofit, including the slower-than-expected process of building bridges with churches and other organizations. The importance of patience and staying true to the mission while remaining flexible in methods is crucial. 22:39 Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Passion Avoiding burnout can include things like taking sabbaticals, delegating responsibilities, and surrounding oneself with skilled team members. Don't think of yourself of being the center of the organization and allow others to lead and grow. 28:53 Future Plans and Team Development Finally Home's future is bright, particularly in developing team leadership and expanding virtual training programs. Fostering a culture that encourages creativity, allows for failure, and promotes open communication among team members is critical. 34:09 Encouragement for Nonprofit Leaders The importance of faith, obedience, and remembering that you are not alone in their work goes a long way. Take regular breaks and maintain perspective on you role in the larger mission.
Kristin Orphan Kristin Orphan holds a Master’s of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Family Dynamics and is. aCertified Family Life Educator. She is also an Adjunct University Professor in Psychology. Kristin is also the managing partner of Family Wellness Associates, and a Family Wellness Master Trainer. She is a worship leader and keynote speaker for special events and retreats nationwide. In her down time, Kristin enjoys writing as well as performing as a vocal artist.
Learn more at https://finallyhome.net/ https://www.facebook.com/FinallyHome.net
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you feeling uncertain about your nonprofit's digital marketing strategy? Wondering if you should stick with your current plan or pivot to something new? You're not alone. In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, it's crucial to strike a balance between consistency and adaptability.
What you'll learn: → The importance of documenting your marketing plan and sharing it with your team → How to balance long-term strategies (like SEO) with more nimble approaches (such as Google Ads) → Leveraging the $10,000 monthly Google Ad grant for nonprofits → Creating content that can be repurposed across multiple channels → The value of focusing on quality over quantity in your marketing efforts
Evaluating Your Marketing Efforts Corey shares his insights on how often you should review your marketing activities:
For ongoing campaigns: Evaluate at least quarterly, potentially monthly for high-volume efforts For specific events or initiatives: Conduct a retrospective after each occurrence Consider setting aside 5-10% of your budget for testing new ideas
“It's not about doing three blog posts a month and seven social media posts a week just because somebody said you should. It's about doing things with conviction and purpose.” – Corey Morris
This episode provides practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to refine their digital marketing approach. You'll learn how to make data-driven decisions, adapt to changes in your organization and industry, and ensure your marketing efforts align with your overall goals.
Ready to take your nonprofit's digital marketing to the next level? Listen to the full episode for more valuable insights and strategies you can implement today.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 05:46 Evaluating Marketing Strategies and Balancing Channels Having data behind your marketing strategies helps you understand what you keep doing and where you pivot. Creating a balance between long-term and more agile strategies can help you balance what you need now while working towards longer term projects.
13:27 Leveraging Google Ad Grants and Content Strategy When utilizing Google Ad Grants, create versatile content that can be used across multiple channels. Understand where your audience is and focus on quality over quantity in marketing efforts.
22:01 Adapting Marketing Strategies to Organizational Changes Adapt marketing strategies to align with changing organizational goals. The START framework emphasizes the need for strategy before tactics. Don't forget about the importance of connecting marketing efforts to organizational outcomes and preparing for unexpected “trigger events.”
30:07 Evaluating Marketing Efforts and Frequency of Review Review your marketing activities quarterly at a minimum, with more frequent reviews for high-volume campaigns. Balance consistent strategies with the flexibility to adapt to new opportunities or challenges.
Corey Morris Corey is an experienced industry speaker, best-selling author, and the owner/leader of VOLTAGE digital marketing agency.
His new book, The Digital Marketing Success Plan (available on Amazon), published in July 2024 and details why companies need a documented, objective, and accountable digital marketing plan in today's era of unprecedented change in the digital marketing industry. He provides the context for why having a plan is important, real stories, and “how to” content for creating and implementing a plan leveraging his five-step START Planning process.
Learn more at https://voltage.digital/corey-video-mtg https://www.facebook.com/voltagekc https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreymorris/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Sami Bedell-Mulhern and Ron Robinson discuss the importance of fundraising and marketing for nonprofits. Ron emphasizes the need for consistent communication and tracking efforts to maximize donations. He advises nonprofits to focus on simple, authentic messaging and to ask for specific needs, such as money for operational costs or specific items like coats. Ron suggests using tools like HubSpot to track conversations and improve outreach. He also highlights the importance of staying top of mind with donors through regular communication. Ron offers his expertise and resources to help nonprofits achieve their goals.
What you'll learn: → The importance of viewing fundraising and marketing as a numbers game → How to have authentic, non-salesy conversations with potential donors → Strategies for quantifying the benefits of your organization to make donors feel good → Tips for staying top of mind with your audience through regular communication → The value of tracking your conversations and measuring what's working (and what's not)
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [06:54] Quantify the benefits to potential donors to make them feel good about contributing. [09:36] Use simple, authentic analogies (like giving away jackets) to illustrate your fundraising approach. [18:15] Stay top of mind with donors through regular communication, even if not every conversation leads to an immediate result. [32:36] Have someone else review your messaging and approach to identify areas for improvement.
Ron Robinson Ron Robinson is the visionary Founder and CEO of MPFR Media, a transformative force defining how small businesses approach marketing and the customer experience. With over two decades of experience in leadership and innovation, Ron combines a deep understanding of operational excellence with a passion for driving engagement and fostering brand loyalty.
Ron’s professional journey began in the transportation industry, where he built a distinguished career spanning 20 years. Starting as a conductor, he rose through the ranks to become Superintendent of Train Operations at one of the largest mass transit agencies in the United States. His tenure in transportation was marked by a steadfast commitment to efficiency, leadership, and a people-first approach.
In 2011, Ron channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into founding Sorfs Inc, inspired by a news segment on remote work. What began as a company focused on call center and customer experience solutions has since evolved into MPFR Media a comprehensive marketing and media powerhouse. Today, MPFR Media provides innovative solutions ranging from marketing strategy and media production to customer management and cutting-edge data security protocols, serving both startups and Fortune 500 enterprises.
A military veteran, Ron brings a deep sense of community and service to everything he does. Beyond the boardroom, he is an accomplished commercial photographer, sharing his artistic vision and creativity with veterans and the wider community. His ability to foster meaningful connections and build lasting relationships has been a hallmark of his success, both in his transportation career and as the leader of MPFR Media.
Ron’s dedication to integrating sales, marketing, customer experience tactics, and imagery ensures that his company delivers high-performance media and strategies that captivate audiences, drive measurable ROI, and transform customers into lifelong brand advocates. Through his leadership, MPFR Media has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to elevate their marketing.
Learn more at https://mpfrmedia.com https://linqapp.com/mpfrmarketing?r=link
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Andrew Laws, the founder of yeseo.io, an SEO agency. Andrew is a total pro when it comes to all things digital marketing, and he's here to share his expertise on leveraging the Google Ad Grant to promote your nonprofit. Whether you're brand new to the Google Ad Grant or you've been using it for a while, Andrew has tons of practical tips and strategies to help you make the most of this incredible resource. We're talking keyword research, ad copywriting, conversion tracking, and so much more.
What you'll learn: → The key benefits of the Google Ad Grant for nonprofits → How to identify the right keywords and language to reach your target audience → Strategies for creating high-performing ad variations → Tools and resources to supercharge your Google Ads campaigns → Common mistakes to avoid when running Google Ads
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [9:38] Treat the Google Ad Grant like a commercial campaign, not just “free money.” Even though you aren't paying for the ads, you want them to be successful and generate income for your organization. [15:02] Focus on driving traffic to functional parts of your website, like landing pages. Have a clear CTA but don't have them go straight to a donation page necessarily. [33:37] Use long-tail keywords to target specific audiences and avoid broad, expensive terms. This helps with getting the right people to click on your ads and have better quality visitors that are going to be interested in the work you do. [35:02] Maintain a list of negative keywords to exclude from your campaigns. This will ensure you aren't accidentally targeting people that aren't the right fit for you. [39:10] Leverage free tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Facebook ad transparency. This can help you figure out what keywords to utilize to reach your goals.
Resources: Google Ads Keyword Planner: https://ads.google.com/intl/en_us/home/tools/keyword-planner/ SEMrush: https://www.semrush.com/
Andrew Laws Andrew Laws founded the yeseo.io SEO Agency and has been battling SEO for over 25 years. When he's not in the office helping clients grow, he can be found in the studio or on stage, making very loud noises. Andrew loves to talk about mindset, personal growth, business development, neurodiversity and odd music.
Learn more at https://yeseo.io/ Get a few website audit by visiting https://yeseo.io/audit/ https://www.youtube.com/@yeseo-agency
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Patrick Kirby has been a guest multiple times on the Digital Marketing Therapy podcast and has partnered with The First Click on many different projects and programs. Now, Sami is excited to be joining his program, Do Good YOUniversity. This bonus episode talks about the power of community and how you can get unique access to Sami and Patrick each week to get your questions answered.
What you'll learn: → The importance of building a supportive community as a consultant or solopreneur → How to overcome the “scarcity complex” that can plague the nonprofit sector → The key features and benefits of Do Good YOUniversity, Patrick's comprehensive training program → Strategies for continuously improving your skills and pushing your organization to new heights → Why collaboration, not competition, is the key to success in the nonprofit world
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 07:11 The power of reaching out to other consultants and experts for advice and support when starting your own business. 11:00 Addressing the burnout challenge in nonprofit work and the need for a collaborative community. 15:47 How the weekly “Ask Me Anything” sessions in Do Good University provide personalized, actionable support. 25:03 A overview of the robust training library inside Do Good University, covering fundraising, marketing, events, and more. 33:02 The incredible value and affordability of Do Good University, with a monthly fee of just $50.
Resources Two Weeks FREE of Do Good YOUniversity EP 94 | Starting Conversations with Patrick Kirby EP 123 | Giving Tuesday with Patrick Kirby EP 200 | How to Increase the Annual Value of Monthly Donors with Patrick Kirby
Patrick Kirby Founder, Do Good YOUniversity
Patrick Kirby is the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, author of the Amazon best seller Fundraise Awesomer! A Practical Guide to Staying Sane While Doing Good, host of The Official Do Good Better Podcast, and a believer that “we’ve always done it this way” is the most dangerous phrase in the English language.
Patrick has spent nearly 2 decades working as a fundraiser in the nonprofit industry, for organizations of all shapes and sizes, most notably as the Senior Director of Development at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Minneapolis, MN and the Chief Development Officer at the Anne Carlsen Center, based in Jamestown, ND.
He earned his B.A. in “B.S.” (politics) at Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and is hopelessly addicted to super nerdy Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels and old school Nintendo games. Patrick lives in West Fargo, ND with his wife Shannon, three ridiculously adorable children named Spencer, Preston and Willow, a chubby beagle named Calvin.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Let's dive deep into the power of LinkedIn for nonprofits with the help of Alex Thoric, a digital marketing expert. Alex shares his insights on building a personal brand on LinkedIn, engaging with your audience, and leveraging the platform to connect with key prospects and partners. Whether you're a LinkedIn pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you maximize your nonprofit's presence on the platform.
What you'll learn: → Why LinkedIn is a must-have for nonprofits with a B2B focus → How to build a personal brand on LinkedIn and use it to your advantage → Strategies for creating and repurposing content to engage your audience → Effective ways to use direct messaging and multiple touchpoints to build relationships → The benefits of using LinkedIn Sales Navigator and the “Dream 100” approach
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: 03:15 Should you even be on LinkedIn? YES! LinkedIn is a powerful platform for nonprofits, with 80% of B2B sales happening through the platform. 07:02 Understand the power of a personal brand. Building a personal brand on LinkedIn is about being relatable and connecting with people on a deeper level, not just selling yourself. It also happens through your personal page. 14:29 Creating content for your page doesn't have to be overwhelming. Batch content creation and repurposing existing content can be a game-changer for your LinkedIn strategy. 19:59 You don't even have to create posts to make an impact on LinkedIn. Using direct messaging and multiple touchpoints, like email, is crucial for building authentic relationships on LinkedIn. 26:59 There is a lot of power in the filtering opportunities to find the right people. Investing in LinkedIn Sales Navigator can provide a significant ROI for your nonprofit, allowing you to connect with key decision-makers.
Resources: The Ultimate Sales Machine Book by Chet Holmes: https://www.chetholmes.com/new-edition-ultimate-sales-machine/ LinkedIn Sales Navigator: https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/sales-navigator
Alex Thoric Alex Thoric is the founder of a marketing agency and Co-Founder of a marketing consulting company Building Income on Demand. A digital marketer who has great experience working with different industries such as spas, gyms, coaches, consultants, real estate, and restaurants. He loves working out, playing soccer, and guitar.
Learn more at https://www.buildingincomeondemand.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alexthoric https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-thoric/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
If we aren't curious, we aren't learning. Curiosity breeds energy and creativity in your organization and within your team. In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of curiosity marketing with the brilliant Emily Aborn. Emily shares her insights on how we can use curiosity to better connect with our audiences, both online and offline. Whether you're a nonprofit, small business, or just someone who wants to have more engaging conversations, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies you won't want to miss.
What you'll learn: → What curiosity marketing is and how it can benefit your organization → The four different types of curiosity and how to tailor your approach for each → Practical ways to incorporate curiosity into your marketing and team culture → How to build trust and encourage more meaningful conversations → Tips for refreshing and revamping your existing content and resources
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:34] Curiosity marketing is about opening a gap between what someone knows now and what they want to know. It is an opportunity to dive deeper into a topic, learn and figure out things you didn't even know you needed to know. [08:34] There are four main types of curiosity: problem solver, fascinated, empathizer, and hard to reach. Understanding your audience's curiosity type can help you connect with them more effectively. [15:01] Tapping into the curiosity of your audience and potential audience can lead to higher conversions. Using questions, stories, and everyday language can help create curiosity and engagement, rather than just pushing information at your audience. [22:06] It's important to stand up for relevant issues and not try to be everything to everyone. This can help build deeper relationships with the right people. [27:25] Curiosity also has a place in the workplace. Fostering a culture of curiosity within your team, by asking different types of questions, can lead to better collaboration and understanding.
Emily Aborn Want to know a secret about today's guest? Want to know a little secret? Emily Aborn writes for a living and even she sometimes struggles to write for herself or about herself. As a Copywriter, Podcaster, and Content Marketing Consultant, Emily helps small business owners overcome the blinking cursor of doom by taking writing website copy, blogs, emails, and other marketing materials off their plate entirely. An entrepreneur for over a decade, Emily's had experience in over 110 industries and has guided thousands of nonprofits and businesses to find their voice, make their impact, and connect with those who need them most. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Jason, and their dog Clyde and enjoys game nights, hiking, and a stack of emotional support books on her night stand. http://facebook.com/Emily.CatherineGrace http://instagram.com/EmilyAborn http://linkedin.com/in/EmilyAborn
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Navigating the world of government grants can be stressful. But funding isn't just in the grants you apply for. Guest Matthew Lesko has been helping individuals and nonprofits access little-known government resources for over 30 years, and he's here to share his wealth of knowledge.
What you'll learn: → Why Matthew is so passionate about government grants and funding → Strategies for finding and securing government grants, even if you're a small nonprofit → Creative ways to generate revenue beyond just grants → How to build relationships with elected officials to unlock funding opportunities → Resources and tools to help you navigate the complex world of government assistance
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:[05:34] Get intentional with the sources you use to find government grants. Avoid using Google to search for government grants – it's a “death trap” full of people trying to take your money. You don't need to hire someone to help you execute. [05:34] Utilize the SBA's local assistance database to find free, nonprofit organizations that can help with various aspects of your organization. There are loans available to help you with your team, as well as learning opportunities. [12:42] Don't just ask for money from government offices – ask for help in discovering the resources available to you. There are consultants that are connected to government projects that can provide services to supoprt you. [26:24] Follow your heart and focus on being genuine in your relationships with grantors and elected officials. Yes you will need to build relationships, but make sure it is the right opportunity for your needs.
Resources SBA's local assistance database: https://sba.gov/local-assistance Career one stop center: https://careeronestop.org/ Common Cause website: https://commoncause.org/ Apex Accelerators website: https://apexaccelerators.us/ YouFindHelp.org: http://youfindhelp.org/ GoHelp.com: http://gohelp.com/
Matthew Lesko Hi, I’m Matthew Lesko, known as the “Question Mark Guy” for my eccentric suits and passion for helping people find government grants and financial assistance programs. For over 30 years, I’ve authored bestselling books, appeared on major TV shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, and built online communities to educate individuals and businesses on accessing little-known resources. My mission is to simplify complex government systems, empowering everyone to unlock opportunities they didn’t know existed.
Learn more at https://www.free.lesko.com. https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeskoHelp https://www.youtube.com/user/matthewlesko
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of leadership and personal growth with the one and only Alan Lazaros. As the CEO and CFO of Next Level University, Alan has an incredible story to share about how he turned his own personal tragedies and challenges into a mission to help others reach their full potential. From losing his father at a young age to a near-fatal car accident that sparked a major life shift, Alan's journey is both inspiring and insightful.
There are so many different types of leaders. Understanding who you are and how you work are critical to becoming the best leader. Take it to the next level by bringing in team members that can balance out your skill set. This is when you become a powerhouse leadership team!
What you'll learn: → Alan's background and how he found his passion for self-improvement → The importance of self-belief and self-worth in leadership → Strategies for building a culture of authenticity and belonging on your team → How to navigate the fears and doubts that can hold leaders back → Practical tips for taking personal responsibility and being your own hero
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:26] Leadership isn't always easy. Having honest conversations about what you need and who you care is so important. Without it you can't be the best version of yourself and make the most of your best skillsets. [13:18] Challenges are constant. Choosing to respond positively to adversity, rather than falling into depression or despair is important. You can't control what happens to you, only what you chose to do when adversity happens. [19:40] Core values are so important. They help you know how to lead and communicate with your team. [31:54] As leaders, we all have fears. Different people have different fears so it's important to understand where you line up. Do you identify with the fear of not being enough vs. the fear of being too much? [31:54] When we are true to ourselves we can fear that we are going to lose. Embrace your unique strengths and gifts, even if they make you “not normal” in the eyes of others.
Resources Bronnie Ware's book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying”: https://bronnieware.com/blog/regrets-of-the-dying/
Alan Lazaros At age 2, my father passed away in a car accident. At age 26, after getting into a nearly fatal car accident myself, I questioned everything I was doing in life. I questioned who I was and the choices I was making. I was at an all-time low. Filled with regret, I searched for answers and found two of the brightest lights I had ever seen. The first bright light was a book by Bronnie Ware entitled, “The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying,” and the second was a Ted Talk by Tony Robbins. Both of these resources helped me find my way and guided me to make the choice of going ALL IN on self-improvement to design a life of meaning and purpose. On this self-improvement journey, I have learned I believe in a heart-driven but NO BS approach to inspiring, motivating, and educating others on what it REALLY takes to get to the Next Level. Today, I am proud to say it is my mission to help others design fulfilling lives, maximize their own unique potential, and build aligned businesses they love on their own terms. I have a powerful combination of technical expertise and business acumen specializing in Peak Performance, Productivity, Organizational Design, and Individual, Team, and Business Optimization. I lead a global team at NLU, have given hundreds of trainings all over the world, and have happily completed thousands of one-on-one coaching calls with clients. It would be my honor to help you get to the Next Level of your life, love, health, and wealth.
Learn more at https://www.nextleveluniverse.com. www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros www.instagram.com/alazaros88 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Celebration sounds good in theory, but who has time for it! There is always something else that is around the corner, another thing to add to the to-do list, another board meeting. Making time to celebrate your wins and your teams wins, sometimes feels like a waste of time. But it is so important!!
Creating a plan for your celebrations, just like you do your goals, can go. along way in making sure you take time to relish in those wins. It goes such a long way to bring your team together and avoid burnout.
What you'll learn: → The importance of celebrating wins, big and small → How to set milestones and pre-plan celebrations to keep your team motivated → Strategies for incorporating personal goal-setting and celebrations → Ways to get your board involved in the celebration process → Tips for maintaining momentum and avoiding burnout
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [05:25] Pre-plan milestones and celebrations to keep your team motivated. This will make it so much easier to track when its time to whoop it up and know there is already something lined up to do. [06:54] Consider having a “Celebration Chair” on your board to help execute the planned celebrations. Their job is to keep you posted when you're close to your goal and be your cheerleader. Then, they can help execute the already planned celebration. [08:00] Implement a personal goal-setting and celebration strategy to stay motivated on your own tasks. Figure out what your mini milestones are and give yourself a treat when you accomplish it.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Do you struggle with making the ask? You don't need to struggle anymore. Change your mindset and go for the nos instead of worrying about the nos. When we use data to our advantage we can set ourselves, and our team, up for success. Remove the pressure and give yourselve the power to create strategies that will help you close those deals and raise the funds you need.
What you'll learn: → The importance of mindset when it comes to fundraising → How to use conversion rates and data to inform your goals and activities → Strategies for following up with donors who initially say “no” → Tips for tracking new vs. returning donors → Ways to build a comprehensive fundraising plan
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:42] How many conversations are you having? Understanding your conversion rates and how many conversations you need to have to reach your fundraising goals will help you plan your day. This way you can plan your time accordingly. [07:07] Your conversion rate with new vs. returning donors will be different. Track data to inform your outreach strategies. [10:03] Nos are not right now. Have a list of follow-up options ready to keep donors engaged, even if they can't give right now. [11:41] You probably have a lot of different types of donors. Start with one fundraising activity, work it, and then move on to the next segment.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Social media is a team effort. Getting people on your team to join in on social media is easier said than done. Having their help will give you better content to share and be more on message. To get people to support your social media strategy, it requires being specific, having a goal in mind, and ensuring the team feels comfortable. This episode will help you break down how to encourage your team to join in and get excited about social media.
What you'll learn: → How to build a collaborative team approach to social media planning → Strategies for defining your social media goals and aligning them with your 2025 objectives → Tips for creating a content calendar and video strategy to keep your social channels fresh → Ways to foster a culture of content creation across your organization → How to support your marketing team and get the most out of your social media efforts
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:44] Start with your plan of attack. Be intentional about your social media goals and how they fit into your overall 2025 plan. It's not just about being on social media to be on social media. [05:43] Build a calendar. Leverage a content calendar and video strategy to streamline your social media planning. It helps you come with ideas so people know what you're creating. [08:17] Lead by example. Create a culture where everyone contributes to social media content creation. They don't need to build the strategy they just need to support it. [10:07] You're in the field, you see what's going on. Support your marketing team by sharing stories, wins, and questions from the field.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
In this episode of the Digital Marketing Therapy podcast, we're diving deep into LinkedIn strategies – both for your personal profile and your organization's business page. Sami Bedell-Mulhern shares her insights on how to leverage this powerful platform to build real connections, repurpose your content, and fill that all-important pipeline of potential donors.
What you'll learn: → The key differences between personal and business LinkedIn pages → How to create a social media policy to guide employee use of LinkedIn → Strategies for repurposing content across your personal and business pages → Tips for sharing and engaging with content from other thought leaders in your space → Ways to utilize LinkedIn's features, like live audio and video, to connect with your audience
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [06:55] When you have. astrong strategy for LinkedIn you don't have to worry about individuals making the connections. Embrace the personal nature of LinkedIn connections, and let go of the fear of employees managing relationships. [12:10] You don't have to come up with brand new content. Repurpose your existing content, like email newsletters and blog posts, to build trust and engagement on LinkedIn. [14:33] Help build trust for your cause with other people's content! Share relevant posts from industry experts and thought leaders to strengthen your position as a trusted resource. [14:40] Make personal connections through live events. Explore LinkedIn's live audio and video features to connect with your audience in a more interactive way. [14:53] Take the conversations offline quickly. Use LinkedIn strategically to fill your pipeline of potential donors and build meaningful connections.
Resources Ep 187 | Getting Started with LinkedIn with Jen Corcoran: https://thefirstclick.net/187
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
In this episode of the Digital Marketing Therapy Podcast, we're diving into the world of social media influencers – but not the kind you might be thinking of. It's time to reframe the way we think about influencers and how nonprofits can leverage these powerful connections to grow their community and reach new audiences.
Influencers don't have to be super famous and with tons of followers. They just have to have an engaged audience that would be interested in learning more about what your organization does.
What you'll learn: → How to identify potential “influencers” that align with your nonprofit's mission and goals → Strategies for reaching out and making a clear, specific ask → Tips for creating shareable content and tracking the success of your influencer outreach → Creative ways to think beyond the traditional “influencer” mold → The importance of building genuine relationships with your influencer partners
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [00:00] It's time to think about influencers in a different way. Influencers aren't just celebrities, but anyone who has built an engaged community around their social media presence. [04:46] Finding influencers can be the struggle. Start with local “celebrities,” media personalities, and advocates who share similar causes to your nonprofit. [05:23] Look for the less obvious infuencers . Think outside the box and consider adjacent topics that might still align with your mission. This could be related products or services that would compliment the work you do. [06:25] Put a process together for how you reach out. Research their social media presence, look for mutual connections, and personalize your outreach message. When you can, have someone on your team, board, volunter, etc, reach out to them if they know them. [06:42] Make the ask clear and specific. Be clear about the desired conversion, such as event promotion or resource sharing, and offer something in return. [9:40] Don't forget to track the results. You want to know if your efforts are working. Be sure you understand the desired outcome so that you can track for future projects.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
This episode combines the best of goal setting, weekly planning, and quarterly focus techniques using both digital tools like ClickUp and traditional methods such as the Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt. Sami provides valuable insights into creating impactful daily actions through effective task management, practical tips for maintaining focus on both short-term and long-term goals, and ensuring team alignment. Tune in for motivational advice, and learn about her favorite tools that can make your planning process smoother and more productive.
*This page contains affiliate links. That means should you choose to purchase we may receive a small commission. We are only affiliates of products and services we use ourselves.
What you'll learn: → How to effectively set and track goals using a combination of technology and pen-and-paper methods. → Weekly planning strategies that break tasks into manageable ‘buckets.' → Tips on staying committed to routines and planning tools for maximum productivity. → The importance of maintaining visibility on quarterly goals for consistent progress. → Practical methods to keep your team aligned and motivated.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [04:25] Use a project management tool to keep track of all the things. This way you can take things out of your brain and put them down to do at a future date. It helps you with scheduling and ensuring you don't forget any important tasks. [8:48] Utilize the Full Focus Planner to help you break big goals into quarterly, weekly, and daily priorities. It will help you make sense of what you have coming up and how you can prioritize the never ending to-do list. [12:35] Commit to your own system, everyone's is diferent. Building habits makes you more productive and helps you keep things moving forward. [14:15] Find a place to keep your big picture goals visible. That way as you move through the year you don't stray too far away from what you wanted to accomplish.
Resources Ep 185 | Take Back Your time in 2023 with Chelsey Newmyer Ink+Volt desktop Planner ClickUp*
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
A website isn't set it and forget it. Year end is a great time to ensure your website is aligned with your business goals. Guest Monica Pitts, founder of May Create Design, shares strategies to ensure your website aligns with your goals, converts effectively, and engages the right audience. From website audits and stakeholder engagement to using AI tools for refined messaging, this episode is packed with actionable tips to improve your nonprofit's digital marketing efforts.
What you'll learn: → How to align your website with your organization's evolving goals → Effective nonprofit marketing strategies and stakeholder engagement → Continuous website management and optimization tips → Utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance nonprofit messaging → Maximizing clarity in communication for efficient advocacy
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [05:20] Update your website to align with your goals. Messaging and the alignment of your website and your goals needs to be consistent. Now is the time to ensure that its updated and showcasing the priorities you've set for your organization. [10:45] Speak in a language your audience understands, remove the jargon. Utilize your team to ensure that it makes sense for how they talk with their stakeholders. Bring in people that would use your website to see if they can find what they need from the website. [15:30] Take your goals and start the review process with your website. Ensure the structure is what you needs to be to support conversions. Set up automations for updating content so it is more seamless. [20:15] Use AI for refining website messaging and engaging donors. Take your existing language and use ChatGPT to update the language you need. [25:50] Be positive and uplifting. Balancing clear communication with mission alignment helps with effective advocacy. Share imagery that shows the transformation and what will be when they give to your organization.
Resources
The Marketing with Purpose podcast: https://mayecreate.com/marketing-with-purpose-podcast/
Monica Pitts Founder, MayeCreate Design Monica is the founder of MayeCreate Design and host of the Marketing with Purpose podcast. She’s a techy, crafty, aerial dancer with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Monica possesses a rare combination of design savvy and technological know-how. She puts her down-to-earth problem solving skills to work providing solutions to marketing and communication challenges through technology. When she’s not running her business she’s raising her two daughters, 9 and 13, petting her puppies, traveling with her husband, Mike, dancing in air or digging in the dirt!
Learn more at: https://mayecreate.com/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@mayecreatedesign Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/mayecreate/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mayecreate/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayecreate/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mayecreate X - https://twitter.com/MayeCreate
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Having big goals for your organization is crucial, but actually executing on them and staying motivated can be a real challenge. In this episode, we chat with Colleen Biggs, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist, about her proven strategies for setting achievable goals, keeping your team engaged, and celebrating wins along the way. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, small business owner, or just someone who wants to level up in 2025, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights to help you make your big dreams a reality.
What you'll learn: → The importance of goal-setting and why it's like a game of darts → How to break down long-term goals into manageable milestones → Strategies for keeping your team motivated and engaged → The power of visualization and creating a vision board → Tips for enjoying the journey and not just focusing on the end result
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [06:00] If there was no goal, there would be no meaning to the work. Goals help you stay motivated and on track to doing more good in this world. [07:45] Break down big goals into more maneagble chunks. Colleen shares how she broke down her long-term Taekwondo goal into smaller, more manageable milestones. “ I never once focused honestly on the getting the black belt, until the black belt was visible in the space.” [27:07] Ensure everyone knows their role to play in reaching the goals. Colleen provides insights on engaging and motivating teams to work towards shared goals. [33:57] Goals are important, and having the goal is just as important as the journey. Colleen shares a personal story about running a half-marathon and the importance of enjoying the experience, not just the end result. Celebrate milestones and make the process enjoyable to avoid burnout.
Resources Take the Leap podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-the-leap/id1503359524
Colleen Biggs Business Coach for Women
Colleen Biggs is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with over 22 years of experience in launching over 365 businesses. She has a passion for empowering entrepreneurs to make MONEY. With a background in franchising, including her time with The Little Gym and now franchising Phoenix Drone Pros, she enjoys guiding small business owners to expand their influence, generate more revenue, and achieve financial abundance. As a visionary leader and business coach, Colleen is also dedicated to helping women build thriving connections. Through her transformative coaching program and local Empower & Elevate conferences, she empowers women to unleash their profit potential by building their net worth directly through their networks.
Learn more: https://colleenbiggs.net/
Connect with Colleen here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colleen.s.biggs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-biggs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleenbiggs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeapwithColleen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colleenjanebiggs
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
We all love a good planning session, but putting that plan into action can be a whole different beast. This has always been our biggest struggle. Consistency is key and creating excitement around the plan goes. along way. Learn ways to keep the team (and yourself) motivated by keeping your eye on the prize and not forgetting to celebrate!
You'll get strategies for taking the big picture and breaking it down into chunks you can manage. Remember to take on what you can and delegate to the team. Build up the entire team to work together. Increase consistency and increase your impact!
What you'll learn: → How to set clear expectations and delegate responsibilities within your team → Strategies for managing deadlines and workflows using project management tools → The importance of building in wins and celebrating milestones → Techniques for over-communicating the big picture to your team → The art of letting go of ineffective strategies and pivoting when needed → A step-by-step approach to quarterly planning and detailed execution
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [02:35] Set clear expectations for yourself and your team. Clearly define roles and responsibilities within your team, especially as your organization grows. Roles may change over time so don't skip this step. Also, other team members may not have clarity, even if you don't know it. [06:22] Manage deadlines and workflows. Utilize project management tools to keep your team on track and ensure everyone understands the deadlines and steps involved in each task. [08:48] Build in wins and celebrate milestones. Don't forget to recognize your team's progress and celebrate successes, even if you don't hit your targets exactly as planned. Create rewards for hitting those goals to keep everyone motivated. [10:31] Over-communicate the big picture. Ensure your team understands how their individual contributions impact the overall mission and goals of your organization. This will help keep consistency. Understanding your role towards the big picture is so important. [12:05] Let go of ineffective strategies. Be open to adjusting your plans based on data and performance, and don't be afraid to pivot when something isn't working.
Resources EP 276 | Creating your 2025 Marketing Plan Ep 232 | Breaking Down Your Annual Plan Into Manageable Chunks ClickUp* Trello Asana
*This page contains affiliate links. That means should you choose to purchase we may receive a small commission. We are only affiliates of products and services we use ourselves.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
It's that time of year again – planning season! It's one thing to put together your strategic goals for your organization, it's another to put a marketing strategy together that will support that. Whether you're launching a new initiative, gearing up for a capital campaign, or just looking to grow your reach, your marketing plan should work in tandem. We'll walk through how to align your marketing efforts with your organizational goals, identify your target audience, and create a plan you can actually stick to.
What you'll learn: → How to review your goals and data to inform your marketing strategy → Tips for evaluating your current marketing efforts and identifying what's working (and what's not) → Strategies for collaborating with other nonprofits and tapping into new ideas → Steps to create a detailed, executable marketing plan for 2025 → Advice on staying realistic and avoiding burnout during the execution phase
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [04:22] Trust the data over your personal opinions. Reviewing regular who your audience actually is will help you determing where you show up. It will also help you refine your messaging. [11:01] Review the data around the current marketing efforts you are doing. Focus on the marketing tactics that are actually converting, and don't be afraid to let go of what's not working. [14:59] Avoid the shiny objects throughout the year. Instead, maintain an “idea folder” to capture new concepts, and revisit it during your planning process. [17:48] Build a calendar based off of your goals and relevent times of the year for your area of service. Map out a detailed content calendar to ensure a steady flow of relevant, engaging material.
Resources EP 215 | Create Your Social Media Publishing Schedule
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Hey there! In this episode of the Digital Marketing Therapy Podcast, Sami Bedell-Mulhern is sharing her top tips for getting your team involved in your year-end fundraising efforts. Fundraising can be a lot of work, especially during the busy holiday season, but Sami has some great strategies to lighten the load and make it more fun.
What you'll learn: → How to engage your board, volunteers, and donors to support your year-end campaign → Specific ways to get your board members involved (beyond just setting a fundraising goal) → The power of peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns → Ideas for partnering with corporate sponsors and utilizing volunteers
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:37] Get specific with your board. We don't just want to say, hey, here's our year end fundraising goal. Who can you reach out to? It's Hey, we have a goal of every board member introducing us to five new people for year end so that we can send them this particular mailer. [04:56] Create a promo kit, and we'll link up that episode in the show notes. This promo kit includes sample email language, sample social media, copy, imagery, all of the things that are going to make it easy for your board members to click, copy, share. [06:15] Who can you reach out to that you know is just obsessed with your organization, and this has nothing to do with their capacity to give, right? This is what I think is so beautiful about peer to peer, is that if we can reach out to the people that we know are real champions of our organization. [08:15] How can you create a fun campaign within their employee base, right? How can you maybe get fun with it? You know, is it a food drive? Is it like everybody bring in $1 on this day, whatever it might be. [09:42] Dedicated volunteers can make phone calls to existing donors, providing a personal touch and sharing information about the organization. Starting phone call campaigns now can help build relationships and secure donations before the end of the year.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
The year-end giving season is a busy time for nonprofits, with donations pouring in and teams scrambling to keep up. But the real work begins after the gifts are received – it's all about following up with donors to show your appreciation and nurture those relationships. Get practical tips and strategies to help you nail your year-end donor follow-up, so you can start 2025 on the right foot.
What you'll learn: → How to analyze your donor data to set realistic follow-up goals → Ways to engage your board in the donor stewardship process → Ideas for personalizing thank-you messages (beyond the standard receipt) → Tips for nurturing new donors with email sequences → Creative strategies to show appreciation to long-time supporters
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:31] Start with the data. Understand your donor data to create an attainable follow-up plan, including the breakdown of new vs. repeat donors and common donation amounts. [05:56] You don't have to do it alone. Leverage your board members to write personalized thank-you notes, which you can then send out quickly as gifts come in. [06:42] Think about how you can stand out from other organizations. Use tools like Loom and Zoom to record personalized video messages, tailoring the delivery method to each donor's preferences. [08:22] Automate what you can so you can free up your time for one-on-one outreach. Set up an email nurture sequence for new donors to help them get to know your organization better and set expectations for future communication. [10:45] Thank EVERY SINGLE DONOR!!!!! Remember that every donation, no matter the size, is significant, so be sure to express gratitude to all your supporters.
Resources EP 265 | Your Board’s Role in Donor Stewardship with Sabrina Walker Hernandez EP 273 | Crafting the Perfect Year End Emails with Vanessa Chase Lockshin
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
It's that time of year again – year-end giving season is just around the corner! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Vanessa Chase Lockshin, a fundraising expert specializing in digital fundraising and storytelling, share her top tips for executing successful email campaigns as part of your year-end giving strategy. Vanessa has helped clients raise millions of dollars through email, and she's here to share her wealth of knowledge to help you maximize your efforts.
This episode gives you the step by step plan for how many emails need to be sent from Giving Tuesday through the end of the year. You'll also get the strategies to build and plan for a smooth process. Don't forget follow-up, we talk about that as well!
What you'll learn: → Why email is the most effective digital direct response marketing channel → How to start planning your year-end giving email campaigns now (even in September!) → Strategies for email list segmentation and personalization → Best practices for Giving Tuesday email campaigns → The importance of donor stewardship and follow-up after donations
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [04:23] Start to plan your year-end giving email campaigns early. Building messaging and narrative momentum is key to a successful campaign Keeping donors engaged and stewarded is crucial for repeat giving. [08:03] Determine the right email frequency. Don't worry about over-emailing. Staying top of mind is important. Find the right balance between too many and too few emails. Understanding that testing is important and pay attention to trends over the years. [10:40] Remember the power of email list segmentation and personalization. Optimize fundraising by making the right asks to the right people. Tweak core emails for different audience segments. You don't have to rewrite full campaigns for each segment. [12:41] Giving Tuesday email campaigns are still helpful even with all the hoise. Craf compelling messages that go beyond just asking for a donation. Determe the right email cadence leading up to and on Giving Tuesday which includes multiple emails on that day. [19:26] Don't forget the he importance of donor stewardship and follow-up. Closing the communications loop with donors and providing updates on impact will keep them engaged. Use personalized emails and stories to connect with donors.
Resources EP 128 | Creating Campaigns with Stories with Vanessa Chase Lockshin Vanessa's email cohort program
Vanessa Chase Lockshin Consultant specializing in non-profit storytelling, fundraising and communications
Vanessa Chase Lockshin is a fundraising consultant specializing in digital fundraising and storytelling.
She's the author of The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness, and the creator of immersive online training programs for non-profit professionals.
Vanessa has helped clients raise millions of dollars, including helping Variety BC build an email program from the ground up that raised over $ 2 million in three years.
Vanessa’s fundraising career started at The University of British Columbia, her alma mater. Her clients have included: Barnard College, Meals on Wheels Association of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Senior Medicare Patrol, The Dixon Transition Society, Zanesville Museum of Art, Win Without War, and OpenMedia.
Learn more: http://www.thestorytellingnonprofit.com
Learn more: http://www.thestorytellingnonprofit.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is how you set up your website to get more organic traffic. SEO may seem daunting, but we break it down into actionable steps that any organization can implement. Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you get found online.
What you'll learn: → The key factors Google uses to rank websites (E-A-T and YMYL) → Strategies for creating high-quality, user-friendly content → The importance of internal and external linking → How to optimize blog posts for better search visibility → Tips for updating and repurposing existing content
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:00] Pay attention to the Google Ad Grant and how it can support your organization's goals. The Google Ad Grant provides eligible nonprofits with $10,000 per month in free advertising on Google. By ensuring your website is properly optimized for SEO, you can take full advantage of this grant and reach your target audience through both organic and paid channels.[07:29] Focus on creating a great user experience through your content. Google places a strong emphasis on the quality and relevance of your content. Ensure that your blog posts and other web content are engaging, informative, and meet the needs of your audience. This will not only improve your search rankings but also provide a better overall experience for your visitors. [08:03] Link to other relevant content on your website to build trust and provide more value. Internal linking helps search engines understand the structure and relationships between the different pages on your site. It also allows visitors to easily navigate and discover more of your content, improving their experience. Additionally, linking to authoritative external sources can further establish your organization's expertise and trustworthiness. [10:00] Utilize tools like Rank Math or Yoast SEO to optimize your blog posts. These plugins can help you ensure that your blog posts are properly optimized for search engines. They provide checklists and guidance on elements like meta descriptions, keyword placement, alt text, and more. Taking the time to optimize your content can make a significant difference in your search visibility. [14:00] Regularly review and update your top-performing content for better rankings. Updating and refreshing your existing content can be a powerful SEO strategy. By keeping your content current and relevant, you can maintain and potentially improve your search rankings without the need to create entirely new content from scratch.
Resources Rank Math SEO: https://rankmath.com/ Yoast SEO: https://yoast.com/ Ep 88 | Google Ad Grant and How to Maximize it: https://thefirstclick.net/88 Ep 271 | Turning Existing Content into Blog Posts: https://thefirstclick.net/271
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
You're already creating a lot of incredible content – so reuse it! You do. not need to create brand new for your blog posts. Simply repurpose things that already exist and turn them into blog posts! Once you listen to this episode, you'll start to come up with ideas from content you are creating everywhere! I can't want to hear what creative elements you come up with.
What you'll learn: → How to transform your annual report into multiple blog posts → Ways to highlight common donor questions and objections in blog content → Tips for embedding videos, podcasts, and other multimedia into blog posts → Strategies for repurposing content from press releases, social media, and email newsletters
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:37] Start with your annual report. Repurpose annual report content into 5-6 blog posts. You can highlight donors, the impact statements you put together, stories, etc. You can even have one post that is the entire report in a format that is easy to skin and consume. [03:37] Think about the commonly asked questions. Create blog posts highlighting common donor questions or misunderstandings. Each question can be its own blog post. [05:41] Have a YouTube channel, or have you created videos? Embed existing videos and transcripts on your website as blog content. Include a summary of what's in the video and then paste your transcript. [08:11] Repurpose press releases, social media content, and email newsletters into blog posts. Having a great relationship with media means you're already generating content. Share it as a blog also. If you have a regular social media series you can also create a blog post you update regularly with your social media posts.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Having a great content strategy doesn't mean always having to create new. In fact, understanding what content you already have that's resonating with your audience, and updating it, can be a great way to increase your visibility on search.
Jon Clemence is here to share the strategies for updating your existing content. It's time to get started, increase your visibility, AND save time doing it.
What you'll learn: → How to identify which content to prioritize for repurposing → Simple formatting and optimization techniques to breathe new life into old blog posts → The role of AI in content creation and repurposing → Strategies for balancing new and repurposed content in your editorial calendar → Tips for organizing and tracking your content assets
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [05:22] It starts with your analytics. Analyze your website analytics to identify older blog posts (2 years or more) that are getting good traffic but low engagement. These are prime candidates for repurposing and optimization. [06:09] Make sure your content is relevant. Update the calls to action and formatting in old blog posts to make the content more relevant and engaging for current readers. Simple changes like adding whitespace can go a long way. [07:59] This is. agreat task for volunteers. Leverage volunteers or team members to help with content refreshing tasks like updating formatting, as these can be quick wins that don't require a lot of technical expertise. [18:18] Think about how AI can support you, not just create for you. Use AI judiciously – it can be helpful for brainstorming ideas or summarizing key points, but should not replace human creativity and effort when it comes to writing high-quality, resonant content. [20:36] Create regular calendar times to review. Review and update your top-performing content on a regular schedule (e.g. every 6 months or year) to keep it fresh and relevant for your audience. Don't just focus on creating net-new content.
Resources [guide] Giving Old Blog Posts New Life
Jon Clemence Owner, Cedar Press Proofreading
Jon Clemence is a professional editor and writer. He also runs an editing and writing agency. Jon helps businesses improve their written content to attract more people to their websites and convert them into new clients.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Let's go on a journey through the essentials of blogging and content creation. If you're at the starting line or aiming to refine your current process, there's something valuable here for you. You'll learn why content is so important, why your whole team should be involved, and how to make it craveable so your audience wants more.
What you'll learn: → Why creating regular content is crucial for nonprofits → How to build a collaborative content marketing strategy → Tips for creating effective, repurposable content → Tools and resources to make the content creation process faster and easier
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [01:36] The importance of driving new content value to your website on a regular basis. Regular updates not only keep your audience engaged but also improve your site's SEO, making it easier for potential supporters to find you online. [03:36] How blogs can be a valuable asset for your Google Ad Grant efforts. By creating content that aligns with your ad keywords, you can drive more targeted traffic to your site and maximize the impact of your grant. [07:41] The need for cross-team collaboration to generate relevant content ideas. By leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise, you can generate a wealth of relevant and engaging content ideas that resonate with different segments of your audience. [09:21] Strategies for repurposing existing content like podcasts and videos as blog posts. Whether it's turning podcast episodes into blog posts or creating articles from video transcripts, repurposing allows you to maximize the value of your content and reach a broader audience.
Resources EP 259 | Setting Up Your Website to Maximize the Google Ad Grant
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you looking to take your nonprofit's corporate partnerships to the next level? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of corporate sponsorships with Brandon Barnum, a master in forging powerful relationships that lead to significant funding. In this episode, we'll uncover the secrets to building your strategy for corporate giving. Learn how to establish meaningful ties with businesses and leverage these connections for mutual benefit. It's not just about securing funds; it's about creating partnerships that last and grow over time.
Whether your nonprofit is just starting out or has been in the game for years, there's always room to grow and improve. This episode is brimming with practical advice that you can apply right away. From crafting compelling pitches to nurturing donor relationships, Brandon will guide you through each step of the process. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with the knowledge you need to elevate your fundraising efforts and achieve greater impact. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your nonprofit's approach to corporate partnerships.
What you'll learn: → Why now is the perfect time for businesses to engage with nonprofits → How to create a corporate advisory council that drives engagement → Strategies for turning donors into passionate ambassadors → The importance of storytelling in building lasting partnerships → Creative ways to add value to your corporate sponsors
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:43] Businesses want to partner because their customers require it. Consumer demand is driving businesses to engage more with nonprofits, with 94% of consumers wanting to know how companies are improving their communities. Frame your conversation with this perk in mind. [09:51] Bring businesses alongside you to deepen your connection. Creating a corporate industry council can be an effective way to engage business leaders and deepen their commitment to your cause. When they feel part of what you're doing the relationship is likely to continue longer term. [17:10] Encourage them to create their own event that benefits you. Empowering passionate supporters to organize their own events can lead to significant fundraising success, as demonstrated by Brandon's $1.2 million event. [24:02] Employees want to work for businesses that give back to the community. Corporate involvement in charitable causes can significantly boost employee commitment and emotional connection to the company. Get creative with them on how they can showcase and feature your relationship with their team. [29:14] Give them more visibility. Ask major donors to create quick video testimonials about your organization's impact – it's a win-win for both parties and adds value to your marketing efforts.
Resources Volunteer Match Nonprofit Prophet: When Community Comes Together by Matt George
Brandon Barnum CEO, HOA.com
While a single dad in 1997, Brandon was an early technology innovator featuring real estate property listings from Realtors he partnered with and promoted. After learning the art and science of referrals, he increased his annual income 10X from $20K to $200K in just 18 months. Brandon has since closed over $500 million in transactions by referral and has founded multiple local and online referral platforms and networks connecting more than 5 million members in 195 countries. Learn more: https://hoa.com/how-it-works/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
In today's digital age, it's easy to overlook the power of a tangible message in your hand. That's why we're diving into the world of direct mail with Robert Lee, a seasoned digital marketing guru who knows how to make an impact beyond the screen. In this episode, we explore the often-untapped potential of direct mail in fundraising efforts. Robert brings his wealth of experience to the table, discussing the ins and outs of crafting a successful campaign that resonates with donors.
We'll delve into the creative side of direct mail, where Robert reveals some of the most engaging and memorable strategies he's employed. From eye-catching postcards that pop in your mailbox to oversized mailers that stand out from the stack, he shares insights on how to grab attention and connect with people in a meaningful way. Whether you're a nonprofit looking to boost donations or a business seeking to build lasting relationships with customers, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to enhance your outreach. Join us as we uncover the secrets to making direct mail a fun and effective tool for your fundraising arsenal.
What you'll learn: → Different types of direct mail and how to get started → Ways to track direct mail campaigns digitally → Integrating direct mail into the customer journey → Using data to personalize direct mail nurturing → Examples of effective political and nonprofit direct mail
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [06:02] The power of direct mail in building personal connections. Unlike emails or texts, receiving a physical letter or package can make someone feel special and valued. We discuss strategies for making your mail stand out and why this traditional form of communication still has a significant impact today.
[10:56] Using QR codes on mail pieces to capture opt-in data. By including these on your mail pieces, you can bridge the gap between physical mail and digital convenience. Listeners will learn how QR codes can encourage recipients to opt-in for more information, allowing you to capture valuable data and grow your contact list effectively.
[18:57] Analyzing donor data to insert timely thank you mailings. We talk about how tracking donations and responding quickly with a personalized thank you note can make donors feel appreciated and more likely to contribute again in the future.
[25:32] The importance of emotionally engaging audiences. Whether it's through storytelling or appealing to shared values, we discuss how emotionally charged content can resonate more deeply with recipients, fostering a stronger connection and increasing the likelihood of them taking action.
[36:36] Connecting with Robert Lee for direct mail consultation. For those interested in taking their direct mail campaigns to the next level, we talk about how connecting with Robert for a consultation can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific goals and needs.
Resources Free Consultation to discuss marketing frameworks with Lesix Agency Eight Essential Exchanges by Kevin Scott freebie when you schedule a consultation
Robert Lee Founder, Lesix Agency
Robert is the founder of The Lesix Agency, a full marketing agency with the vision to put your company on the path to doubling your sales in 90 days. As a DigitalMarketer Certified Partner, he brings in over 15 years of marketing experience. His mission is to help business owners unlock their potential. Robert and his team are dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by providing expert guidance, building a strong foundation, and providing them with a marketing strategy that will propel their success. Robert truly believes you deserve a marketing partner that invests energy in helping you grow your business. Learn more: lesix.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwlee2/ https://www.facebook.com/rwlee2 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Ever wonder how some nonprofits seem to always be in the news? It's not magic – it's PR! In this episode, we dive into the world of press releases and media relations with PR expert Mickey Kennedy. Learn how to craft compelling stories, build relationships with journalists, and get your nonprofit the attention it deserves. Whether you're a PR novice or looking to up your game, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies you can start using today.
What you'll learn: → The basics of writing an effective press release → How to build and nurture relationships with journalists → Strategies for getting national media coverage on a budget → Why being a small, unknown organization can be a PR advantage → Creative ways to generate newsworthy content
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [06:14] Craft strong, meaningful quotes in your press releases – they're your chance to control the message and increase the likelihood of being included in articles. [12:08] Start building media connections locally – there are probably less than a dozen key journalists in your area who cover nonprofits. [19:33] Timing, message, and relevance are crucial for press release success – as demonstrated by the dining bond initiative case study. [30:09] Consider creating surveys or studies to generate newsworthy content and position your organization as an expert in your field. [37:01] Don't let your organization's size deter you from pursuing PR – sometimes being small and unknown can actually work in your favor with journalists.
Resources 9 Creative Ways to Engage and Steward Your Donors Guide: http://thefirstclick.net/resources Free Master Class: How to Build a PR Campaign Designed to Get Massive Media Coverage: https://www.ereleases.com/plan/ CauseWire – a nonprofit rate for press releases: https://www.ereleases.com/causewire/
Mickie Kennedy Founder, eReleases
Mickie Kennedy founded eReleases (http://www.ereleases.com) 25 years ago to help small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility through tier-1 press release distribution. He lives in the Baltimore area.
https://x.com/ereleases https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution https://www.instagram.com/ereleasespr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/ https://www.pinterest.com/ereleases/ https://www.youtube.com/user/ereleases https://www.tiktok.com/@ereleases
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Ready to supercharge your nonprofit's donor stewardship game? In this episode, we're joined by the amazing Sabrina Walker Hernandez, a board management guru with over 25 years of nonprofit experience. Sabrina dishes out practical tips on how to engage your board in donor stewardship, from thank-you taskforces to creative cultivation strategies. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you retain donors and maximize your board's impact.
What you'll learn: → Why donor stewardship is crucial for nonprofit boards → Practical strategies for involving board members in stewardship → How to create a culture of gratitude within your organization → Tips for developing a comprehensive stewardship plan → Ways to leverage board members' strengths in fundraising efforts
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [6:23] The fundraising process breakdown: Sabrina reveals that 60% of fundraising is relationship cultivation, 15% is stewardship, and only 5% is actually asking for money. This insight helps shift focus from the “ask” to building and maintaining donor relationships. [13:09] Leadership Mindset Shift: Instead of lamenting that “my board won't fundraise,” Sabrina encourages nonprofit leaders to ask, “How can I better lead and educate my board?” This perspective change empowers CEOs to take responsibility for board engagement and success. [24:46] Donor Care at All Levels: Sabrina shares a story about a wealthy donor who would test organizations with small initial donations. This emphasizes the importance of treating all donors with equal care and respect, regardless of gift size. [28:29] Implement a “five by five” plan: This practical strategy involves assigning each board member five donors to steward, with a goal of five meaningful touchpoints throughout the year. This structured approach helps ensure consistent donor engagement. [35:33] Leveraging Board Strengths: Sabrina stresses the importance of focusing on board members' individual strengths. A board member who excels at stewardship and cultivation can be incredibly valuable, even if they're not comfortable directly asking for money.
Resources Visit Supporting World Hope for Sabrina's social media platforms, services, and to join her VIP resource library. https://supportingworldhope.com/
Listen to episode 172 where Sabrina and Sami discuss Utilizing Your Board in You Marketing Efforts. https://thefirstclick.net/172
Sabrina Walker Hernandez President/CEO, Supporting World Hope Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Sabrina Walker Hernandez has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership. She grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign. She is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and a bestselling author.
Learn more at https://supportingworldhope.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinawalkerhernandez/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supportingworldhope Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_nonprofitexpert YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/supportingworldhope
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
We're thrilled to have Howard Levy, a renowned expert in behavioral science, with us. Howard brings a wealth of knowledge on how nonprofits can tap into the principles of human psychology to boost their fundraising efforts. During our conversation, Howard explains the importance of building strong relationships with donors and how it's much more than just saying “thank you” for their contributions. He'll walk us through the psychological triggers that motivate people to give and keep giving. We'll explore strategies for effective communication that resonates with donors and encourages them to stay engaged with your cause. Howard also discusses the common mistakes organizations make when reaching out to potential supporters and how to avoid them. Plus, he provides practical tips for crafting compelling messages that capture attention and inspire action. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the nonprofit sector, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you connect with donors on a deeper level. So, grab a notebook and get ready to learn how to strengthen your donor relationships and take your fundraising to new heights! What you'll learn: → The basics of behavioral science and how it relates to decision making → Strategies for connecting with donors through shared values and experiences → Examples of how language priming increased donations → Techniques like set completion and scarcity to boost average gifts → The power of personal stories over statistics
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [05:30] Intuitive vs. Cognitive Decisions People make decisions in two main ways: intuitively and cognitively. Intuitive decisions are quick and based on gut feelings or automatic thoughts. They don't require much thinking. On the other hand, cognitive decisions involve careful thought and analysis. Understanding this can help us predict how someone might decide in different situations. [13:00] Building Donor Relationships. It is import of find common ground when building relationships with donors. This means looking for shared interests, values, or experiences that can connect you with the donor on a personal level. When donors feel a personal connection, they're more likely to support your cause. [20:30] Priming Language in Campaigns The right language can prime people to act. Priming involves using specific words or phrases to influence someone's behavior without them realizing it. In the campaign mentioned, using certain words made people more likely to donate because those words triggered associated positive feelings or ideas. [31:00] Behavioral Triggers: Set Completion Using behavioral triggers like set completion can encourage action. Set completion is when people have a natural desire to finish a task once they've started it. So, if you show donors that they're part of a group effort and their contribution helps complete a goal, they may be more motivated to participate. [38:50] Emotional Responses to Personal Stories Personal stories often lead to stronger emotional responses than data. While statistics can provide important information, a story about a real person's experience can create a deeper emotional connection. This connection can inspire people to act because they feel more personally involved in the outcome.
Resources Red Rooster's Fundraising deck of cards PDF available on their website under the “Fundraising” tab.
President, Red Rooster Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardadamlevy
When it comes to nonprofit branding and marketing, Howard Levy has seen it all. As President of Red Rooster Group, he’s been helping nonprofit organizations overcome hurdles and inertia to wake up their brands and achieve their missions.
Right out of college, he founded one of the first marketing agencies focused specifically on the needs of the nonprofit sector. In the three decades since, he’s helped hundreds of organizations across a range of causes to revitalize their brands, shore up their marketing, and raise millions for their organizations. Today, he’ll share his insights on how nonprofits can improve their fundraising effectiveness using behavioral principles.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Collaborating with other organizations can help you reach new audiences and make a bigger impact – but only if you plan effectively. On this episode, we'll share strategies to set your partnership up for success.
What you'll learn: → How to determine if a potential partner is the right fit. → Tips for setting clear expectations and defining roles. → Best practices for communication and follow through. → Keys to ensuring a win-win outcome for all involved.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:37] Consider your goals, desired outcomes, and minimum thresholds before agreeing to any collaboration. [05:13] Have open conversations about goals, expectations, responsibilities and information sharing policies. [11:19] Assign clear leads for different work streams and buckets of tasks. [12:55] Develop a follow up plan to maintain engagement and say thanks to partners.
Resources Is your Nonprofit ready for collaboration? Quiz: https://thefirstclick.net/resources
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
This episode is packed with powerful networking insights from master connector Steve Ramona. Tune in to learn Steve's time-tested strategies for building authentic relationships, generating quality referrals, and growing your business through connection.
What you'll learn: → Strategies for effective virtual and in-person networking → Tips for meaningful conversations that add value → Techniques for nurturing relationships and follow up → Ideas for using your network to collaborate and make introductions → Best practices for nonprofits to engage donors and partners
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [11:19] The importance of active listening in meetings and asking thoughtful questions. [16:03] Using conversations to connect people and look for opportunities. [21:51] Following up to build rapport and stay top of mind for referrals. [26:19] Hosting free workshops to provide value and generate referrals. [37:38] Getting better by 1% each day and practicing service.
Resources Is your Nonprofit ready for collaboration? Quiz Steve Ramona's monthly podcast workshop. Reach out for more info through LinkedIn or by text at 408-642-6288 Steve Ramona's business education sessions every other Monday at paywhatyoucansupportgroup.com
Steve Ramona Host of the Pantheon Alliance Mastermind
Steve Ramona, a unique super-connector, specializes in building partnerships through his personalized introductions. These introductions are emails and include video explanations, adding a personal touch to each connection. Steve's introductions have been incredibly successful, resulting in 25 million dollars in deals over the past 11 years. This track record speaks volumes about the value he brings to each connection.
Steve has a podcast, Doing Business with a Servant's Heart, with an audience of over 40,000 people per episode.
He also has a TV show called Together We Serve, which has a 1.2 million audience monthly. Steve’s shows mostly feature CEOs, founders, Presidents, and Entrepreneurs with incredible stories. Steve finds great people to partner with and introduce partnerships through these shows.
Learn more at https://www.servinginbusinesspodcast.com/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
When you're a guest on someone else's podcast you are put in front of an audience that already trusts you. They are listening to what you have to say because they already enjoy the podcast you're guesting on. It is an opportunity for you to share your expertise and reach new audiences. However, there are a few things you can do to make it even more successful.
What you'll learn: → Dustin's 5 step framework for podcast guesting → How to identify target podcast opportunities → Tips for crafting an effective pitch → Preparing for your podcast interview → Creating a clear call to action
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [16:03] Dustin outlines his 5P framework: purpose, plan, pitch, perform, profit. [22:38] Understand your purpose and goals before identifying podcasts. [31:55] Customize your pitch based on the podcast's audience. [37:02] Provide one clear call to action at the end for listeners.
Resources Is your Nonprofit ready for collaboration? Quiz: https://thefirstclick.net/resources Dustin Riechmann's free podcast guesting playbook and resources: https://sevenfigureleap.com/playbook
Dustin Riechmann Founder, 7-Figure Leap Coaching
Dustin Riechmann is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of 7-Figure Leap Coaching. He specializes in helping mission-driven experts build 7-figure brands by telling their story.
Learn more at https://7figureleap.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Collaborations are a great way to get more visibility for your organization, build trust, and get new donors. There are so many different ways you can collaborate – it's only limited by your imagination. Tune in to discover unexpected partnerships and learn how working with others can strengthen your mission impact.
What you'll learn: * → Unconventional collaboration ideas beyond traditional fundraising events * → Best practices for guest speaking, social media partnerships and cross-promotion * → An abundant mindset for non-profit partnerships * → Guidelines for evaluating collaborative opportunities * → Strategies for deepening engagement with sponsors
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:30] Collaborations like guest podcasting and speaking help organizations position themselves as thought leaders and build trust with new audiences. [11:04] Adopting an abundant mindset when collaborating sees partnerships as mutually beneficial ways to showcase collective impact, rather than competitive opportunities. [16:11] Set clear expectations around goals and asks with hosts of small donor events to ensure collaborations are beneficial for all involved. [19:40] Expanding engagement with sponsors through shared content and brainstorming new ideas can strengthen partnerships over time.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
In today's episode, we're unlocking the potential of Google Ad Grants for nonprofits. If you've ever wondered how a $10,000 monthly ad spend could boost your organization's online presence, this is the episode for you. We'll guide you through setting up your website to maximize the benefits of Google Ads and share tips on converting visitors into supporters. Plus, don't miss out on our freebie to optimize your donation page!
What you'll learn: → The basics of Google Ad Grants and how they can benefit your nonprofit. → Best practices for setting up your website to utilize Google Ads effectively. → Strategies for creating content that aligns with your audience's search terms. → Tips for using Google's Keyword Planner and other tools to find the right keywords. → How to craft a user journey that leads to conversions
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [0:00] What is the Google Ad Grant? It is a $10,000 monthly ad spend for qualifying nonprofit organizations. This allows you to have ads at the top of search in Google. [3:33] Start with your goals first. You'll want to create your ads around the ultimate goals for your organization. This helps you understand what pages of your website need to be updated or created to support ads. [5:49 ] Generate keywords that people are using for content you're creating. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and even the Google or YouTube search bar can help you understand the terms people are serching for that are relevant to your goals. It will also give you the language that people are using versus your jargon.
Resources Google Keyword Planner SEMRush EP 41 | Grow your Email List with Quizzes EP 211 | 5 Email Automations To Help you Raise More Money EP 214 | Strategies for Growing Your Email List
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Building a website is big and can be super stressful. Once it's done, the unfortunate thing is that it's not done! As your business grows and evolves, your website should do the same alongside it. Sometimes its quick and simple changes, sometimes its a big overhaul. If this is on your radar then give this episode a listen so you can be more thoughtful about your approach, budgets, and time.
What you'll learn: → how your goals play into your website. → the role data plays into your decisions. → looking outside your organization for different perspectives. → ways to organize all your pages. → leading with positivity. → what role AI plays in video.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [6:24] Start with your goals and mission of your organization. Your website should reflect those goals. Match that with your website analytics. Are the pages that connect the most with those goals the ones that people are visiting? Ensure that those core pages you need are getting the right activity and attention. [14:06] Get outside perspectives for how people utilize your website. Getting outside of your own internal perspectives is a great way to understand what to update on your website. You might access things a certain way, but that doesn't mean that it's easy for other people to find the information. Interview some people to see if they can access the elements that are critical for conversions. [17:47]Build a spreadsheet that has all the pages of your website listed. Remove anything that's old, isn't relevant, or doesn't get any traffic. This is a great spring cleaning activity to build into your regular website updates. [28:04] Figure out your timeline. It doesn't have to be done all at once. Think about the priorities and phase out the steps to fit into your schedule.
Resources Website (re)Design Workbook Free Consult with Wow Digital [eBook] 3 Simple Words to Increase Your Donations by 20%
David Pisarek Founder, Wow Digital
Meet David, a tech guru and passionate advocate for non-profits. Since 2000, David has been harnessing the power of technology to drive social change. He's not only the founder of Wow Digital, a digital agency focused on empowering non-profits, but also a seasoned educator in systems, coding, and UX/UI design. Known for his strategic acumen, David notably saved a hospital over $50,000 annually through IT innovations.
Outside the office, David is an avid hockey player and family man, constantly exploring the latest technology. As a mentor, he guides agencies toward profitability and growth, having already helped over 220 agencies worldwide.
David's ultimate mission? To empower 5,000 nonprofits to impact 10 million lives through digital innovation, inspiring positive change across humanity.
Learn more at https://wowdigital.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Website accessibility is not something we commonly think about, but is really important. It matters because you want your users to have a great experience, search engines care, and it's a legal requirement. So how do you know if your website is accessible? We start to scratch the surface in this episode so you can evaluate your current website and start to make changes.
What you'll learn: → why accessibility matters. → where to get started. → focus on simplicity. → paying attention to your multimedia elements.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:37] Two reasons why building an accessible website is important. The first is that when your website is accessible it creates a better user experience for all users. Creating an accessible experience creates loyalty with users. [7:29] Ditch the overwhelm and tackle this project like you would any problem you're trying to solve at your organization. Start with the goals in mind and the most important thing you need your website to do. Fix that process first and go from there. [10:04] Simply your designs. If someone has a visual impairment they must use the website from a keyboard only. Ensure they can easily navigate the page and understand the flow of content. [16:49] Pay special attention to images, audio and video. Ensure all images have alt text so e-readers know what the image is about. Add transcripts to video and audio. If you can, describe things that people might need hep visualizing in your audio or video. And don't upload images with text on them.
Resources WAVE – Web Accessibility Evalutation Tool EP 164 | Create a Better User Experience for All with Amber Hinds
Max Ivey Founder, The Accessibility Advantage
Maxwell, known around the world as The Blind Blogger, is an accessibility and inclusion advisor who emphasizes education, communication, and collaboration over compliance, legal threats, and shame. He works to show people how creating accessible products, services, and content will help grow their businesses. He is a serial online entrepreneur with over 15 years experience who has had to deal with the accessibility or more likely the lack of accessibility on a daily basis. He shares his knowledge through writing, speaking, consulting, and podcasting. If you have any questions, please just ask him.
Learn more at: https://www.theaccessibilityadvantage.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Content on your website is how you connect with your visitors. Ensuring they get what the need in the right way takes some finessing. As your organization grows and evolves, your website needs to do the same. With regular updating and reflection it is easy and doesn't take a long time.
What you'll learn: → power of relying on your analytics. → how to create your sitemap. → taking your goals into consideration. → how to keep updating your content regularly.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:10] Pay attention to your short term and long term goals. Your website should be a direct reflection of the action you want them to take immediately, and the journey you can take them on over time. [5:57] What does your data tell you? Where are people leaving your website from? Where are they coming in from? This will show you the content that is resonating the best and the worst with your audience. You can also start to learn how people go through your website journey to understand where there might be gaps in the content on your website. [10:09] Create your new sitemap. This will help you visualize what the content will look like on each page so you can ensure it matches up with your goals. It will also ensure each page prioritizes the right content.
Resources EP 174 | How to Track Content for Repurposing Increased Engagement
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Live video is a great way to connect with your audience. It can be done in so many ways from social media to Zoom hangouts. You are only limited by your imagination. Don't be scared by live video. Have fun with it and take in all the things your audience is sharing with you. You can build trust with new audiences and get important information about what your audience cares most about.
What you'll learn: → how to get out of your own way. → connecting with your existing audience. → power of educating and adding value. → tips for going live on social media. → collaborate for bigger visibility.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:34] Set up monthly or quarterly Zoom hangs. This is an opportunity to build a connection with your donors and community. You can update on your progres and impact as well as share ways they can support your mission. It's also a great opportunity for them to ask questions and meet additional members of your team. [6:19] Create a webinar series. Educate your audience on the problem you solve and speak to their motivations. How can what you do benefit them! These can be pre-recorded. Pro tip: this is a great list builder because people need to register and give you their email address to get the replay. [8:54] Go live on social media. This is much more conversational and casual. Set a regular time where you show up and people can expect you, but also go a little off the cuff and bring people along with you as you're doing the work you do. [12:42] Collaborate with other experts, sponsors, volunteers, etc. They'll share with their audience and it's a great way to get bigger visibility.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
A strong video content strategy starts with getting started! If you want to take your videos to the next level, this is the episode for you. Atiba shares how to get over the hurdle of creating video and how to come up with the right ideas to take your audience on a journey. Regardless of where you are in your video creation strategy, there are tips for you in this episode to keep things moving forward.
What you'll learn: → how video helps build trust. → why viral videos aren't the goal. → paying attention to metrics that matter. → ways to set up your calls-to-action. → creating content to speak to your donors motivations. → Atiba's challenge to you!
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [8:33] It's more about authenticity versus perfection. You aren't producing a movie for the big screen. Your customers want to see you being a human, that's how they connect to you. The only comparison you need to make with your videos is if this video you just published is a little better than the last one you created. [10:42] We all want to go viral, but they don't necessarily drive more money. Yes, you feel good because you have a lot of views. What's more important is how many people take action on that video. Start with understanding the true size of your audience and the goals for your video. [16:01] Repurpose and reshare you content. Send the videos out to your email list. Cut it up and share it on your social media channels. Ensure you pay attention to how platforms utilize content and format it for that audience. Share videos you've created in the past again, if they're stil relavent. [19:31] Take your audience on a journey. There are three categories, why, how, and what. 70% of your videos should be why, 15% how, and 15 % what. Some of these videos should be polarizing. That allows you to help your viewers select if you're the right fit for them or not. [26:18] Different donors have different motivations, create videos that speak to those. For one campaign, you might create 3-5 videos that talk to different people. They'll connect and align with you and get a quick win for something they care about. [31:24] Get the first 10 videos out of the way. The first ten videos are going to be the hardes, and the worst, that you create. Get them done and out of the way immediately so you can get into a rhythm and start to feel comfortable.
Atiba de Souza CEO & Superman, Client Attraction Pros
Atiba de Souza is the Video Content Superman who was killing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) before the term was even invented. Using a unique method of blending storytelling with search keywords for more than 15 years, he has ranked regional and national brands in the US on page 1 of Google. Atiba is an Award Winning marketer who has been featured on many renowned platforms, including Traffic & Conversion Summit, Affiliate Meet Markt, Founders Board, Digital Marketer Blog, Fox, & USA Today. As well as top-tier podcasts like Marketing Ink Podcast by Allie Bloyd, Digital Marketer Podcast, and Chasing Insights by Vince Warnock. When he is not geeking out on the latest SEO principles and AI trends, Atiba is a man of God, husband, father, and IG Food Influencer in the Washington, DC area.
Learn more at https://clientattractionpros.com/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Creating video gets easy once you've gotten a little practice.. This happens by repetition. So if you're just getting started, this epiosde is for you. You'll get some do's and don'ts that will help you understand what to focus on and what to let go of. Remember, these are short form video elements so large production and fancy sets ups aren't required here!
What you'll learn: → creating a plan. → build the right background. → create templates to make editing easier. → what to edit and what not to. → power of batching. → why sharing multiple faces is important.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:51] Do have a plan but don't over script. Craft bullets for what you want to accomplish in the video. Understand what you're going to say. Avoid writing out the full script and reading it. You'll tend to sound robotic. [4:42] Do pay attention to your surroundings, but don't let it stop you from creating a video if the situation is perfect. Lighting can be really important for the user experience. Also pay attention to your background to make sure it's not to busy and overwhelming. Make sure there aren't people in the background that you don't have permission to show. However, if you're in a place that organically feels great to record, especially if you run into a donor or board member, still hit that record button. [7:38] Create templates for backgrounds but don't make all the videos look the same. By having a variety of templates you can use for the backgrounds of your videos it makes it easy to get things done. That way you're minimizing the amount of work it takes to get that video from recorded to published. Try not to have them all look exactly the same. [9:27] Do edit, but sparingly. We aren't looking for perfection. Don't feel like you ned to remove the ums and uhs. You are making a personal connection so show that you're human! [13:15] Batch your content and don't feel like you need to post in real time. You'll want to use multiple faces in your video. Batching allows you to get in front of those key people 1-2 times per month instead of recording right when you need to post. Having content in the bank also removes the stress of feeling like you need to post in real time. [16:58] Highlight multiple faces of your organization, but don't force people if they aren't comfortable. Have the leaders in your organization share when it is something relevant to their job. [18:57] Have fun and show your personality and take it slow. You don't need to start publishing a ton of videos all of the sudden. Take it slow, test, and find the flow that works for your organization, team, and budget.
Resources EP 251 | Coming up with Content Ideas for Short Form Video
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Stories are a great way to connect with your audience. When they are done through video they can be even more impactful! Stories that include other stakeholders, like board members, donors, volunteers, etc, are also fantastic. One thing we don't pay attention to is how we capture those stories, keep them for future use, and ensure you are sharing them ethically.
What you'll learn: → the power of stories. → value of a story bank. → three step process for video. → importance of asking the right questions. → leading with positivity. → what role AI plays in video.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:15] Stories have been a big part of our communication from the beginning of time. It is how we have communicated before there was a written language. How they make us feel is what we remember and what connects us to the brand or organization. It allows people to see themselves as part of your mission. [8:51] Build a collection of stories. Create a process for how you'll collet, store, and manage consent around your videos. This allows you to be able to pull the right story out for the right donor to connect with their motivations. [10:14] Three steps to start with video storytelling. Step 1 – start at the end – understand what the goal is and what you hope to accomplish with the content. Step 2 – determine the type of content. Is it a testimonial, is it for an event, do you need it for a grant proposal, etc? Step 3. – refine the call to action. [13:51] Prep questions for better results. Get specific with the questions you ask. This preps the person to understand what they should be ready for and also helps guide the conversation towards the goals of the video. [24:19] Lead with positivity. People want to be part of the solution. They want to see the good work you're doing. Focus on the results and impact, instead of the doom and gloom. [26:56] Use AI tools for video very sparingly. People can see that they are AI and it can feel less personal. Especially when you're utilizing video for big grant proposals or larger sponsor asks. However, using AI to pull content out of your existing videos can be a great way to repurpose and save time.
Resources Ethical Storytelling Report
Chris Miano Founder, Memory Fox
Chris Miano, the Founder & CEO of MemoryFox, has made it his mission to elevate the stories of real human beings. He believes that through storytelling with grassroots Community-Generated Content, the world can become a more inclusive and equitable place for everyone.
Chris was born and raised in Buffalo. He spent eight years in the Army traveling around the world and learning about the power of storytelling as a tool to connect with people across many cultures, generations, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Learn more at https://memoryfox.io
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Short form video is a great way to build connection with new and current audiences. If ideas for the video content is what is holding you back then this episode is perfect for you. It's time to brainstorm some fun ideas. I promise you, once you get started you will find you have more ideas than time to publish them!
What you'll learn: → repurposing on multiple channels. → creating your core themes. → how to start brainstorming ideas. → reusing videos you already have. → using the time to build your video bank. → resist the urge to sell.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:50] Short form video can be used in so many ways. Share it on all the platforms from TikTok to Facebook and Instagram Reels, to YouTube Shorts and beyond. Video can really be used anywhere you're showing up. [4:10] Come up with core themes. Create two different categories, brand awareness and events/promotions. For brand awareness, create themes you'll use when you aren't in a promotional period. This could include; behind the scenes, impact stories, FAQs, etc. Then brainstorm with your whole team to get specific. [7:52] Reuse content you already have. This could be videos you've produced for your gala, videos that are already on YouTube, etc. Take snippets out of these videos to share with your audience and drive more traffic back to that content. [10:12] Stay top of mind with your team. Now that you have your categories, remind your team regularly so they can grab videos while there out in the wild. Get specific with the topics to make it easier for them to remember. [11:47] Highlight your sponsors and make them the heroes! Have big sponsors at your event? Ask if you can interview them and create short videos you can use to promote the event and give the donor a shoutout.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Email is a great strategy for any organization. However, if you don't get the messaging right then it misses the mark. Understanding the way you share your organizations impact, through the eyes of your audience, can lead to much better results. Learn how to refine your messaging and increase the engagement from your emails in this episode.
What you'll learn: → common mistakes people make with their email. → how value in your emails can increase your open rates and engagement. → messaging isn't just about emails. → how to understand the language your audience uses. → resist the urge to sell.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:58] Messaging matters, and most organizations assume what their audience wants to hear. Spoiler alert – they are usually wrong! Its hard to step outside your organization to truly see it from the perspective of your audience. It comes down to understanding the words they use and using them yourselves. [10:39] When you prioritize adding value in your emails it builds trust. This allows them to understand what is coming and that its about them. It will increase the likelihood they open the next one because they know they aren't being sold to. Then follow your analytics to see what stories and value resonate most with your audience. [18:26] When you take the time to refine your messaging, it doesn't just affect your emails. It should be utilized in all your communications. This includes your website, social media posts, one-on-one conversations and more! [19:13] Interview your audience to learn what they think about your organization. This works best with phone interviews so they can be more open and honest. Look at common responses and start to craft your language. Remember that people connect to emotion so really pull out the stuff people are sharing. Resist the jargon.
Resources [book] Challenger Brand Marketing Book Ep 221 | Creating a Language Guide EP 222 |What are you Famous For? with Craig Alexander
John Gumas Founder, Gumas Advertising
A veteran of the advertising and interactive marketing industry, John founded Gumas Advertising in 1984. Today, the award-winning firm is consistently named as one of the top branding and interactive marketing firms by the California Business Times.
John is recognized as one of the country’s foremost authorities on challenger brand marketing. He is the author of the popular books “Marketing Smart” and “Challenger Brand Marketing” which describe how challenger brands can effectively develop marketing strategies to take on their larger competitors. In addition, John has been an adjunct professor of branding, advertising and interactive marketing, a sought after speaker and a regular columnist for several publications and blogs.
John currently sits on many boards, including the San Francisco Giants, The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco State University Foundation, The Greater San Francisco Advertising Club, The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and The Elios Society.
John was recently inducted into the San Francisco State University Hall of Fame, and was Alumnus of the Year. John has also been recognized for his extensive community service and leadership by the U.S. Senate and the San Francisco Giants.Learn more at https://gumas.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
With a smaller team it can feel hard to know what to prioritize when it comes to marketing. It may feel like you need (or should) do it all. Email is a powerful tool in your marketing toolbox. That doesn't mean you have to do it all at once. Instead, start with the goals and priorities in mind and build over time. Trust me, you'll never regret having an email list of donors and potential donors you can connect with.
What you'll learn: → when and how to prioritize email marketing. → power of adding value and lead magnets. → how often to send emails. → ways to repurpose social media in your emails.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:52] It's all about doing what you need to do to raise money. This could be prioritizing personal interactions over digital strategies if that's not your skillset. Then, as your resources expand, so can your marketing strategy. The strategies should focus on acquisition. [6:08] Encourage people to get on your email list by adding value. This is most commonly created through a lead magnet. It gives them immediate value and also helps you get their information. Don't forget to have a nurture sequence as a follow-up to continue adding value. [17:04] Send your general newsletters weekly. This keeps you top of mind and allows you to share your mission more often. If you're strugling with what to put in your emails, repurpose the content you already have. Take high performing social media posts and put them in your emails.
Andriy Boychuk Founder & CEO, Flowium
Learn more at: https://flowium.com
Follow on Instagram @andriyboychuk Watch on YouTube @Flowium
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Email doesn't have to be overcomplicated. This episode takes you through some foundations you'll want to consider when looking at your email strategy. It's time to simplify and get back to basics so you can build and grow based of data and engagement with your audience.
What you'll learn: → how many calls-to-action (CTAs) should you include? → why email keeps you top of mind. → how to prioritize your content. → ways to encourage people to open your email. → the importance of mobile in your design.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:04] Don't include more than three calls-to-action (CTA). When you increase the CTAs then you decrease the liklihood people will take action due to decision fatigue. If you're worried about sending more emails to break it up because you don't want to overwhelm your audience, ask them! They want to hear from you and likely won't care if they get another email during the month that has value attached to it. [12:43] Sending regular emails keeps you top of mind in their inbox. Even if they aren't reading them all, they're seeing your name. When they have questions or want to engage it'll be easier for them to do that. [13:45] Put your most important piece of information at the top of the email. Ideally you'll have an option for them to click through close to the top. Then the second most important piece should go near the bottom since people tend to scroll. Remember to stay in touch with your entire team to understand how things need to be organized based off of priorities over time. [19:20] Here are some quick tips to encourage readers to open your email. Don't use all caps. Personalize the subject line with their name. Use the pre-header text area to explain more about what's inside. [24:07] Ensure your emails are mobile friendly. Most people are reading on their phones. Don't lose them because they can't read it or access the media you're including. Send yourself a test to you can see what it looks like on your device.
Resources TEDTalk | The Paradox of Choice Constant Contact ConvertKit* Claude Chat GPTPerplexity 5 Ways to Leverage AI in Your Marketing
*This post contains affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase we may receive a commission. We are only affiliates of products and services we use ourselves.
Kendra Corman Kendra Corman is the driving force behind KendraCorman.com and H2H Consulting. She is dedicated to enhancing small business and nonprofit marketing through innovative email strategies and leveraging AI technology. Transitioning from leading iconic brands like Jeep to authoring ‘Mastering AI In Communications,' she simplifies complex marketing concepts into actionable steps. Kendra's approach is about making marketing more effective and efficient. Learn more at: https://kendracorman.com/
Email is an important element of your marketing. So where do you get started? And from there, where do you expand? Consistency is important so building slowly over time is important. That way you can ensure that you're adding thoughtful communications that help guide your readers to a conversion and that they're getting the messages they need for their interests at the right time.
What you'll learn: → growing past a general newsletter. → crafting communication just for your donors. → setting up your promotional emails. → ways LinkedIn can support your community.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:57] Start with your general newsletter. This can go to your full email list when you first get started. It includes general information, impact stories, and adds value to your audience. Take it to the next step by segmenting this email based off of your audiences' interest. [8:45] Create emails specifically for your donors. Messaging for your donors is a bit different then that of your community. Create separate emails that speak to their own motivations for engaging with your audience. [11:35] Give your monthly donors the VIP treatment. Exclusivity is a great way to keep monthly donors coming back for more. Creating emails that are just for your monthly donors can help you connect with them more and makes them feel special. [16:17] Leverage email for your promotions. During this time your general email newsletters stop. Being thoughtful of who you're sending your promotional emails to can go a long way. Be thoughtful and proactive so you can pull the right lists of peoples for the right events and campaigns.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Episodes all about Email
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Getting donors is tough work. So why don't fundraisers spend as much time retaining them as they do on getting new ones? When it comes to your monthly donors, being connected to them is so important. It's not about you though, it's about how they want to be connected to. This is what can feel overwhelming at times. In this episode you'll learn some ways to think about how you build community with your donors to increase their giving over time.
What you'll learn: → how to be unique and showcase your personality. → the importance of individualized communication and adding value. → building a strategy that is donor-centric. → ways LinkedIn can support your community.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:09] Retaining donors is a long-term strategy that will support your organization overall. It's important to get out of a scarcity mindset and the feeling that you need the money immediately. Instead, think about how you can retain donors so that you have more consistency in your funding. It's time to play the long game. [7:26] Focus on providing value, and be as individualized as you can. That personal connection and sharing of impact builds trust and helps when asking for additional gifts. Don't forget to ask them for their feedback and connect with them personally on platforms like LinkedIn. [8:36] Be unique so you stand out amongst the noise. Don't just send a regular postcard. Send a letter with something inside it so it stands out in the mailbox. Put your messaging on something unique so people remember it, like a Rubik's cube. [14:47] Don't undervalue your smaller monthly donors. They likely want to be part of the community more so than the larger donors. And longterm they have incredible potential for your organization. [17:08] Leverage LinkedIn to create virtual events. This allows you to get in front of new audiences. You can also create events for your existing donors, and ask them to bring their friends. It's a great FREE way your donors can help you grow and share the work you're doing. [20:03] Pay attention to who your audience is and how they like to interact. Then craft the experience and the langauge around them. For example, if you're a little goofy, or serious.
Resources Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen
Nate Morse With a rich background in fostering business growth, Nate now turns his attention to the nonprofit sector. He applies his knowledge of the customer journey to the path of donors, emphasizing how understanding and nurturing these relationships can lead to increased and sustained giving.
His discussions focus on making the donor experience rewarding. By adopting strategies that businesses use to keep customers coming back, nonprofits can encourage donors to continue their support. Nate's insights help organizations create strong, lasting bonds with their donors, ensuring that every gift has a lasting impact. Learn more at https://natemorse.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Most fundraisers don't think of themselves as sales people. And while “sales” in the nonprofit space might look a little different, the foundation of taking them on a journey that ultimately leads in a donation, is still the same. Paying attention to how you you reach out to new donors and what that experience looks like is critical.
What you'll learn: → how to make it more about them. → why leading with stories helps with better connection. → benefits of asking the questions. → creating your knowledge base champion
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:12] Sales is really about the opportunity to help someone solve a problem, achieve a dream, or make things better. When you approach conversations in what's in it for them vs what can they do for you, you're more likely to get that donation. This can lead to a more aligned fit, and therefore increased donor retention. [13:10] Connect the dots to create emotion. Don't forget to share stories. These stories will help convey the work you do in an emotional way. Help them dream so they can see how their contribution builds these dreams. [17:13] Ask questions and listen. This way you know what part of your programs to highlight and what stories to share. Take this into future conversations so you have some common ground to share.
John Lester John Lester is on a mission to transform limiting mindsets that hold back salespeople and small business owners. Having built his career helping companies big and small drive revenue through coaching and training, John knows that tech stacks, skills and product knowledge are ineffective without the right sales psychology. His goal is to help sellers and solopreneurs reframe sales as mutually beneficial versus oppositional through personal insights and practical coaching. Learn more: https://attitudeselling.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Funnels aren't just for sales teams. They are a way to understand how people become donors so you can get more of them! Funnels can help you create better donor and customer experiences while automating many of the actions. Learn how to set up a funnel, how to test and what to know before you get started.
What you'll learn: → funnels can include offline and online activities. → how to get started with creating one. → mistakes people make with their funnels. → why the data should be around the people, not just the numbers.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [7:17] At their core, funnels help you organize your content so that it hits the ideal customer with the right information at the right time to simplify their buying decision. It's more about crafting a great journey that allows you to build trust and guide them. This is opposed to you throwing everything you have out there and assuming people will know how they can best engage and support your organization. [13:00] Three core things every funnel needs: a way for people to convert, ability to capture their contact information, and a plan to nurture them. Thinking about all of these elements at the beginning ensures you have a way to turn first-time donors and customers into repeat customers and donors. [20:47] Understand who you're talking to. Get to know their pain points and what they care about. That way you know that your messaging and efforts are going to be worthwhile. It also ensures you craft your funnels around people, and not just the value of the transaction (or lack thereof).
Resources Google Analytics Microsoft Clarity
Mikael Dia Founder, Funnelytics
Mikael Dia, a seasoned digital marketing expert and founder of Funnelytics, has navigated the entrepreneurial landscape with a passion for scaling businesses to seven figures. Through his innovative software, Funnelytics.io, Mikael simplifies marketing funnel analysis, empowering entrepreneurs to optimize customer journeys effectively. With a commitment to data-driven decision-making, Mikael brings practical insights to the podcast, offering a fresh perspective on marketing, conversions, and the ever-evolving digital landscape. Learn more: https://funnelytics.io/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Building value into your monthly giving program is so important. It helps to create a deeper connection and build community. This helps your donors stick around longer, and hopefully increase their gifts over time. Managing the stewardship of these donors can be overwhelming. Learn some ways you can automate, personalize, and manage your monthly giving program with ease.
What you'll learn: → why over communication doesn't lead to donors leaving. → how you can add value without adding more work as your membership grows. → get personal with your automations
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:56] Don't stress when people stop giving monthly. It happens, but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't communicate. Have a conversation and thank them for what they've done so far and the impact it's made. Create an open opportunity to learn why so you can “fix it”, follow up in the future, or understand how you can do better to retain current and future donors. [7:03] Monthly newsletters with sneak peeks and VIP access. This is a great perk that gives members a behind the scenes peek at what's coming. Make them feel like a VIP with special impact stories just for them, early access to events or contents, etc. [7:38] Automate handwritten cards with tools like Handwrytten. By connecting it to your CRM you can trigger handwritten cards automatically when milestones or criteria are met. [10:17] Build tiers into your program to maximize your time. Phone calls are so important, but can take a lot of time. Create levels of monthly giving to line out when they'll get calls. For example, maybe it's after they've been giving for 3 months.
Resources Handwrytten
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
If you're spending all your time directing people on where information is, training your team, or just struggling to figure out what the tasks the employee that just left did, then this episode is for you. Documenting the way things are done inside your organization doesn't just protect you when someone leaves, it helps to streamline onboarding and ensures that your team is doing critical tasks in the same way.
What you'll learn: → what is a knowledge base? → how to get started with creating one. → how often you should be reviewing your knowledge base. → creating your knowledge base champion
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [6:36] A knowledge base is a central location where you house all of the information people inside your organization, or your board, may need. This includes things like passwords, proccesses for repeateded tasks, event logistics, and more. It keeps things out of post-it notes, personal notebooks, and inside our own heads. This is an electronic document that is constantly evolving and being added to, but has the most current information. [11:20] Creating a knowledge base takes time. First – start with new roles you're hiring for. Or maybe you have someone thats's about to take an extended vacation or retire. Document those elements first. Have them put their tasks down on paper. Then have someone that doesn't do that task read the instructions and see if they can execute. [17:46] Keeping it up to date can be overwhelming. Any time you have a a major staff member transition its a good time to review those tasks. Otherwise, break it into sections and review one section quarterly. That way you know your entire knowledge base gets reveiwed roughly once a year. [22:54] Create a team culture around utilizing your knowledge base. It takes consistency to ensure this stays up to date. It can be helpful to have a chamption in the team that manages it and keeps everyone on track.
Resources Google Sites Notion
Roxanne Fry Founder, RoxStar Solutions Roxanne Fry is the founder and CEO of RoxStar Solutions LLC. As a process improvement solutionist, she helps nonprofits leverage technology tools to streamline their day-to-day business operations and maximize the use of their CRM. Roxanne is a certified Salesforce Administrator with extensive nonprofit C-Suite experience. Learn more at https://roxstarsolutions.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Technology can help your streamline so many things in your organization. This can include marketing communications, internal systems, donor stewardship and on and on. Getting everyone on board with new technology is the more difficult part. Learn ways to better communicate the need for new tech as well as how to embrace it in this episode.
What you'll learn: → why change is good. → ways to make decision making easier. → how to encourage your team to actually use the tech you have. → getting more buy in from your leadership on new tech tools. → testing to find what works. → reaching out to platforms to understand where they're headed.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:01] Change can be scary, but if we think about it as an opportunity instead can help with your mindset. Don't avoid the technology – you can't outrun it. Instead, think about all the ways it can provide opportunities. Start with the end goal in mind, or the problem you need to solve, then start researching. Don't worry so much about the how, just about how it can help you with efficiency. [9:52] Do a time study to figure out where people are spending their time. This can help you bring up tasks that people could be automating or highlight areas where your tech can support them. It can also help you address roadblocks for people in why they aren't using it. [13:40] When prepping to pitch a new tech solutions, come at it from multiple viewpoints. Be able to communicate the ROI to your executives or CSuite. Understand the objections of your team members so you can have solutions for those. Ensure you've connected with other team members to understand the impact. [17:50] Don't feel rushed to pick a solution. Build in time to test 2-3 different solutions. This will ensure that the actual platform will truly work for your organization and the members of your team. [23:09] Pricing isn't everything – remember to connect with the platforms. Ask them where they are in their development and what features they're planning on releasing in the near and distant future. You can also negotiate pricing. Don't forget to ask about nonprofit pricing.
Colin Sanburg Colin started at 21 in a family business and quickly realized the business was a financial house of cards. Over several ugly years, he developed a passion for solving those profitability and cash flow problems and later scaled that business as owner and CEO. He reinvested profits from that first business to buy several other businesses and real estate. Along the way, Colin realized that no middle market or large business survives without mastering its finances, yet very few small business owners are financially focused. That realization led him to study every small business finance book he could find, complete several small business finance courses, including Strategic Finance at Harvard, and earn his Executive MBA from The University of Texas at Dallas.
Colin’s passion for connecting with and helping other entrepreneurs came from starting several mastermind groups and spending hundreds of sessions giving advice and support. Through it all, he became the go-to person in his circles for financial strategy and advice. Learn more at https://finelevate.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Planning is important. It helps you know where you're going and what that means for your growth and impact. Executing that plan is the second half of the battle. Knowing if things are working and your strategies are going to get you to the end goal is where a lot of people get stuck. Learn about how you can effectively keep you and your team on the right track to geeting things done in this episode of the podcast.
What you'll learn: → how to move from planning to doing. → identifying which tasks to do, delete, delegate, and defer. → when and how to pivot. → review your plans regularly.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:40] Different people are more comfortable in planning and some in executing. Having both people in the room and understanding the stregnths of each can help you organization navigate this process. Then its about creating ownership of different areas of the process and identifying the decision makes for different elements of the plan. [9:33] Put your tasks in a matrix to help determine which tasks you are going to defer, delegate, do, or delete. For example, if something is high impact, low difficulty, then it's an easy choice to do. If it's high diffculty, low impact, then delete. [13:48] When it comes to changing course pay attention to data and metrics. Understanding what elements aren't working makes it easier for you to determine what you keep doing and where you pivot. Break big projects or events into smaller goals so you know what really is or isn't working vs scrapping the entire thing, for example.
Cassandra Quinn Cassandra Quinn thrives on closing the gaps between people, ideas, and solutions and she's on a mission to create a more joyful, fulfilling, and rejuvenated world that's rooted in inclusive prosperity, collective wisdom, and savvy stewardship.
Her current business partners with socially conscious companies to optimize operations, teams, and sales to maximize ethical profits and cultivate a positive work culture through a people-first, systems-led approach.
With 11 years of business ownership and diverse industry background, she leverages her expertise to guide and inspire her company's consulting, training, and fractional operations & leadership services.
As a proud Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Alumni Ambassador, a member of the Trusted Advisors Council, and a volunteer for the Leadership Team of the Chicago Chapter of Conscious Capitalism, Cassandra is actively involved in shaping positive business practices. Additionally, her company is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, which provides third-party accountability for members committing to corporate environmental responsibility. Learn more: https://cassandraquinn.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Technology can really support your business. I'm sharing the tools that I can't live without in case you're looking for recommendations. Remember that technology is only as impactful as the problem it solves. Don't go down a rabbit hole for tools you don't need. To evaluate the tools you need with our free downloadable down below.
This post contains affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase, we may receive a small commission. We are only affiliates for products and services we use ourselves.
What you'll learn: → tools to help with organization. → making scheduling easier. → how we create websites and courses. → email marketing software. → essential tools for our podcast.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:57] Staying on task is a combination of digital and paper. All our projects live inside of ClickUp. It helps us stay on task and manage priorities. For day to day lists, I love my weekly dashboard paper planner from Ink + Volt. [5:03] To manage time we use Toggl. We can see how long it takes us to complete things and ensure we're managing our time on the right tasks and projects. For teams, you could also use it to ensure you aren't duplicating efforts. [5:48] Make scheduling a breeze with a digital calendar. You can use it with your team, donors, sponsors, etc. It can save time with the back and forth of trying to figure out what times work best. There are also several features that you can utilize if you need them like payments and separate calendars that show different types of availability. [8:05] For website and course management we use WordPress, Divi by Elegant Themes and LifterLMS. While they may take a little more work on the front end, they are super easy to customize and edit without coding. [8:48] ConvertKit is the email platform I use. There are several great ones out there but this is the one I've been using for years. Think about what else you need to integrate before picking one. [9:32] When it comes to our podcasts we use Zoom, Otter.ai, and Headliner to create the elements we need. This allows us to create transcripts, videos for YouTube, and audiograms to promote the episodes. Content at Scale then allows us to repurpose blog posts into long form blog posts for our sister company, H & E Marketing Solutions.
Resources ClickUp Ink + Volt Toggl Acuity Scheduling DonorDock Divi by Elegant Themes LifterLMS ConvertKit Otter.AI Zoom Headliner Content at Scale Canva Google Workspace Apollo
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Meetings are great – you can get a lot done. Typically, they requre more work afterwards and your calendar can quickly get filled up without time to get the actual work done. 2024 is the year you master your calendar and get things done. Not all meetings NEED to happen and really asking yourself the purpose and the end goal can go a long way. What you allow your schedule to become is ultimately on you. This episode gives you some tools to make sure you have room in your schedule to do all the things!
What you'll learn: → how to take control back with your calendar. → making scheduling easier. → blocking off personal items so you don't get double booked. → why its important to understand how you work best.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:35] Automating schedule through a digital calendar is extremely helpful and a great time saver. However, if you don't pay attention to the time you block off for other things it can get out of control quickly. Make sure you're managing your schedule appropriately to give you the time you need in your day for the tasks you need to do. [4:32] Monthly, look ahead at your schedule and determine what tasks need to get done and block off time. This could be content creation, pulling data, reconciling finances, etc. Make sure you have time set aside so you don't get to the end of the month and have to scramble. [6:12] Make sure your personal things are on your calendar as well. This could be gym time, kiddo obligations, lunch, etc. When its on your calendar its easier to not get double booked and you can reduce stress of the things you need to schedule and get done. [8:15] Create focus time and block it off. Giver yourself at least one 2-3 hour block a week that you know you have to get stuff done. That way you don't have multiple meetings oddly spaced out and you can focus on one bigger project or task. [9:54] Take meetings and schedule tasks when you work best. Not everyone works the same way. Allow yourself to do the tasks at the time you're at your best. For example, its better for me to have meetings in the afternoons and focus on big tasks in the morning. There are also certain days of the week where my schedule is better for meetings and better for tasks due to family schedules.
Resources Acuity Scheduling
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
We often forget about the self care that can happen in the inbetween moments of our day. The little things that we can do to fill up our cup and keep us steps away from burnout. Self-care isn't just about the big things, and when I realized that it really helped me to figure out how to put self-care into the pockets of my day that I had space in. Even just five minutes could make a big impact! I'm sharing some of my favorite self-care strategies that only take minutes!
What you'll learn: → how I created my self-care list. → ways to prioritize in your day. → 10 ideas to create your self-care list.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:07] Creating my self-care list was harder than I thought. I had to really think about what filled my cup versus what was “trendy” or what other people said was top on their list. Things like meditation and reading a book wasn't something I got excited about. So I took the time to really think about what I enjoyed. [4:06] Building this into my regular day looks like a lot of different things. If a meeting ended early, I could take some time for myself. Sometimes I'll purposefully schedule breaks so I know have time in my day. It could also be letting yourself sleep in if you need the extra rest, or accepting the help someone is giving you. [8:15] #1 – Grounding or laying on the floor. This is a good way to re-center yourself. It involves standing barefoot in the grass or dirt, or just laying flat on your back and just resting. [9:46] #2 – Eating lunch away from your desk. First off – I have to remind myself to eat lunch! But then, it's also taking that time for myself and not working through it. [10:54] #3 – Don't check your email before bed. Just put your phone down. There is nothing worse than checking your email before bed and seeing that email that is urgent, frustrating, or even exciting. You can't unwind and truly relax before bed when those emails come in. [11:53] #4 – Play a game on your phone. Have a few moments between meetings or just need to take a break? Set a time and check out. Play your favorite game on your phone and allow yourself a few moments to relax. [12:15] #5 – Take a walk or move your body. Depending on the time of year I might take a walk around the block. Or, sometimes I'll just run up and down the stairs a few times. You could also just walk around your house and listen to a fun podcast. [13:05] #6 – Watch TV. I personally love a good reality tv show or rom com. Put something on you can use to escape for a moment and just relax. Don't forget to set that timer. [13:40] #7 – Breathe. This seems simple but sometimes just pushing your chair back from your desk, closing your eyes, and taking a few deep breaths can really help. [14:31] #8 – Play the piano, or your instrument of choice. I love playing the piano, but you could grab any instrument you like. It helps me relax and get out of a different mindset. Play something fun and relax for a moment. [15:32] #9 – Call a friend. Connecting with people you love can really help with your mental health. Call and check in on someone and take a few moments to catch up. [16:28] #10 – Get takeout. Whether its for lunch or dinner, give yourself a break. Get that meal you love and don't worry about having to cook (or do the dishes). Sometimes we just need it.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Do you ever wonder why some people find great success and grow faster and you might not be? Sure, it could be budget, staffing, marketing expertise, and on and on. But have you taken a moment to see how your mindset and limiting beliefs might be leading you to self-sabotage?
What you'll learn: → how mindset and limiting beliefs affect us. → her S E L F framework.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [7:07] It starts with understanding the neuroscience in your brain and the difference between your right and left side. The left side is your primitive brain and leads to fight or flight. It supports you in times of crisis and its goal is to keep you safe and alive. [9:39] S E L F is her framework to help you stop with self-sabotage. It teaches you to lean on yourself and utilize yourself as the solution to your problems. [14:46] S- start with a decision. What do you want? More importantly you have to answer, why do you want it??? This puts you in a place of power. [18:55] E- eliminate the self-sabotage. Starts with understanding the narratives that you tell yourself. Then, how can you change the way you react to them so they don't interfere with what you want for yourself. [22:09] L- leveraging your prodigy brain. By having awareness, you're already engaging your prodigy brain. This is where you can access empathy, discovery, innovation, etc. [26:29] F- finish with a decision. Small steps lead to big change. What are the easiest steps you can take towards your goals.
Resources 1:1 Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
Tracy Pleschourt Founder, Self-Made U
Tracy Pleschourt, the Founder of Self-Made U and the Host of Secrets of the Self-Made Podcast helps men and women achieve their goals and solve all problems FAST by developing SELF-CONTROL!
Tracy has mastered and now teaches an operating system necessary to manage your mind and eliminate any obstacle, including overeating, overdrinking, time management, career & relationship changes and professional development.
Just a few years ago, Tracy was a successful advertising executive. Stifled by the rigorous, time-consuming demands of the corporate world, she traded in her 20 years of advertising to pursue her real passion: personal and professional coaching.
Tracy is a student of her own work and has stopped overeating, overdrinking, and created a multi six figure business while teaching others to do the same. Tracy dedicates her work to ambitious, life-long learners yearning for solutions and seeking a better way to create the results they desire and deserve. She instills confidence and a call to action that leads to maximum achievement and happiness. Learn more: https://www.self-madeu.com
As you move into 2024, do you have a strategy for engaging with Gen Z? Understanding how Gen Z ticks can help you put together a strategy for building community that connects for long term relationships. Bonus – engaging with Gen Z can also help you build better connections with your audience overall.
What you'll learn: → what is the real difference in how generations engage with brands digitally? → Gen Z isn't too young. → why giving back is important to them. → relationships need to come first, before the ask. → they need to see themselves in your communication.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:06] Different generations engage with brands in different ways . Gen X are more consumers of content. Millennials tend to share content more. Gen Z are creators of content. [6:11] More than half of Gen Z is over 18 and already in the workplace. They are also more entrepreneurial in spirit and making money in non-traditional ways. By 2030 they'll be 30% of the US workforce, so now is the time to start experimenting with Gen Z engagement campaigns. [10:32] Gen Z wants to work with brands that have a social or political affiliation. This can be a great way for you to connect with new sponsors that are recruiting Gen Z employees. [13:34] Building relationships overtime is important. That's why starting now is important. You can start to engage with them and bring them into your community. Especially for small organizations, starting slowly will help you integrate communications to Gen Z as part of your existing marketing plan. You can also start by getting them in as volunteers and having them help you craft your marketing strategy. [20:40] This generation is the most ethnically diverse. They want to see themselves in the communication and marketing elements you create. Be authentic in your communication, and remember to showcase broad stories of impact that they can also see themselves in.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website?
Tracy Grzybowski Director of Marketing, Omnipress
Tracy Grzybowski is a marketing leader with over 25 years’ experience leading marketing strategy and execution for dozens of industries, including non-profit organizations. She is currently the Director of Marketing at Omnipress, an organization that serves the association and non-profit industry. She also spent several years serving on the Boards of various non-profit organizations, including most recently the Ed Nebbins Foundation. She's also mom to two Gen Z young adults who she uses as her sounding board for many of the insights she's going to share today. Learn more: https://omnipress.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Do you need a pep talk to get 2024 off to a great start? Listen to this short episode to get your head on straight, shake off 2023 and get ready for an incredible new year.
What you'll learn: → why reflecting is important. → getting real with yourself and what you're doing. → bring joy and excitement to your job again. → remembering kindness.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:40] Get real with yourself. Understand what your resources are in regards to time and budget. Get real with what you can and cannot do and what that means for the activities you spend time on. [6:08] Find joy in your work again. What are you excited about when it comes to 2024? Hold on to that and let the excitement in. Let go of the to-do lists for a moment and sit in the excitement for the upcoming year and all the impact you'll make.
Resources 1:1 Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions EP 233 |Reflecting on 2023 to Plan for 2024 with Julie Boll
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
When you reflect you remind yourself about what was amazing, what you want to do more of, and what you'll let go of. Walk through the exercises in this episode for yourself AND with your team as you plan for 2024. Then, create this as a practice throughout the year to make adjustments and changes as you work towards your organizational goals.
What you'll learn: → what is a reflection practice? → how often you should be reflecting. → questions to ask yourself when reflecting. → using what you learn to help you when you aren't hitting your goals.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:30] Why is reflection important? It helps you understand what worked well and what didn't. As you go through life, you tend to forget what happened in the day-to-day that positively or negatively affects your personal and professional goals. [7:56] As a leader, you need to model the work. Yes, you can lead your team in this exercise. It makes a bigger impact if you do the work yourself and model that for your team.That will help you build a culture of ongoing reflection as you go through the year. [15:17] Create a better breakdown of your fundraising goal to know who to target. If you're looking for a certain amount of donors at a certain average gift then you can track where you're at and which audience you should be targeting. [11:23] Figure out the right cadence for yourself. Julie recommends at a minimum, a quarterly review. Take quick inventory on what you intended to happen and what actually happened. Think about what you will keep doing and be real with yourself about what you'll let go of. [13:53] Start by getting out a piece of paper and asking yourself questions. Some questions include, what are you most proud of? What did you learn that you want to take with you? What milestones did you achieve? Where did I develop a skill that I want to expand on. [20:57] Be real about what you come up with and use it to pick yourself up if you aren't hitting your goals. By reflecting you get a better understand of what isn't working so you can make adjustments and keep the train on the tracks.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website? [guide] Year In Review
Julie Boll Founder, Julie Boll Consulting
As a certified Dare to Lead facilitator (CDTLF), Julie Boll teaches people how to lead and live more courageously using the Dare to Lead framework developed by Dr. Brene Brown. Julie is the founder of Julie Boll Consulting, a consulting firm dedicated to helping people and organizations make the most of their time, energy and resources so they can maximize their impact on the community. Julie is a former grants professional with a $10 million track record in awarded grants and over 20 years experience in the nonprofit sector, serving in marketing, public relations and grant development roles. Julie is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and McNellis Compression Planning® facilitator. Julie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and a Masters Degree in Education, both from Quincy University. Learn More: https://www.juliebollconsulting.com Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Are you someone that loves to plan, but the execution feels overwhelming? Let's break it down into manageable chunks. We don't have to think about EVERYTHING all the time. It's putting it together to that you know where to focus and get the most important things done.
What you'll learn: → tying things back to your goals. → how to break up goals quarterly. → planning you big three for the week. → breaking down your daily tasks.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:06] Ensure you have goals lined out. When you have SMART goals you can easily track and identify what's working and what's not. Starting with specific goals will help you understand how to prioritize tasks. [3:30] Tak your annual goals and break them down into quarterly tasks. What needs to happen in each quarter to hit your annual goals? From there- break it into 6-week goals. [6:00] Weekly, break your tasks into the big three you need to accomplish. This won't be everything you need to get done, but are the three things that will make the biggest impact on where you're going.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions Full Focus Planner Amber McCue
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
When you think about sales how does it make you feel? For most people they feel icky and greasy. Sales doesn't have to be that way. You can implement a sales strategy into your fundraising approach so that you have a constant stream of people coming into your network for you to build stronger relationships with.
What you'll learn: → why having a sales strategy doesn't mean you have to be salesy. → why a sales mindset works for nonprofits. → ways to motivate your team to keep pushing forward. → ways to keep things simple. → when it's time to expand.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:40] To have an effective sales strategy doesn't mean throwing everything in people's faces. Think about servers at a restaurant. Great servers know the menu, what recommendations to make, ask you if you want desert. You don't feel like you're being sold to but you are. Plus, that restaurant is paying attention to ticket totals and tips to help determine who gets the best sections. [10:53] It starts with building relationships and making connection. If you just keep coming back to people to ask for money and not learning about what their motivations are and who they are then you'll eventually run that well dry. [15:17] Create a better breakdown of your fundraising goal to know who to target. If you're looking for a certain amount of donors at a certain average gift then you can track where you're at and which audience you should be targeting. [23:02] Keep reviewing goals and ensure the team is motivated. Figure out how members of your team like to be appreciated. Ensure that the goals that you're setting have a why attached so people feel excited to help get there. Don't forget to celebrate. [26:13] Encourage listening and providing value to your audience. Avoid going in to a meeting expecting to close. Go in ready to get to know someone and excited to learn. Come into the converation ready to provide value and knowing some things about the person you're talking with.
Resources One-on-One Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions [book] Selling with Dignity by Harry Spaight
Harry Spaight Founder, Selling with Dignity Harry Spaight, a renowned sales consultant, author and Founder of Selling With Dignity, and keynote speaker, prioritizes service over pushy tactics in his unique approach to sales. Drawing on his mission background and extensive experience in competitive sales, he offers valuable insights to improve sales performance and drive substantial revenue growth and performance. Learn more: https://sellingwithdignity.com Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Do you plan your marketing first or your fundraising first? For me, the answer is always your sales or fundraising goal. Marketing is meant to support your organizational goals. Don't get lost in the trap of working in silos where one isn't supporting the other!
What you'll learn: → why your fundraising plan comes first. → how data can help drive decisions. → pay attention to audiences. → creating a culture of communication.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:09] Build your fundraising plan first. When they know the goals that are laid out it makes it easier for marketers to put their plan together. This also helps to ensure that priority is giving to the activities that are going to support the revenue streams the organization is prioritizing. [2:39] Ask for the right data to support the financial goals. Building your goals around true data will also help you create financial goals that are attainable. This data can come from your donor data in your CRM as well as your marketing data sources like social media or your website analytics. [4:46] Create your plan based around your target audience. For example, are you focusing on corporate sponsors, increasing grant dollars, bring in new monthly donors, etc. This is again about prioritizing the activities you do. [12:40] Maintain open lines of communication. As the plan starts moving forward, make sure both sides are communication what's working and what's not. As funds come in it's important to strategize on areas you might need to pivot or what areas you need to double down on.
Resources One-on-One Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
The biggest reason that people don't give to an organization is that they don't trust the way they use the funds. Transparency is critical in growing your base, especially as the number of donors is trending down. There are several ways you can build trust, and it also includes the additional platforms you use to raise money.
What you'll learn: → why its harder for nonprofits to build trust. → how impact builds trust. → power of keeping impact manageable. → what to think about with third-party partnerships and platforms. → find ways to engage with people before they're ready to give. → why consistency matters.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:59] There are too many stories of organizations that haven't used the donations as they were intended. Even if you are fiscally transparent, these experiences still cloud donors, especially new ones. Building trust needs to happen consistently. You do this through sharing impact. [7:01] When the goal is TOO big, people have a hard time understanding how their money will make impact. What is the problem you're solving and how will their donation help – keep it simple and clear. [8:52] Ensure the platform can show where the money is going. Make sure the language is trusted and that you follow up with how the money is being utilized. Give people reports that share where the money went. Better yet, find a platform, like Wishes, that does it in real-time. [19:04] Allow people to support your campaign publicy with prayers and messages of goodwill. By allowing people to show support of a campaign, even if they can't donate, you're building your network and showing more support for the cause. [25:51] Being out on multiple platforms helps build trust through consistency. Showing up where your audience is will give them constant reminders of who you are t you are and the impact you are creating.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website?
Chase Harmer President, Wishes
Chase Harmer spent 25+ years as a payments entrepreneur, he is a pioneer in virtual credit card technology with 7 patents since 2013. Founder of ProfitPay, acquired by PayCertify in 2021 with a valuation > $500M. Chase knows how to build enterprise value and process for scale. Chase uses his experience as a Lecturer and Mentor at the Founders Institute.
Now, as the Founder of Wishes, Inc, he and his team have built proprietary technology to revolutionize fundraising. Wishes delivers the resources and financial support needed quicker than any other platform in the market. Learn more at https://wishes.inc
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Your year end giving campaign is a big part of your overall annual fundraising. But what all goes into a successful campaign? It starts with messaging and then spreading it out amongst all the different channels your donors exist on.
What you'll learn: → the importance of a year end giving campaign. → show up in multiple channels → direct mail is critical. → making it easy to give.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:07] 30% of all giving happens in the month of December. Historically it was because of marketing efforts and year end tax break reminders. Now, a part of it is that people want to feel good at this time of year and give back. ‘Tis the season! There are also last minute donations because they haven't given yet this year even though they intended to. [8:41] Create a multi-channel approach. Direct mail pieces convert well, even with online giving on the rise. You'll also want to include multiple emails. If you can add in text messaging, do it! Personal phone calls can also make a huge impact. [11:45] Start by creating your mailer. This is the largest piece and will help you craft the rest of your materials. Make the problem manageable so people feel the impact they're making. Pick a singular problem. You can highlight other parts of your organization in future campaigns throughout the year. [28:15] Make it easy to give. Check your links and make sure everything is working. Don't make people work too hard. They should be able to get directly to your giving page and donate quickly. Ensure their is a monthly giving option. They give more over time that a first time individual gift.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website?
Janet Cobb Founder, Janet Cobb Consulting
Janet Cobb has worked in the nonprofit arena her entire career. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and Certified Nonprofit Professional who is committed to creating positive change through helping grassroots organizations bring their vision to reality. Janet offers strategic planning and coaching around communications and fundraising. She has supported more than 650 nonprofits since 2014, and is affectionately known as “the small nonprofit whisperer” by many she's worked with. Learn more at: https://www.jcobbconsulting.com Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Email is a big part of your year end giving campaign. But what do you actually put in those emails? This episode gives you a glimpse into what to put in them to get more people to engage and donation to your organization.
What you'll learn: → importance of storytelling. → how to make impact levels that convert. → where to start with your emails → planning and scheduling to save yourself time. → establishing a clear call-to-action (CTA). → power of the P.S.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:08] Get specific on your storytelling. Make sure you are connecting on a personal level with your audience. Stories connect more than stats. Tie direct impact to dollar amounts. [5:46] Start with your longest email first. That way you can break down that email into smaller sections for social media and shorter emails. [14:42] Make it easy for people to donate. Ensure there are several places that people can click to get to your donation page. You a combination of buttons and text that is hyperlinked. [17:33] Send from a person and focus on subject lines. If people don't open your email then they can't see the greatness inside. Send it from your Executive Director or Development Director and make sure the subject lines are interesting.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
Community is something that is critical when it comes to returning donors. When they feel connected to you they are more likely to come back for more. So how do you build that community? There are many different ways you can create the feel of community – no matter what the size of the organization is. Also – regardless of if you are building a virtual or in person.
What you'll learn: → being social on social media. → what we can learn from Swifties. → creating personal connections. → how to engage with different generations. → why community makes it easier to fundraise.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:30] A Facebook group is a great way to build a virtual community. You'll be able to communicate and share what's going on as well as allow people to connect with each other over their common love for your cause. [6:49] Community doesn't look like any one thing. Looking to Taylor Swift for inspiration, you can see how even at a large scale, you can still build a tight knit community. Each person engages in their own way but once you get them all in the same stadium they all share the same experience. [9:29] Think about your communication as one-on-one, even if it isn't. When writing your communications, pretend you're writing it to one person. That will ensure that it feels special and more personal. [16:36] Different generations engage differently, just like different platforms lend themselves to community differently. It's about meeting people where they are and utilizing the platforms as they're intended. Setting goals for your growth based off how platforms work makes a big difference. [26:13] When you build a real connection they show up when you ask. It makes it easier for you to make that year end ask because they know who you are and the impact you've been creating for the past year. Consistency matters!
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy sessions
Paul Gowder Owner and Founder, PowWows.com
Paul Gowder is the owner and founder of PowWows.com which has been the leading online community celebrating Native American arts and culture for the past 25 years. Paul’s techniques and skills have enabled him to build one of the largest and most engaged online communities in the World. Paul helps other entrepreneurs navigate the successes and pitfalls of building an online business through his public speaking and consulting services. Learn more about Paul by visiting PaulGowder.com.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Year end giving is a stressful. Getting as much done as early as possible is going to make it easier to reach your goals. This episode will give you some resources for putting your campaign together. You'll know what to put together based off of the goals you have for your campaign.
What you'll learn: → creating your impact statements. → using data to determine what materials go to what list. → what communications you'll want to create. → building a new donation page. → scheduling as much as you can.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:15] Create a clear and concise impact statement. Focus on one area of your impact that you really want to share. Be clear and concise so people can really understand what their donation will do. Customize this impact for your major donors, returning donors, and new donors so it resonantes with them. [6:10] Create your lists so you know what buckets you're sending communications to. Knowing who those people are will help you determine the buckets for where the funds are coming from as well as what materials you'll need to create. [7:28] Create a combination of offline and online communications. Materials will include direct mail pieces, email communication, social media posts, promo kits, phone calls, and more. You'll then tailor those communications to the different audiences you've identified. [14:07] Create a landing page with your year end giving information. This should include the language that matches with the rest of your giving campaign. Include a donation form and replace your main donation page links with this landing page when your campaign kicks off.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions EP 207 | Donation Page Layout and Features EP 208 | Designing Your Donation Page For Conversions with Eric Ressler EP 209 | Data Driven Donation Page Best Practices with Matt Bitzegaio EP 210 | Keeping More of Your Donations with Jen Nielesky
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Copywriting tools can help you with the confidence to hit publish on all the incredible content you're creating. Especially if you have a small team! Using these tools can help you streamline your process and ensure it stays within you voice and style.
What you'll learn: → tools for editing. → AI tools.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:50] Grammarly. This tool is great for editing your content. You can even download a Chrome plugin so that you get the edits in whatever page you in, your email software, website, social media, etc. [5:38] Hemingway App. This app gives you tips as it relates to readability. If you're thinking about how people can scroll your content and get the most out of it then this is the best app to use. [7:47] AI can help you with repurposing your content. Once you have your content written, AI is great to help you with creating social media posts, email subject lines, or even to tweak headlines or titles for the post. Find the platform that you like and use so you can figure out how to use it best. [11:40] If you need help writing long form content, try Content at Scale. This platform is more than an AI generator because it pulls posts from keywords, YouTube videos, podcast episodes and more. It also gives you all sorts of SEO feedback. Check out the blog on H & E Marketing Solutions to see it in action.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website? EP 221 | Creating a Language Guide Grammarly ChatGPT Canva ClickUp Answer the Public Content At Scale
*This is an affiliate link. Should you purchase we may receive a commission. We are only affiliates of products or services that we use ourselves.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Being known for something is what allows you get a faster path to donations. It makes it clear to people what you do and how you serve. And it builds trust with potential donors because it is clear where the funds will go. While you do lots of things in your organization, be clear in your messaging about the big picture goal of what you do.
What you'll learn: → power of storytelling. → figuring out your tone. → choosing clarity. → better understanding clickbait.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:47] Content connects better when there is storytelling involved. This works across industry but especially when it comes to more technical or academic areas of support. People remember stories. [10:23] Create you brand voice. Understand how you want to sound and the tone of your brand. Do some research to understand how your competitors sound. Take into consideration your ideal audience. Put it all down in a language guide so you can stay consistent. At the end of the day – be authentically you. Do no feel the need to replicate another brand. It's also important to remove jargon and speak in a way that people who don't know what you do can still understand impact. [20:00] Clarity is the most important thing. You can get cutesy with your language but. notat the expense of it being super clear for people to understand. It always needs to go back to your brand voice. Clarity also comes with a call-to-action that makes a clear next step. [24:58] Don't use clickbait unless it's genuine and takes people somewhere authentic. Yes we want people to click the link, and a great headline is. away to do that. If you don't send them somewhere they expect to go then you'll get people to bounce from your website, lose trust, and hurt your search engine rankings.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
Alison Ver Halen Founder, AV Writing Services
Alison Ver Halen majored in English and Psychology without realizing she was getting the perfect degree for content marketing. It wasn't until a few years after she graduated, when a family friend asked her to write blog posts for his law firm, that she realized she could make money doing what she loves. Fast forward to today and Alison is still writing blog posts, as well as website landing pages and emails, but also integrates SEO and marketing strategy into the content she writes to give her clients their best chance of attracting, engaging, and converting their ideal clients. Learn more: https://avwritingservices.com/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Being known for something is what allows you get a faster path to donations. It makes it clear to people what you do and how you serve. And it builds trust with potential donors because it is clear where the funds will go. While you do lots of things in your organization, be clear in your messaging about the big picture goal of what you do.
What you'll learn: → what it means to be a challenger brand.
→ why it's important to listen to what the market is telling you.
→ sharing impact to drive emotion.
→ ways to keep things simple.
→ when it's time to expand.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:45] Challenger brands are organizations that are going up against industry gorillas. This means you have to be even more laser focused on what you do in order to cut through the noise. The messaging and way you share what your organization does needs to beclear and concise.
[10:33] Listen to what the market is telling you. Talk to people! Phone calls are best because you typically get more honest responses from people. Ask open ended questions and really get their feedback and thoughts. They will be honored you're asking their opinion and will give you honest responses.
[19:02] Keep your fundraisers simple. While your organization might do a lot of things, keep your messaging clean and simple. Build tradition around your events and be known for something. It develops over time and will help with consistency in fundraising.
[26:04] When you build slowly over time you'll naturally know when it's time to expand, AND have the financial stability to do so. Serving more people before you can financially support it is where organizations get in trouble. Take your time and build your base of raving fans. It starts with consistency.
Resources VIP Days
Challenger Brand Marketing
Craig Alexander President, Gumas Craig Alexander is the President of Gumas an award-winning, full-service
San Francisco advertising agency and the country’s foremost authority on Challenger Brand Marketing®. His intimate understanding of what it takes to succeed with Challenger Brand Marketing has made him an esteemed leader in his field. Craig always strives to create memorable, relevant, and motivating campaigns that are designed to evoke emotion or inspire people to take action. He has been praised by his clients for his expertise and passion for his work. Learn more: https://gumas.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
A language guide is a part of your branding materials that helps ensure your entire organization is speaking the same way and your copy is consistent. Putting together a word doc that allows you to keep the terms and phrases you us as well as your ideal customer makes it faster and easier to get things done.
Learn what can go in your language guide and tips for putting it together in this episode.
What you'll learn: → what is a language guide? → how it helps make things easier. → video is crucial.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [0:11] A language guide is part of your branding toolkit. It provides clarity and consistency as you communicate with the public. Building it takes time but will make things so much easier as you engage volunteers or other team members to write for your organization. [3:50] Things to include. Vision and mission statement. Words to use, and not to use. Taglines that you can reference quickly. Ideal donor avatars. Testimonials. The tone you want to use
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy 1:1 Sessions
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Tere are so many ways that social media, specifically TikTok and Instagram, can suport your business. It can also be a big mess trying to figure. outwhat to post on different platforms. People search for you on social media but that doesn't mean you have to have everything new all the time.
Get some strategies for how you can support your organization, connect with people, and not feel like you're running on the hamster wheel.
What you'll learn: → finding the right ways to use specific platforms.
→ why having a presence on social media is important.
→ video is crucial.
→ creating a mini website on your Instagram.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [7:47] Social media is where people go to research brands and organizations. Now, nearly 40% of people are starting with social media before going to search engines. This makes social media more top of funnel.
[17:41] Don't be scared of video. Just get started. Share some of you personality and get consistent. It doesn't have to be over produces, be conversational and transparent.
[26:22] Create a mini website on your Instagram feed then focus on stories. Give people everything they need to know about you with a set of posts that look nice in your feed. Then post quarterly, three posts, that share the most relevant pieces of information.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website?
[podcast] Absolutely Not by Heather McMahon
InstaSite & Social Media Guide
Amanda Kohal Founder, The Wolf Co.
Founder & Digital Strategist of The Wolfe Co. and creator of The Original InstasiteTM, Amanda provides business owners with access to reputable resources, community connections and trusted guidance/education to start converting on social.
After working as a brand marketing manager in corporate, Amanda ventured on her own and took her love of digital marketing and ran with it. From helping clients earn $10k from just 2 Instagram stories, $77k from one DM and $28K social media launches, Amanda has turned many personal brands and service-based businesses into cash cows.
Her efforts have awarded her two RBC + Women of Influence nominations and a Bronze in the 2019 Canadian Marketing Associate awards in the Customer Experience category. Learn more: www.thewolfe.co
Celebrating is such a great way to have content on social media that isn't asking, educating or growing your audience. It's just about shouting out those surrounding you that are doing cool things that you want to call out.
This could be people in your organization, volunteers, board members, or even your own community. It could also be wins from the work you're doing, milestones, anniversaries, etc.
Never miss an opportunity to celebrate on social media. And since it just happens to be my birthday – this is the topic of this week's Digital Marketing Therapy podcast.
What you'll learn: → different types of celebrations you can shout out on social media.
→ ways to make more engaging – hint hint, use of video.
→ putting celebratory events on your calendar so you don't miss them.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
When you're building trust online, a great way to do that is by collaborating with people that are aligned with your cause. This gives you visibility with an audience that already trusts the brand or person you're partnering with.
This episode will give you ideas for building personal relationships with influencers and brands to be able to get out and grow your impact.
What you'll learn: → how collaborations work online.
→ ensuring there is a connection with your CRM.
→ tips for making an ask.
→ aligning goals and budget with the partnership.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [6:30] Collaborations can help you get in front new audiences, even on platforms you aren't currently on. Partnerships can span across platforms to build your visibility in other arenas.
[7:34] You can create great collaborations at various levels. It doesn't have to be large productions with big brands. It can be hyper local and focused on strong partnerships that already exist. It also doesn't have to include an exchange of money.
[11:51] The ask depends on the size of the brand and the expectation. Be very clear on the goals of the collaboration so you're making the right ask that is in alignment with both companies or organizations. Build relationships, remembering that some will take more time than others to cultivate.
[22:53] Consider the goals and budget for the campaign. One post from a brand on social media might not give you that big of a boost. Can you run social media ads to keep it going and build momentum?
Resources VIP Strategy Days
NonProfit Megaphone
[book] Debrief to Win: How America's Top Guns Practice Accountable Leadership…and How You Can, Too!
Brian Davidson Co-Founder of Matchnode
Brian Davidson is the Co-Founder of Matchnode, a digital marketing
agency that is changing the way people and organizations leverage
social media. He and his team have worked on digital ad campaigns for
influential brands like New Balance, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks,
LendingTree, and Indiana University.
Brian has been a leader in generating leads using Social Media since
2007 when he became the VP of Social Media at NCSA Athletic Recruiting.
Lead generation efforts helped the company join both the Crain’s and Inc
fastest-growing lists. Brian is passionate about using his experience to
help businesses achieve provable, meaningful growth. Learn More: https://matchnode.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
How comfortable are you in marketing to Gen Z? Is it even on your radar? Gen Z is an incredible generation that is giving and thrives on community. They are also a fully tech generation and love video and social media.
Learn ways you can target and connect with Gen Z to build your donor base with people you can continue to nurture. Marketing to Gen Z looks a little different but is super fun. Let your creativity go!
What you'll learn: → who is Gen Z?
→ how to beging to understand Gen Z.
→ ways to use TikTok.
→ video is crucial.
→ values alignment is everything!
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:41] Gen Z is 12 – 27 right now. They are the first all digital generation. They don't know a world with out internet or mobile phones. Email isn't their favorite but instead prefer shorter instant messages. They are super passionate and connecting with them on their values is critically important. Since they are driven by their beliefs they are going to look for jobs and companies that align there.
[11:08] Start with grace and understanding. Yes, they communicate very differently with video and devices. However, they are also grappling with mental health issues at levels that we haven't seen before. They've also had to live through COVID during their youth, which affected their communication styles. They are also the most ethically diverse generation and its something they value.
[14:43] TikTok is a requirement in reaching this generation. It doesn't mean you have to have an account that posts organically on a regular basis. You can just have an ads account and create content that reasonates with them.
[20:27] Get comfortable with video, and putting your face forward. Have the leader or your organization record a 90 second video every morning. Share something you're excited about and show up consistently. Then turn that video into multiple pieces of content you can share across all channels in multiple ways. It is the fastest path to building trust.
[22:02] Bring it back to experiences. They value experience over things. Figure out ways you can connect with Gen Z and make things memorable. They'll connect better with your organization and also be more likely to share those experiences online with their friends – which builds immediate trust.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
[book] Authenticity: Marketing to Generation Z (People born between 1997 -2012)
Emanuel Rose Emanuel Rose is a recognized expert in lead generation, branding, advertising, and the day-to-day operations of a digital agency ready to help you build your business today. For over 25 years Emanuel has gone to work each day seeking to pioneer cutting-edge lead generation and marketing strategies for the benefit of his clients.
Emanuel’s rich and diverse experience evidences the strength of his unique skill set, acquired through years of persistent growth, leading a digital agency, and serving as a pioneering professional in lead generation and retention. This expertise and understanding is not only central to the success of Emanuel’s career, but his leadership of the digital agency he founded.
As the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, Emanuel is at the forefront of driving digital solutions with machine learning for lead generation for all of Strategic eMarketing’s clients in Oregon and beyond. Doing so with an in-depth understanding of the opportunities and challenges seen for clients across the digital agency landscape, and utilizing his enviable expertise in leading generation to leverage a leading advantage for all his valued clients. Learn more: https://emanuelrose.com/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Do you get frustrated trying to figure out what to post each day? Putting together a quick and easy template can help you get more consistent and connect with your audience. Grab the quick and easy template to come up with what to post on social media whether you're on one platform or all the platforms!
What you'll learn: → creating your core categories.
→ easy ways to schedule your posts.
→ how AI can help create copy for your posts.
→ why team communication is important for creating posts.
→ what to do during promotional periods.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:55] Create 3-5 categories that you can post about regularly. These will be value added podcast like a Tip Tuesday or highlighting a sponsor or volunteer. It could also be impact stories. Then as you plan out your week or month you can batch create posts based around those categories.
[7:41] Map out your posting schedule. Create a doc that has your posting schedule for the core types of posts lined out by platform. That way you aren't necessarily posting the same content at the same time on multiple platforms.
[9:50] Use social holidays to fill in some gaps. There are so many fun holidays you can play with. The ones that are relevant to your mission are great to include on social media. They are also fun ways to create connections with your followers.
[14:17] Talk regularly with the team to understand what else needs some additional attention. It could be registration for an event or program you run. Maybe you need extra volunteers or emergency in-kind contributions. Social media can be a great place to add in those extra posts to get more community engagement.
[16:20] During promotional periods you'll post more frequently about your promotion. Still make sure you're changing up your posts to they aren't just asks but are connecting with your audience in a way that gets them to ask for more information or to learn the impact.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Session
[Google Sheet] Posting Template – to make your own choose File > Make a Copy
HubSpot's Social Media Holiday Calendar
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Bonus Episode #2 This episode was featured on The Official Do Good Better Podcast. It features host Patrick Kirby and guest Dean Crownover in a conversation about how you can raise more money at your fundraising events. Dean is a sought-after nonprofit auctioneer. He is giving you all the goods as it relates to events that are fun, engaging, and most importantly, RAISE MONEY!!
Check out the Full Show Notes Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Building your email list helps you stay top of mind, engaged and building trust with more potential donors. It also allows you to nurture and encourage your existing donors to give again!
There are several ways to grow your email list and this podcast episode shares just a few. Remember that its about building your list with the right people, not just to say you have a huge list.
What you'll learn: → getting the right people on your list
→ ensureing there is a connection with your CRM.
→ how to turn your blog readers into email subscribers.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [2:44] It's not about having the numbers, its about the right audience that is engaged. Don't get wrapped up in the numbers. You want people on your list that are excited about your organization and the work you do.
[4:50] Bring people over to your email service provider from your CRM. Regular communication with your entire audience keeps them engaged. Pull everyone into your email service provider so you can target them with the right messages while also giving them the big picture messaging. You never know what is going to encourage someone to participate more with your organization.
[10:14] Use a lead magnet to get more people that are reading your content on your email list. This a freebie people can download that coincides with your post. It gives them added value and gets them on your email list so you can notify them of future posts. Start with your best performing pieces of content and create a lead magnet to go with it.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
VIP Strategy Days
The First Click Lead Magnets
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Recently, I made a big change when it comes to my email newsletter. A complete 180 to be fair. It's in its testing phase but I still wanted to share it with you. The reason being, things are fluid in the marketing space. If you truly know your audience then you can take best practices and ensure that you are connecting with them in a way that is authentic to you and engages with them.
There was more I wanted to say each week to my readers. Yes, this podcast, but also other things that are going on in my life and that I'm learning. This episode shares the reason why I made the switch and what you should consider before making a change to yours.
What you'll learn: → what my newsletter looks like now
→ how I write my emails
→ what my emails used to be vs what they are now
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:17] My emails sound more personal by writing them to your best donor. Think about how you talk to your best donors – that personal friendship level! That will help you be more conversational and personal in writing your email. It will also help you remove jargon or speak about your impact in an overly formal way.
[5:50] Email is great for sharing your regular content. My emails used to be focused on sharing that new piece of content only. It was a great way stay top of mind and get more visibility for the podcast episodes I was creating.
[10:31] Now I'm sharing more about my whole business in my emails. There was more I wanted to share and talk about and didn't want to send emails more than once a week. This way I can share some of my inspirations and collaborations as well as my content.
Resources 1:1 Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Bonus Episode #1 This episode was featured on Easy Style with Sami and is all about creating your dream personal and professional life. It's critical to build in time for yourself. As leaders in our organizations, that means setting the systems we need to be able to step away and truly relax.
Alyson Caffrey shares her sabbatical method to approach our businesses in a way where we can take mini sabbaticals regularly and bring meaning and impact to all aspects of our lives.
Check out the Full Show Notes Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Creating blog posts or long form content is important. But what's the point of creating it if no one sees it. One great way to share your content is to your email list.
Grab some strategies on how to nurture your email subscribers and stay top of mind, while also promoting your content!
What you'll learn: → how to use existing content in your emails.
→ teasing your content in email so they visit your website.
→ how to turn your blog readers into email subscribers.
→ monetize your email newsletter.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:01] Use your existing content to create your nurture emails. You can take the content you've already created and send out regular emails to your list. This adds value to your audience and helps to build trust. Ensure that email is included in your repurposing plan for your regular content.
[6:26] Highlight the best bits and encourage people back to the full post for more. The goal is to get people to your website! Share what they will learn in the email and entice them so they'll want to learn more. If you only have one blog post a month but several emails, break up that content into core takeaways and share one element in each email.
[10:14] Use a lead magnet to get more people that are reading your content on your email list. This a freebie people can download that coincides with your post. It gives them added value and gets them on your email list so you can notify them of future posts. Start with your best performing pieces of content and create a lead magnet to go with it.
[19:14] Monetize your email newsletter. Sponsorships are a great way to do this. They get in front of your audience and can offer something like a discount or a product that is alignment. A softer approach is to send them to another way to work with you or a way to include another freebie that leads to an ask.
Resources VIP Strategy Days
EP 202 | Your Content Repurposing Roadmap
EP 203 | Next Steps for Maximizing Content with Aaron Burnett
EP 204 | How Content Can Encourage Connection with Kevin Kwan
EP 205 | Using AI to Create Content with Scott Bywater
Sarah Noel Block Sarah Noel Block is an inbound marketing expert who focuses on an education-based approach to marketing for SMBs and solopreneurs. Her approach to marketing systems makes it easy for tiny teams to have a big impact. She works with businesses in two ways: 1) marketing education and products for small businesses and 2) strategy and executing content marketing + inbound funnels for SMBs.
Learn More at https://sarahnoelblock.com Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Email automation can save you time and increase your revenue…how cool is that! There are so many different ways you can use automations at all stages of the donor journey. Here are five automations you can implement to help you grow your list, nurture your audience and keep them coming back for more.
What you'll learn: → what is an automation?
→ creating a welcome sequence.
→ what to send after someone purchases from you.
→ lead magnets that help you grow your list.
→ building energy buzz with pre/post event emails.
→ creating a process for follow up after one on one conversations
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:17] Email automations are emails that go in the background. They help you develop a deeper connection with your audience and are specific for the actions that your audience is taking. To set this up you'll need an email service provide. Some of my favorites are in the resources below.
[6:06] Automation #1 – Welcome Sequence. This is the emails people get right after they have donated. It allows them to dive deeper into your organization and feel a part of your community.
[8:13] Automation #2 – After a Purchase. This is in relation to a purchase like tickets or pet adoption etc. This isn't related to a donation. Think about how you can add value to them for the product they've purchased and build more trust and repeat purchases.
[9:53] Automation #3 – A Lead Magnet. A lead magnet gives someone a resource or solution to a pain point in exchange for their email address. This can be a checklist, pdf, audio clip, etc. The important thing is that it gets you in front of your ideal audience.
[11:53] Automation #4 – Pre/Post Event Emails. These are emails that your event attendees get prior to the event. This helps to create buzz and and energy for the event as well as provide important information they need to have fun! Then, after the event, having a serious of emails that shares results and how they can dive deeper with you moving forward.
[15:41] Automation #5 – Follow up from one on one conversations. This might be the trickiest but this allows you to follow up with people you've had one on on conversations with that fit in a smiliar bucket. What you send them will vary based off the type of conversation. It can help you stay top of mind while still adding value.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
ConvertKit*
ActiveCampaign
EP 122 | Building a Welcome Sequence with Sarah Cook
[guide] 9 Ways You Can Raise More Money Online
*This is an affiliate link. Should you choose to purchase we may receive a small commission. We are only affiliates for products we use ourselves.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Credit card processing is a cost of doing business, it's something we all accept. Did you know that you can negotiate rates and that not everyone pays the same rates for the processing?
Understanding what your contract is is crucial. Working with consultant who can help you navigate the language and the things to consider can save you a good amount of money. That's money that can support your mission and help you increase your impact.
What you'll learn: → differences in processing options.
→ flat rates vs variable rates
→ when its time to consider another option.
→ the importance of finding a true partner
→ video and Gen Z.
→ keys to making a viral video
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [6:13] There are big differences in credit card processing options. Stripe, Square, and Paypal offer singular rates without an opportunity for negotiation. You can also find partners that can help you find the right platform for your unique business and negotiate rates on your behalf. Finally, you can work with a bank that offers one solution and usually has less wiggle room on rates.
[11:12] Flat rates vs variable – what you should consider. Flat rates are playing with the law of averages. Different cards have different rates. For example, a debit card is way less than a high rewards card or AMEX black card. With a flat rate it doesn't matter how they pay, your charge is the same. Variable rates take into account the card the user pays with. You pay accordingly so while you can't always control the rate, more than likely you'll end up ahead.
[19:48] Find a partner that can help you negotiate rates. Credit card processing is a whole new language. Find someone that you trust that can help you navigate, much like you utilize your health insurance broker. They can often do a statement analysis to show you the specific savings. While they may not be able to save you money at least you'll know you're getting the best rate for where you're at.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website
Jen Nielesky Founder, High Desert Merchant Services
Jen has a professional life that's a mix of hospitality and entrepreneurship. When she started a family working nights was no longer an option, because she didn't like missing nighttime baths, books and snuggles in 2018. She got involved in the payment processing space, and over the years has vetted several processing companies forged relationships, gain deep knowledge about various systems, and have and have pre negotiated rates for clients better than they can get on their own.
Today, she proudly helps businesses with all their payment processing needs. Thanks to those who have allowed her to serve them in this capacity, she enjoys the good fortune of earning an honest income while also being present as a mom do things for clients by ensuring they keep as much of their hard earned money as possible, enjoying excellent service and have a partner and payments for life.
Learn more: https://highdesertmerchantservices.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Getting donations is important – but it's not something that should be left up to luck! Paying attention to how your donation page is set up is a great first step. Using data from those donations and your analytics can help you make decisions to improve your donor experience and increase conversions.
What you'll learn: → how to make donating easy.
→ why your donation page needs to be mobile friendly.
→ testing donation pages for better conversions.
→ match the info on the donation page to the purpose of the page.
→ why a CRM gives you more insight to your donors.
→ keys to making a viral video.
→ free options within Donor Dock.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [7:07] Keep your donation page easy, clear and user friendly. Don't ask more than you need on your donation forms. Think about the user experience and tailor it to your ideal donors. Is your messaging and impact clear? You don't need to share EVERYTHING you do, just the things that are going to matter most for your donors.
[10:22] Ensure your donation page is mobile friendly. Forms can be tricky on a mobile device. If people can't make a donation easily from their phone you are leaving significant money on the table.
[12:36] Testing your donation pages. There are several things you can test to see what is going to convert best. This includes pre-selected donation amounts, impact statements, different donation pages, etc. Don't make too many different changes at once so you can clearly see what is making the impact. Tracking data is critical to understand the trends and make decisions that will support your fundraising goals.
[24:29] Match the purpose of your donation page to the information that's on it. You don't need to include all the information about giving on every single donation page. Remember the goal of the page and put relevant information on there. For example, if it's event registration then have event info, you don't need to include stock options, crypto, etc.
[28:34] Sync with your CRM with. The biggest benefit of syncing with your CRM is all the data and tracking you can have. This helps you with future conversations and better segmentation. Plus, you'll have other benefits that you can add into your form for better user experience.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions
Matt Bitzegaio Founder, Donor Dock
Matt holds a deep-seated passion for working with nonprofit organizations and believes strongly that technology should enable nonprofits to further their mission and drive more impact. Instead, many nonprofits see technology as a burden. With DonorDock, he aims to change that and truly help nonprofits unlock the potential that technology can play within their organization.
Prior to founding DonorDock, he gained broad experience in the technology industry, serving in various positions, including leading a Microsoft Dynamics consulting business and ISV, IT leadership positions, and software architecture and development roles.
Matt holds an MBA from the University of Mary, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from North Dakota State University. He and his family and reside in West Fargo, ND.
Learn more: https://donordock.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Your donation page is critical, but it's only part of the experience your donors should have with you. Setting up your donation page for conversions is great and then it's all important to ensure they are building continued trust with you. This helps with better retention and more financial sustainability for your organization.
What you'll learn: → value of a frictionless donation page
→ power of integrating elements into your webiste.
→ creating a ways to give page.
→ having different donation pages for different campaigns
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [7:36] Before you build your donation page ensure your messaging is pulled together. This will help you connect better with your donation page and prioritize what you really need on that page. That user experience can also help you determine the tech tools you need to be successful. This can also help you build out the actions that hapen once a donation is given.
[15:39] Embed as much as you can on your website. When you have your forms and essential elements on your website, instead of sending them somewhere else, it builds trust and makes a better user experience. It is also easier to control. Put your video on the left and donation form to the right so it catches people's eye right away.
[19:13] Create a Ways to Give page with additional information people may want. Add a button below the donation page for people that might want more information so they can make a donation decision. This page should include contact information and more details about all the options they have like crypto, stocks, mail a check, etc.
[23:29] Give as much attention to your donation page as you do on your follow up. Nurturing is critical and it starts right after they give. Share the latest and greatest in your zone of genius and keep top of mind with your donors.
[30:58] Create different metrics for your online giving. Understanding your goals for online and individual gifts will help you determine your follow up plan and how it fits in with your entire fundraising strategy.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website?
Eric Ressler Founder and Creative Director, Cosmic
Eric is the Founder and Creative Director of Cosmic — a Social Impact Creative Agency. He believes that the social impact sector must change in order to take advantage of the benefits of the information era.
Today’s websites, digital tools, and platforms make it easier for social impact leaders to quickly and efficiently communicate ideas and reach people aligned with their mission across the globe. Yet, many of the strategies and approaches in the social impact space are still based on what worked well in the pre-digital era. This leaves many organizations under-resourced, siloed, and struggling to reach their full impact potential.Today’s social impact organizations have strong missions and inspiring visions. In order to accomplish their goals, they need to update their communications philosophies, focus their digital strategy, and discover how a well-thought-out brand strategy can help them rise above the noise, connect with supporters and advocates, and win in the attention economy.Eric and Cosmic are on a mission to help social impact leaders and organizations develop a digital-first culture that leads to adopting the tools of the information era in order to reach their desired future state and move humanity forward.
Learn more: https://designbycosmic.com/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
What does your donation page look like? Is it easy for people to navigate and find, or is it messy and unclear? Or worse, does it send you right to PayPal! Make the most of your donation page with these tips
What you'll learn: → making it easy to get employer matching gift funds. → how to communicate other ways to give. → ways to convey that you are a trustworthy organization.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [6:01] Double the Donation. This allows you to have people automatically submit their paperwork to get the matching gift from their employers. It has a search functionality and allows them to easily submit necessary information. [7:21] Testing the rest of the donation page to appeal to the donors motivations for giving. Using tools to help you understand how people are engaging with your page will help you determine the order you put information on the page. Ultimately the goal is to build trust and appeal to their values. [12:08] Add elements to build trust. Use a variety of elements. These could include GuideStar seals, testimonials, annual reports, etc.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website? Double the Donation HotJar Microsoft Clarity [podcast] EP 152 | Building Your Brand Message with Ashlee Sang
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Short form video content isn't going away. If it isn't a part of your strategy, what are you waiting for? Short form video is a great way for you to connect more with your audience and build trust. It is also the preferred way more and more people want to engage with a brand!
Get strategies for creating short form content and how to go about adding it in your digital marketing plan.
What you'll learn: → what is short form video content? → tips for creating videos. → tools for creating short form video. → repurposing long form video content into short form. → video and Gen Z. → keys to making a viral video
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:47] What is short form content? 30-90 second vertical video clips that are utilized on social media, YouTube, Pinterest etc. It is easy to create with your phone and helps you connect more authentically with your audience. It is important to make the videos with your audience in mind, hook them in the first 3 seconds and stop the scroll. [9:33] Using tools can help you create videos. While you can easily use your phone and the editors in the individual social media platforms, there are also some great tools to help make it easier. Check out the resources for those mentioned in this episode. [12:43] Starting with your existing long form and breaking it into short form video is a great place to start. Context here is the most important thing. Viewers won't have seen the entire thing so you want to make sure they can still get the clear message. [15:51] Video is crucial for connecting with Gen Z and Millenials. They want to see your face and hear your voice. This is how they build trust and prefer to connect with brands. [19:47] The three main tenants to telling stories with your video are entertain, educate and inspire. The more of these three elements you can include in a video, the more likelyl it'll go viral and get more views.
Resources Synthesia Runway Adobe Creative Suite Mid Journey DALL-E Canva Pro
Ben Hendricks Ben is a video editor with 12 years of production experience in a variety of industries. Ben’s current focus is on creating short-form videos for social media platforms. He works with personal brands and consultants, helping them effectively communicate their messages through video. Throughout his career, Ben has developed a reputation for his creativity, technical expertise, and ability to work collaboratively with clients to achieve their goals.
Outside of video, Ben is an accomplished musician/songwriter and has traveled the world playing guitar in alternative rock bands. He lives in Akron, OH with his wife and 2 Australian Shepards. Learn more: www.newenergymedia.org
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@benhendricks Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/newenergymedia
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Have you played with AI yet? It seems like it is everywhere you look and a part of all your existing platforms from Canva to social media software and in stand alone tools. It can help you with research, writing content, finding the perfect image and so much more! Is it a tool you should be using? And if so, how can you best go about utilizing it? That is what we discuss in this episode!
What you'll learn: → what is AI? → how AI can help with your email marketing. → how AI can save you time. → using AI to generate images and video.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:59] What can AI do for you?. It will create copy for you based off of the prompts that you ask it. It goes out and pulls information from the internet to give you the right content. [5:37] AI can help you with your email marketing. You can use it to brainstorm ideas of what to write. It could also help you craft first drafts of your emails. Finally, it is great at helping you craft subject lines that will encourage more people to open those emails. [9:19] The prompts you give AI will determine the quality of the response. A prompt is what you put in the search bar. There are several types that include idea generation as well as writing entire blog posts or emails. [13:38] You can use prompts to get AI to write closer to your voice. Understanding who your audience is and what their motivations and beliefs are will help you build promts that speak to them. It's also important to get clear on your why to help you craft the right stories. [23:25] AI can help you generate images and video you need for your marketing. AI can help you cut up your videos into shorter ones for repurposing. It can also help with podcasts as well.
Resources Digital Marketing Therapy Sessions Simon Sinek | Start With Why Jasper Chat GPT Canva Descript Otter
Scott Bywater Scott Bywater is one of the most sought after marketing copywriters in Australia, who runs what many regard as the highest level private marketing group in Australia, Elite Marketers..
He is the creator of the online ‘Simple Email ROI System’ course and over the past 21 years has written for gurus and leading companies including Kerwin Rae, Jay Conrad Levinson (of ‘Guerilla Marketing’ fame), Mercola.com and The Learning Annex.
He’s an in-demand speaker who has presented at James Schramko’s SuperFast Business, Dale Beaumont and Ben Simkin’s masterminds – and is on a mission to help coaches, consultants and course creators leverage their most undervalued asset (their email list) without being pushy or salesy. Learn more at: http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@copywritingthatsells/videos
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
We can spend a lot of time creating content. In doing so, we hope to get results. These results include more traffic to your website, more conversions, more subscribers to your email list, etc. If you aren't sure if your content is working for you, this episode is for you!
What you'll learn: → what types of content you should create. → crafting content for different stages of awareness. → reverse engineering your content based on when your next ask is. → the importance of collecting data (even if you aren't ready to use it yet). → give people next steps in your content → researching content ideas your audience wants to hear about.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [7:54] The importance of context in your content. It's important to understand who you're talking to and the scenario the content is being consumed in. By making the content about the individual you are able to connect in a more meaningful way. Just creating content for the sake of content doesn't work. [12:21] Talking to donors at the bottom of the triangle – the wants aware phase. These are your potential donors and they take the longest to move to the top. Your first four lines (or 10-20 seconds) are most critical – regardless of the type of content. End it with solution. [15:00] The next level is symptoms aware. This is where you share the stories of those that you are serving. Instead of just telling people what you do, show it. Start your first four lines (or 10-20 seconds) speaking to emotion through senses. Here is where you can start to get more specific. [21:43] Process aware is the middle phase. This is where you talk to about your organization and how you are solving the problem. For the first time, this is where you lead with your organization. [24:02] Identity aware is level 5. Here you communicate how the cause fits with your donors values and motivations. Get specific! [25:17] Coach aware! This is the best phase because these people are your biggest fans. When you ask for support they give it. The goal is to get as many people up to this phase in our marketing campaigns in between giving campaigns.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website?
Kevin Kwan Founder, Conversion Kevin
Meet Kevin, the expert who can help you with just that. He's been writing email funnels and sales pages for over 30 different influencers in the health, wellness, and personal development industry. And you know what?
His techniques have increased their program sales between 150% to 300%.
Kevin has had quite the experience in the industry. He has been the main copy and offers coach for two multi-million dollar online coaching and consulting companies.
His expertise has helped their clients craft their high-ticket offers and position their content to convert for their clients.
Nowadays, Kevin runs his own mentorship, mentoring coaches on how they can apply a marketing and sales system that uses the process of belief shifts instead of hard sales. Learn more: https://app.conversionkevin.com/podcast/group
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
We can spend a lot of time creating content. In doing so, we hope to get results. These results include more traffic to your website, more conversions, more subscribers to your email list, etc. If you aren't sure if your content is working for you, this episode is for you!
What you'll learn: → how content can support your organizational goals. → how to reverse engineer your content for better results. → ways to maximize Google Search Console → the importance of collecting data (even if you aren't ready to use it yet). → give people next steps in your content → researching content ideas your audience wants to hear about.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [5:47] Content marketing is a long term strategy. If you aren't getting the results you want start by evaluating the content you already have. Think about your user journey and reorganize it so that it's presented in a way that speaks to them and is easy for them to find. If you're just getting started, you can speed up the process by running digital ads to your pillar content. [5:17] Reverse engineer your donor journey to see what content is working or what might need to be added. Use your analytics to see what content people are consuming before the make a donation. Also, what pages they are leaving from and not making a donation. This will help you determine how to organize your content as well as what pages might be good for promotion via the Google Ad grant or paid digital advertising. It will also help you determine what content to update, consolidate or write. [11:43] Build trust with search engines. One way you can do this is to prominently feature your authors and build out their profiles on your website. This allows search engines to trust that you are an authority in that area. [15:43] Make sure people have somewhere to go once they've ready your content. When you understand how people use your website before they make a decision you can guide them to additional resources, guides, pieces of content and important pages on your website for a faster decision. You can do this in your content through links, buttons, forms etc. [22:34] Researching to find topics that your audience cares about. This can come from simple things like google searches. Use different types of prompts like “donate to” or information searches. Also use the information that shows up in the search results to show you what people care about and are looking for.
Resources Google Search Console
Aaron Burnett CEO and Founder of Wheelhouse Digital Marketing Group
Aaron Burnett is CEO and founder of Wheelhouse Digital Marketing Group, a fast-growing digital marketing agency recognized by INC. Magazine as one of the best places to work in the United States and by both Seattle Magazine and the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the best workplaces in Washington State.
Aaron delivers an engaging, inspiring conversation about building a thriving, values-led business whose growth and culture are fueled by helpfulness, generosity, and joy and about the current state of digital marketing through the lens of a leading digital marketing agency. Learn more at https://wheelhousedmg.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
Creating content helps you with the rest of your marketing efforts. Make sure you're getting as many eyeballs on what you create by repurposing it and sharing it on a wide variety of places.
What you'll learn: → where content can be repurposed. → where to share your content. → types of posts to create. → ways to share via email. → why you shouldn't worry about sharing too often. → how to repurpose your existing long form content.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:40] What type of content should you create? The bigger priority is figuring out what content you can create consistency and set a regular schedule. [5:48] Make a list of the platforms you currently market on. This list could include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, email etc. The key is to start where you are currently active and get consistent before you add more in. [7:25] Types of posts you can create. You can create carousel posts, short form video and static posts. Each type you'd create at least 4 so you'd have one per week if you're only posting long form content monthly. [13:15] Break down your content into weekly emails. Take the same strategy as social media content and break your long form content into weekly emails. Highlight a point and then drive readers to your website for more information. [16:53] Repurposing your existing content. Utilize the existing content you have on your website. You can update high performing content and reshare it to your audience. This is a great way to have more to share without having to always create new.
Resources Learn More about VIP Days EP 162 | How to Craft a Perfect Blog Post
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
How do you get monthly donors to join you? There are several ways you can marketing your monthly giving program and we're sharing a few here on this episode. Getting people to join is an ongoing job. With each new donor you're increasing your monthly gifts and that leads to sustainability for your organization.
So keep at it, stay consistent and continue to layer in various elements of marketing to grow and build your program.
What you'll learn: → importance of messaging → plan your promotions → leverage your website → ways to promote → getting your board members involved → promo kits to help make it easy to share
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [4:04] Start with your benefits? Get clear on what the benefits and perks are for your donors. Make sure you have everything all set up and the follow up is lined out so everyone knows their part. [6:37] Consistency and clarity matter in your messaging. Just like any other fundraising campaign, the messaging matters. Get clear on the impact your donors are making and craft the story you're telling. Put it somewhere where everyone can have access and share. This can also include your branding, name for your program and any other elements that are core to the program. [9:09] Figure out when you'll promote. Depending on what you have on your calendar you'll want to plan when you share and promote your monthly giving program. You don't want to send too many messages with lots of different actions. Then you can identify updates and edits to your website. [14:20] Shout it out anywhere and everywhere. Write a blog post that lives on your website with more detailed information. Share on social media over and over. Use impact to continue to highlight the importance of your monthly donors. [17:25] Create promo kits to help your network share. You can create two promo kits. One that has all the information that your board members, volunteers, etc can share. One that you can make customized for your monthly donors to share with their audience.
Resources [quiz] Should You DIY Your Website? EP 200 | How to Increase the Annual Value of Monthly Donors with Patrick Kirby EP 199 | How to Build a Monthly Program Your Donors Want with Tiffany King EP 198 | The Subscription Model and NonProfits
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours
When you have a thriving monthly giving program you aren't just building in financial sustainability for your organization, you're also increasing the number of people you can have conversations with for other opportunities.
So what do you do with all these contacts? Patrick Kirby is here to share all the amazing ways you can create deeper relationships with your monthly donors.
What you'll learn: → why a monthly giving program is a good idea. → how to start conversations with monthly donors. → why you shouldn't be afraid to ask. → leveraging your CRM to help you. → getting your board members involved.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [11:05] Who should you start conversations with? Start with those that have given the longest or have given the most number of times. These people are primed and more likely to have a conversation with you about legacy or major gifts. Focus more on longevity vs total gifts. [20:13] Consistency and clarity matter in your messaging. Don't be afraid to say the same stories, to reach out over and over, and to show up via different communication tools. People aren't paying attention and need to see your messaging over and over again to connect and take action. [23:39] Leverage your CRM. Put in reminders so that you automatically know when to follow up with people. Then personalize the conversation by sharing their unique impact! Use their donor-versary or other milestones as an excuse to reach out and say thank you! Always make them the hero. [28:54] Your board members can support you in reaching out. This does a couple of things. #1 it allows them to share their impact and #2 it allows them to hear more stories from donors. Both will create deeper connections. [32:26] Patrick's quick hit list. Identify who has given to you the longest. Figure out how many you can reasonably connect with weekly and who is doing the reach out. Write down questions that you want answers to. Rinse and repeat.
Resources EP 94 | Starting Conversations with Patrick Kirby EP 123 | Giving Tuesday with Patrick Kirby
Connect with us:
The First Click LinkedIn
Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/
Download our guide - 9 Ways for Non-Profits to Raise More Money Online
The words on your website make a huge impact on if people keep diving deeper into your organization or if they move on. They help visitors determine if you are the right people to solve the problem they have. This along with a great design can increase conversions.
Kara Duncan is sharing some of her best tips when it comes to copy and your website!
What you'll learn: → how to get started with reviewing your language. → common mistakes people make. → feeling a bit of writers block? Kara has a tip for you! → starting with the most visited pages first. → becoming the copywriter – even if we don't feel like one.
Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [7:07] Start with data. How are people using your website currently? Use data and heat mapping to see where pepole are engaging most and where you're losing them. Have someone review your website and ask the questions, “what do you offer?”, “how will it make your life better?” and “how do I get it?” [9:12] Common mistakes people make. Not making impact with their headlines and taking people too quickly to the end action instead of warming them up. [12:48] Organize your information before you write. Copy is assembled not written. Go through old contact forms. Make a list of the comments and questions people are always saying. Take a look at the reviews your organization has. This will help you with the right language to use. [15:07] You don't have to do it all at once. It can be overwhelming to do it all at once. Instead start with the most visited pages on your website. If you're doing it all at once save the homepage for last. You'll pull nuggets from the other pages to feature on your homepage. [18:26] Channel your inner copywriter with AI tools. They can help you generate ideas and remove the writers block. They won't write your entire page for you, but can help you with an outline for you to expand upon.
Resources Hotjar Google Analytics Donald Miller | Storybrand Mike Michalowicz | Get Different: Marketing That Can't be Ignored Kara Duncan | Fast & Slow Marketing Guide
Connect with us:
The First Click LinkedIn
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When you think about it, marketing hasn't changed at all - just the way that we use the tools to spread our marketing message. Don't believe me? This episode shares the ways that we can think about our brand and how we can start our marketing plan with our messaging and intent vs the actual tactics. https://thefirstclick.net/193
We have conversations all day every day, but how often are we truly listening to what people on the other side are saying to us. If we switch our process to asking questions, it can really help us learn more about the person we're talking to, get the end result we're looking for, and update our marketing to make future conversations easier! https://thefirstclick.net/192
Are you being effective with your marketing when you're in the downtime between campaigns and events? Building your business happens in the in-between moments. Jordana Merkin is here to share how you to think about your marketing activities when you have some quieter moments in your organization. https://thefirstclick.net/191
Marketing isn't just about what you do in your online space. It encompasses everything from 1:1 conversations, print media, radio, social media, etc. Different generations want to hear from you in different ways. Erin Marcus is here to chat about 2023 strategies and what she would have done differently if she was starting her business over again. https://thefirstclick.net/190
Marketing isn't just about what you do in your online space. It encompasses everything from 1:1 conversations, print media, radio, social media, etc. Different generations want to hear from you in different ways. Erin Marcus is here to chat about 2023 strategies and what she would have done differently if she was starting her business over again. https://thefirstclick.net/190
It's not too early to start engaging with Gen Z! I'm sharing some reasons why and ways you can encourage multi-generational engagment for long term donations and sustainability. https://thefirstclick.net/189
Now that we've gone through year end, how are you reviewing what worked, what didn't and making marketing decisions? Mickey Anderson will help you build in a method for tracking and help you avoid that shiny object syndrome! https://thefirstclick.net/188
LinkedIn has grown up so much over the last few years and the features are incredible. If you're not on LinkedIn, what are you waiting for? Jen Corcoran is here to tell you what to do to get started and how LinkedIn is the perfect platform for introverts, extroverts and most importantly, making connections. https://thefirstclick.net/187
LinkedIn has grown up so much over the last few years and the features are incredible. If you're not on LinkedIn, what are you waiting for? Jen Corcoran is here to tell you what to do to get started and how LinkedIn is the perfect platform for introverts, extroverts and most importantly, making connections. https://thefirstclick.net/187
This short episode is a reminder to breathe, give yourself space and celebrate how far you've come. 2023 is going to be amazing and all your hard work is going to be worth it. https://thefirstclick.net/186
Now that you've made it through the crazy year end fundraising season, it's time to take a breath and look at how we're going to move through 2023 with ease. How will you protect your time and stay organized for more peace in 2023? Chelsey Newmyer is here to help you with some great tips. https://thefirstclick.net/185
Each year we think we have to do things bigger and different. Getting back to basics and focusing on what works well and what you can execute well can be a better strategy. I'm sharing what I have planned for 2023 in hopes it inspires you and gives you the permission to do what works best for your individual organization. https://thefirstclick.net/184
Finding the right employees is tough business right now. Rachel is here to share how to find aligned people and set yourself up for long term success. She also shares some great tips if you're looking for a new job and want to find a company that is aligned with your morals and values. https://thefirstclick.net/183
Creativity isn't just arts and crafts, or the marketing departments responsibility. It's about allowing for innovation (and failure) in your organization to help you think outside the box and have a bigger impact. Karin Davis is here to share ways that creativity can make an impact and how to get started. https://thefirstclick.net/182
Creativity isn't just arts and crafts, or the marketing departments responsibility. It's about allowing for innovation (and failure) in your organization to help you think outside the box and have a bigger impact. Karin Davis is here to share ways that creativity can make an impact and how to get started. https://thefirstclick.net/182
Korean Pop (or K-pop) is a phenomenom that has been sweeping the country. My kids are huge fans and I've always been impressed with how they build community and raving lifelong fans - most of which don't even speak Korean! So I brought my daughter on today's episode to talk about why they are so good at creating community to help you think outside the box for how you can create raving fans. https://thefirstclick.net/181
If you asked 10 people what the next step you SHOULD take in your business you'll get 10 different answers. And as we continue to learn and have personal growth the ideas become endless. So how do you determine what's the next best step? Well the answer might not be what you think, but will simplify how you think about the growth of your organization. https://thefirstclick.net/180
Starting your organization is hard enough...let alone figuring out how to make it and build an audience. Tom Gibbons joins me today to share some things to think about and how to start with your online presence. https://thefirstclick.net/179
How do you feel about the technology in your life? It is meant to help but sometimes it feels like its taking over. Rob Krecak is here to share ways you can utilize technology while still keeping productivity and work life balance in check. https://thefirstclick.net/178
How do you feel about the technology in your life? It is meant to help but sometimes it feels like its taking over. Rob Krecak is here to share ways you can utilize technology while still keeping productivity and work life balance in check. https://thefirstclick.net/178
There is a simple exercise that I do every year to help me plan out what my next year is going to look like. I'm walking you through this simple exercise so you can meld personal and profession for yourself and your team and go into budgeting with more clarity. https://thefirstclick.net/177
There is a simple exercise that I do every year to help me plan out what my next year is going to look like. I'm walking you through this simple exercise so you can meld personal and profession for yourself and your team and go into budgeting with more clarity. https://thefirstclick.net/177
So often we feel that there are limited funds out there when we reach out to donors. Coming from an abundance mindset, however, helps us with more consistency in our fundraising and turns those rejections into an opportunity to learn. Gauri Manlik shares some tips and ways this has helped her in building out her business and how you can use it to be better with your grant and organizational growth. https://thefirstclick.net/176
Are you overwhelmed by the idea of automation? Have you thought about the fact that tasks both offline AND online can be automated? Michelle Nedelec is here to help you boost your productivity and figure out what to automate and still keep things personalized. https://thefirstclick.net/175
Are you overwhelmed by the idea of automation? Have you thought about the fact that tasks both offline AND online can be automated? Michelle Nedelec is here to help you boost your productivity and figure out what to automate and still keep things personalized. https://thefirstclick.net/175
Do you remember all the content pieces you've created? Having it all organized so you can easily search, update and share is critical. Get my template for how you can do it inside your organization and learn my tips to make it easy. https://thefirstclick.net/174
Do you remember all the content pieces you've created? Having it all organized so you can easily search, update and share is critical. Get my template for how you can do it inside your organization and learn my tips to make it easy. https://thefirstclick.net/174
What is the most common word you and/or your team say every day. I'll bet it is "busy"! But when we live in busy we can't unleash our creative side and propel our businesses and organizations forward. Kevin is here to talk about how we can be better leaders and grow by really letting go of busy and stepping into our best selves. https://thefirstclick.net/173
What is the most common word you and/or your team say every day. I'll bet it is "busy"! But when we live in busy we can't unleash our creative side and propel our businesses and organizations forward. Kevin is here to talk about how we can be better leaders and grow by really letting go of busy and stepping into our best selves. https://thefirstclick.net/173
Having an effective board marketing committee starts with a strong marketing plan. Coming up with that plan isn't always the easiest but Sabrina Walker Hernandez has a solution to help you build that plan and then create pathways to execute. https://thefirstclick.net/172
Having an effective board marketing committee starts with a strong marketing plan. Coming up with that plan isn't always the easiest but Sabrina Walker Hernandez has a solution to help you build that plan and then create pathways to execute. https://thefirstclick.net/172
Having an effective board marketing committee starts with a strong marketing plan. Coming up with that plan isn't always the easiest but Sabrina Walker Hernandez has a solution to help you build that plan and then create pathways to execute. https://thefirstclick.net/172
Having an effective board marketing committee starts with a strong marketing plan. Coming up with that plan isn't always the easiest but Sabrina Walker Hernandez has a solution to help you build that plan and then create pathways to execute. https://thefirstclick.net/172
Is your website ready to support you Giving Tuesday campaign? Time to put things in place so you can enjoy the holidays and still have a campaign that is well rounded and ready to hit and exceed your goals. https://thefirstclick.net/171
A project management tool can be a game changer! Yes it can be used to track tasks and projects but it can be used for so many things inside your business as well. Jamie Hawk is here to share 5 ways your project management tool can be utilized that you might not have thought of. https://thefirstclick.net/170
It's not helpful if you're sending out emails but people aren't opening them. Join my guests, Liz Wilcox, as she shares ways to think about your email stats, getting people to open them and how to use the content to ensure they keep opening them in the future. https://thefirstclick.net/169
It's not helpful if you're sending out emails but people aren't opening them. Join my guests, Liz Wilcox, as she shares ways to think about your email stats, getting people to open them and how to use the content to ensure they keep opening them in the future. https://thefirstclick.net/169
Not sure how to build a header on your website that converts? I'm sharing some examples of engaging headers and how you can get more people to engage on your website. We'll cover images, text and calls to action. https://thefirstclick.net/168
Change is hard. And as a leader it's difficult to know what to do to help your team and board through change to build and scale the way you want to. Steve Prentice is here to share ways to work with your teams and volunteers to keep everyone moving in the same directions. Learn more at https://thefirstclick.net/167
Change is hard. And as a leader it's difficult to know what to do to help your team and board through change to build and scale the way you want to. Steve Prentice is here to share ways to work with your teams and volunteers to keep everyone moving in the same directions. Learn more at https://thefirstclick.net/167
If you're already doing SEO and want some support in taking it to the next level, or are looking to hire someone to support your SEO needs, this is the pefect episode for you! Erin Ollilia share 5 tips for building on your SEO strategy to get better results. Learn more at https://thefirstclick.net/166
How we treat our donors (regardless of their gift size) makes an impact on if they keep coming back or not. This short episode gives you some ideas for how to craft your perfect experience and build small donors into bigger ones.
User accessibility is not only something you should do, but is something that legally needs to be done. Your website and digital marketing should be accessible! The great thing is that this helps with your customer conversions as well as SEO. Learn why accessibility is something you should care about and get Ambers tips for how to update your website. https://thefirstclick.net/164
Getting out of the fest or famine cycle is huge. One of the ways we do that is by continuing to drive new leads into our business. It doesn't have to be tricky and hard, just consistent. Alex Oliveria is here to share some of his favorite strategies around this.
Getting out of the fest or famine cycle is huge. One of the ways we do that is by continuing to drive new leads into our business. It doesn't have to be tricky and hard, just consistent. Alex Oliveria is here to share some of his favorite strategies around this.
Blog posts serve multiple purposes. To help you utilize the google ad grant, to provide information for your visitors and to help you in search. At the end of the day though, it all comes down to your customers and your goals.
You put in all the effort to build out your emails, and then you get crickets. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, it can be frustrating. Kyle Stout is here to show us how you can get more conversions and conversations from your emails.
When was the last time you asked your donors or community what they though of how you're doing? This episode is all about crafting that great survey and how to use the data to make the decisions in your marketing and donor relations.
If you find that you're a little bit quieter in the summers, that's ok! Take this time to build in your systems so you can be more productive in the long term with your marketing tasks.
We all hear about SEO and that it's a strategy that we can't live without. But is it really? Eli shares which organizations are ready to build out their SEO strategies and which ones aren't.
Brenden Kumarasamy joins me in this episode to chat about what it means to provide value and build relationships for more sustainability in your growth. I love his easy mindset shift to help you feel more confident when you walk into the room!
You know you need to create content but get stuck on coming up with what to write about - anyone resonate with that? Come up with the next three months worth of weekly content easily with the tips shared in this episode.
Batching tasks keeps things moving, flowing and gets more done with less time. I'm sharing what types of tasks you can batch and how to ensure you get them done!
A good morning routine can start you day off right and get you going and more productive. I'm sharing with you my updated morning routine and hoping it'll motivate you to be consistent and who up for yourself!
We all know that hiring is a nightmare right now. Its the perfect opportunity to revisit your team and the tasks you're doing to ensure you're making the most of what you have.
We all know that hiring is a nightmare right now. Its the perfect opportunity to revisit your team and the tasks you're doing to ensure you're making the most of what you have.
Creating your brand message helps your entire team with communication, hiring, team culture and makes your marketing so much easier. Building it takes time but doesn't have to be difficult. Ashlee Sang is here to help you with where to get started.
Starting a business is hard, but there are a few lessons I've learned over the past 5 years that help me make decisions and keep moving forward.
Building out your donor persona is critical in helping you, your team, your consultants and more speak the same language. It is also helpful in identifying the right people at the right stage so you can deliver the right message! Learn how to create them and take them to the next level.
We get so many questions regarding websites and how to get started so I put some of the most common questions in this episode. You'll definitely want to take a look at the show notes for additional resources and information!
We get so many questions regarding websites and how to get started so I put some of the most common questions in this episode. You'll definitely want to take a look at the show notes for additional resources and information!
It's one thing to know who your target market is, but it's a whole other thing to hit them where they are. This episode gives you tactical things you can do to take the next step in getting in front of your target market.
Mindset is a direct correlation to your success. and what you tell yourself can be limiting your success. Michelle gives us some things to think about when it comes to building our business and finding success in our personal and professional lives.
When you're just starting out or going through growth it can be tricky to know what to do and where to expand. In this episode I'm giving you some things to think about when it comes to adding and layering in marketing strategies.
How do you feel about manifesting? It's not just about putting things out there, it's about doing things that give to others, building and network and seeing the fruits of your work come back to you. Learn how in this episode.
Don't overthink your emails. I'm giving you the easy formula to get them done quickly and see more results.
This episode isn't really about marketing. But it's about overcoming the hurdles you face running your business and why you need to keep pushing forward. You matter. your work matters. And we hear you, it's hard. But you can do it!
This episode isn't really about marketing. But it's about overcoming the hurdles you face running your business and why you need to keep pushing forward. You matter. your work matters. And we hear you, it's hard. But you can do it!
This episode isn't really about marketing. But it's about overcoming the hurdles you face running your business and why you need to keep pushing forward. You matter. your work matters. And we hear you, it's hard. But you can do it!
This episode isn't really about marketing. But it's about overcoming the hurdles you face running your business and why you need to keep pushing forward. You matter. your work matters. And we hear you, it's hard. But you can do it!
You don't have to do a lot of work in order to utilize data. There are a few easy ways you can get started with tracking so you can make the right decisions towards your organizations goals.
If you wake up feeling like you've already lost control on your day then this episode is the one for you. It's time to set boundaries and take back control of your calendar!
Have you seen the ASPCA, St. Jude or World Wildlife Foundation ads on TV? They all follow a basic formula. I'm breaking it down so you can use the same strategies in your fundraising campaigns.
Finding new donors is important when it comes to long term strategies for your organization. I have 3 different ways you can think about finding them by utilizing those you already have conversations with. Let's get back to basics!
Having an email list is great. Having a list that you can segment to send the right messages to is even better! I'm sharing 5 different ways to think about your email list for better results on an ongoing basis.
Your website was probably a big investment. Now how to do make the most money off of it as possible! Michael "Buzz" Buzinski is here to talk about his rule of 26 and 3 strategies for doubling the amount of income you make off your website.
Are you getting out more and networking with people again! Some people love it, it always makes me nervous. I'm sharing some tips to make it easy and less uncomfortable in this episode.
So much has changed over the last couple of years. It can be difficult to know when to add in something new and when to stay on course. Lindsey Hardegree joins me today to talk about just this topic.
Are you a resolutions person or not? I'm not so much but I'm thrilled to start off the year with goals that I am excited to achieve. I'm sharing a few of my thoughts on the subject in this episode.
I can't believe its already the end of 2021. I love to take some time to reflect at the end of the year so I'm sharing how I do that and how it can help you be more effecting in the coming year.
If you've been wanting to get a bit more visibility for your organization in search then Local SEO might be a great place to start. I love this conversation that I have with Wendell Jordan on how to get started and what to do first.
Intrapreneur might not be a term your familiar with. In this episode RJ Grimshaw explains the term, how to identify them and why you need them on your team to grow and scale.
Stranger Things can't each us a lot about marketing. Don't believe me? Give this episode a listen and then lets chat!
Some days it feels like chaos and you can't get any support. This episode will give you tips to avoiding burnout in your job and getting the resources you need to be successful and get it done!
Running campaigns can be exhausting. But with a little planning, and some storytelling, you can create dynamic campaigns that help you reach your goals more easily. Vanessa Chase Lockshin joins me to share how you can create more impactful campaigns in your organization no matter the size.
We only know what we know right! I was fortunate to have amazing skills taught to me as a kid and didn't even realize it. These skills have helped me throughout my career and especially when it comes to building my business so I thought I'd share them with you.
Time is money so let's make the most of it. Lindsay is here to give us tips on how to do just that
Building a business is tough but if everyone isn't on the same page it can go off the rails quickly! Amber McCue, founder of Freshly Implemented is sharing her tips for the planning process, how to keep implementing and ways to track results so your team can grow and scale.
It's not as easy as sharing your mission when it comes to donors. It's also about them and understanding their motivations. I'm sharing a personal story of giving in this episode in the hopes it helps you think a little outside the box and use data to your advantage
It's never too early to start planning for Giving Tuesday!! We're giving you a simple plan for your Giving Tuesday so you can make a big impact and still enjoy your own holiday!
Your email welcome sequence helps your subscribers dive deeper with you and learn more about what you do. Sarah Cook is joining me today to talk about what should be in it, what shouldn't and what you need to make it happen.
Being consistent and continuing to show up is hard when you think no one is listening. But I'm here to tell you they are, even if you don't think so. By showing up you continue to make an impact.
I hired a VA a few months ago and it has been a game changer for me. I'm so thankful for Akilah and her team as they help me navigate and most importantly hold me accountable to get things done. We're chatting what to do before you hire a VA, how you onboard and tips for communicating.
If you've been trying to figure out new collaborations to get in front of new people and build your audience while raising money for your organization then this is the episode for you!!! Becky Launder is sharing how she used to partner with organizations when she was a direct seller and how it can be a win-win for everyone.
Running a business online means we need ALL THE TECH! It's been a while since I broke down the tools we use so I thought I'd do that for you today.
It might feel icky, new or impersonal to use tech and social media to bring in donors and then nurture them into bigger donors. Anne Murphy is sharing how they made big changes in some of their processes, how they use automation and what the did with their team to embrace technology to reach and exceed the fundraising goals.
Branding and messaging aren't just buzzwords, they're helpful tools to get in front of more of your people and turn more of them into donors. Lee Wochner shares examples and gives ideas for was to think about what you bring your organization to the public.
It's been great taking a break but we're excited to be back with you and giving you more tools and resources for the upcoming episodes.
When you're running a business it's so hard to find time to take days off, get organized, work ON the business instead of always IN the business. I'm making the choice to not publish new podcasts in the month of July and I'm sharing why, what we'll be doing while we're away and the creativity I'm feeling with the break!
Hiring can be scary. Knowing exactly what you need is half the battle. I'm sharing how I cam to hire my new VA and what tasks I decided to take off my plate.
When you receive a card in the mail, how does it make you feel? David Wachs, founder of Handwrytten, joins me today to talk about the power of receive thank you cards in the mail and how you can make it a seamless and automated part of your business.
We recently held a summit that had the goal of helping you run a more profitable event with less stress and I'm sharing my biggest takeaways from our speakers.
Paul Chambers is the founder of SUBTA and has a ton of knowledge on the subscription service model. He's here to share with you ways to think about your nonprofit model and how you can use it to make an exclusive VIP experience for your donors, retain them, and get them coming back for more.
I've been working from the road for a few weeks now so I thought I'd share what's working and what's not. Whether you're working from home AND the office, or from all sorts of different places I hope you'll find some nuggets of information here that's useful to helping you get more done.
Video is everywhere and gone are the days where organizations could get away without it. When it comes to creating your online event, how to you utilize it? In short, combing your pre-recorded and live video content. Michelle Alvarado of Wahoo films is here to talk about ways to think about your video content and why repurposing it is critical!
By tracking data you get a better idea of how to make decisions and reach your goals! Chris Mercer joins me today to talk about how to get started with tracking your data and free tools you can utilize to do so.
More and more offline donors are making their contributions online. So how do you continue to build meaningful relationships with them when you can't be face to face? Daryl Hatton of FundRazr joins me today to talk about how to use messaging in a more meaningful way to connect, grow and retain your donors.
Change is constant but how do we embrace it and go with the flow? It is much easier said than done. I'm sharing the change I'm going through and how you might chat with your team about trying new and different things.
Now that the event is done, it's time to check back in with Staci and see how it all went down. What will they do differently this year? What did they learn? What was great? What could have gone better? She's sharing it all!
You might not have thought about utilizing Pinterest in your marketing - but it can be a very valuable tool. Cara Chace joins me to talk about who Pinterest works for and how you can use it to get more eyeballs on your website.
When you only have one way of getting donations it can leave you vulnerable. Time to think about how you can diversify your streams of income into your organization.
You're probably used to asking for things in 1:1 situations, but do you ask for things you need that aren't necessarily related to fundraising? I'm giving you some things to ask for in person, in emails and on your website to help you gain visibility and ultimately donations!
We made it to 100 episodes and I couldn't be more thankful. I so appreciate you listening. I'm rounding up 9 episodes that I have loved (although it's hard to pick favorites) and sharing them with you today.
When you switch your mindset and run your business like a for-profit it might change the way you think of your donors and people that utilize your services.
How many times do you start your week thinking you're going to be super productive and get all the things done and when you get to Friday you are super stressed because more than half of your to-do list isn't completed. I still have weeks like that but they are much less common. I'm sharing how you can adjust your calendar so you can make that time for your marketing activities.
Showing up to a conference, getting overwhelmed and not taking action, does that sound like you? I'm giving you my tips for what to do BEFORE you register to an event and how to maximize and take action AFTER it's over.
Creating content is hard enough. So many organizations don't utilize it to it's fullest potential, feeling like if they've shared it once then if they share it again their audience will be annoyed. Becky Endicott and Jon McVoy of We Are For Good are sharing their syndication model so you can repurpose and save time.
No this episode isn't about a get rich scheme or a way to get millions of dollars in donations overnight. Bryan Clayton joins me to talk about how he built his lawn mowing business he started in high school into a multi-million dollar business. Hear his story about NOT being an overnight success and why he's chosen to do it all over again.
It can be terrifying going into a conversation with a potential donor. What if they say no? What if I don't have all the right answers? Sometimes, it's enough to ask questions and listen. Patrick Kirby is here to talk about ways to start conversations and keep them going.
Dawn McGee joins me today to help me walk through ways to take care of myself, especially in the midst of a launch.
Telling stories is such a wonderful way for nonprofits to share the incredible work that they do. Kari is here to give you som amazing insight on how you might think about storytelling a little differently to increase donations and engagement in your organization.
Figuring out how to be more stable with your financials can be tricky. The Guardian Group started their monthly recurring donation program in 2019 which made a huge impact on their 2020 sustainability.
You might be wondering why we're talking about credit card processing on a marketing podcast. Well, there are so many things to consider when choosing a processor so you aren't pay unnecessary fees. You'll also want to make sure it connects with your tech. It could be costing you money that you could be using on your marketing!
2020 is a year we could have never imagined. As we end the year I'm sharing with you what I like to have done before the new year starts so I'm ready, refreshed and ready to tackle what's coming.
Did you know that Google will give you money for Google ads, for FREE! This is an amazing resource that so many non-profits don't take advantage of, or don't do well. Grant Hensel is here to talk you through how to get prepared for starting Google ads and what you should think about from a holistic marketing point of view.
Everyone is going through some sort of rough time. And that means that it might be tricky to reach out to your donors at the end of this year to ask for their gift. Ali is sharing some great ways to think about approaching these conversations to ensure your donors feel cared for and excited to donate again this year.
Getting online can be scary. I'm giving you 5 ways you can get more visibility for your organization in the digital space and build strong relationships with your audience.
Setting up your content strategy can be difficult. I'm giving you the step-by-step actions I do to get my content planned out and batched to relieve stress and create better quality content.
We have chosen podcasting as our main content piece. This is because it's something we like to do and gives us multiple ways to repurpose. Learn more about if podcast would be right for you in this episode.
WordPress is our platform of choice, but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. I'm sharing some reasons why you might NOT want to use it for your website.
Giving Tuesday is just over a month away. Time to get prepped so you can have a strong campaign that's all ready to go so YOU can enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday as well.
Don't make the mistake of hiring a website company that doesn't give you want you want. I'm sharing some things to consider so you know what to ask and why.
Building relationships is key for non-profits. But why? And how do you go about it digitally?
As we enter into Q4 I get excited about starting to plan for the next year. I'm sharing how I finish the year strong to set myself up for success in the upcoming year.
Creating a great customer experience for all donors from $1 - $100,000 can make a great impact on your organization. We're sharing ways to make it easy and automated.
Working from home means constant interruptions and a wacky schedule. Especially if you've got your kids, spouses or other roommates around. In this episode I'm chatting with Brittany May about ways to keep on task and reduce stress.
Figuring out how to take an event online can be tricky. Staci joins me on this episode to share how her organization is taking their Festival of Trees and giving it a fresh, virtual facelift.
Having a strong donation page is important. It needs to be easy, quick to donate and have important information regarding how funds will be used. I'm joined by Michelle from GiveWP in this episode to talk all about what to do and mistakes she sees over and over again.
People are busy and need to see things on multiple platforms. So I'm giving you some ideas for how to take a multi-channel approach to your online events.
We all know saying thank you in important. So I'm giving you some ideas for digital (and maybe some non-digital) ways you can let your donors know you appreciate them.
Since in person events aren't happening as often I thought I'd share some fun ways and ideas you can take these events and do them virtually. This can be fundraisers, networking events, and even brand awareness programs.
We've all been working remotely for some time and with the school year looming, it adds another layer of difficulty. I'm sharing my tools to keeping our team connected and ensuring that projects are moving forward and work is getting done.
I hear excuses all the time for why email marketing doesn't work. So I'm giving you the biggest excuses I hear and why they are bonkers!
Understanding your financials can help you make better decisions about your marketing and growth.
It all starts with a promo kit. Getting the right information out there that's easy to use will help you get more people to promote what you're doing. And that's what we're discussing in this episode.
Whether you're just starting out, or getting ready to hire an inhouse person to handle your tech, you need to make sure it's secure and safe. Emi Baxter joins me today to share resources and things to think about when it comes to your tech stack and your business.
Steven Aguiar joins me on this episode to share ways to maximize the Facebook Fundraising and raise funds for your organization.
The world is starting to open up but is still largely online. Your fundraising might look a little different. I'm sharing 3 ways you can jumpstart your online fundraising and reach your fundraising goals.
Pivoting seems to be the big word these days. But is it the right choice for you? We've made a slight shift in our business. And I'm sharing with you why and if you should make a shift yourself.
Think LinkedIn is dead? Well think again. I'm joined by Anthony Blatner as we discuss why now is the perfect time to jump into LinkedIn and maybe even start some LinkedIn Ads.
Just because you might not be selling right now doesn't mean you can't stay top of mind and in front of your audience. I'm giving you 3 ideas to stay top of mind, grow your relationships with your customers and maybe even generate a little cash!
Curious about how Insta Stories work and why you should use them? Well, we are jumping into that topic today with guest Nicole Bernard.
It's not always easy to get things done. And consistency is key - but things just seem to get in the way. Well, I'm sharing some quick ways you can take control of your tasks and schedule and get more done.
Shay Hrbosky joins me in this episode to talk about how to get started with Facebook Ads. If you're just thinking of getting on board, now is the time to do it!
"But this is how it's always been done," is nothing I ever want to hear!!! In Part II of this series with my dad we're talking about how to innovate, even if you don't think your industry can handle it. Make sure you head over to Episode 57 to hear his thoughts on entrepreneurship.
I'm so thrilled to have my dad, Tom Bedell, on these next two podcast episodes. Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. But for many of us we couldn't imagine our careers any other way. He's sharing his story and encouraging you to live yours as well.
If you're creating content on your website than this episode is for you. I'm sharing the 3 things to consider when you're creating blog posts so you can maximize user experience AND search engine optimization.
Working from home can be tough, especially when the entire household is home. I'm giving you my eight tips for how I organize and structure my days to reduce the working from home stress.
Self care is super important. I've found little things I can do during my work day to help me feel refreshed, keep my body loose and be more productive. I'm sharing my three things in this Fast Fact Friday episode!
You know I love a good email strategy, but growing your list can be tricky at times, or expensive. So I'm chatting with Sandra Julian today about a fund way she's bring female entrepreneurs together to provide value to our audiences, all while building our lists together.
I've gained inspiration in my business from listening to how other people work through their weeks. So I thought I'd share mine with you. I hope you enjoy and I'd love to hear from you how you stay productive throughout the week.
Have you been thinking about starting an online course? We have Debbie Hodge from Teach What You Do here today to chat with us about what you should think about before beginning a course.
We're 50 episodes in! Can you believe it! So today I want to inspire you to celebrate your wins big and small.
Wanna know what it's like in our house as a working from home mom? Well, I got you covered in this episode! I'm even joined by my 11 year old daughter.
Are you aware of ADA regulations for your website? If not then this quick tip episode is for you!
You spend all this time creating content, but then what! Well we're chatting today about ways to repurpose it and get more traffic to your website.
Affiliate marketing can be a great way to get a little more ash for the things you're already talking about. In this episode, I talk about affiliate marketing on both sides and why you might want to check it out.
Have you always wanted to be on someone else's podcast but don't know where to start? Kelly Glover is joining us on this episode to give us all the things we need to know to start reaching out and getting booked.
Your website needs to be maintained, just like your car, to keep things running smoothly. I'm sharing my checklist with you so you don't miss a beat.
Understanding Google Analytics can be overwhelming. But it is a powerful tool. And understanding how to use it in your business sets you ahead of the rest of the game. I'm chat with Tori about how she can use her Google Analytics to grow her business and generate more leads in her photography business.
Don't be afraid to utilize your content multiples times, even on the same social media channel. I'm sharing with you all the ways you can think of to utilize your content and keep your audiences coming back for more.
Linda and Wendy, from the Email Collection, join me in this episode as we talk about ways to grow your list. Specifically with the use of quizzes!
If you're looking for something that's a bit easier to use than WordPress, SquareSpace might be a good alternative.
Sales can be scary, but if you know what you're saying and who you're saying it to it becomes much easier. Christy Lawrence is going to walk us through how to craft our messages and close more sales.