Engage Connections with Online Tools

With more people than ever connecting online, it’s essential to meet your donors where they are—on their computers and phones. Keep your nonprofit accessible with these ideas:

• Create an easy-to-use online donation form and make your donate button highly visible on your website.
• Promote gift matching in your campaigns—donors love knowing their contributions can be doubled!
• Use a nonprofit CRM to automate tasks, centralize donor data, and save time on outreach.
• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as more than half of nonprofit web traffic comes from mobile users.
• Apply for Google Ad Grants to get free advertising at the top of Google search results.
• Use an online fundraising platform that allows for customizable, shareable forms and messaging.
• Personalize your outreach by addressing donors by name in your emails.
• Leverage AI tools to help write engaging communication templates.
• Segment donors based on behavior using insights from your CRM, fundraising platforms, and social media.
• Increase transparency by posting your annual report on your website.

3. Post on Your Social Media Channels

Social media is a great way to engage donors in a meaningful, informal way. If you haven’t already, create a posting schedule to stay consistent. Try these tactics:

• Engage different demographics by using multiple social platforms.
• Encourage Facebook fundraisers as an easy way for supporters to raise money for your cause.
• Host a Facebook Live Q&A to connect with donors and answer questions about your latest campaign.
• Use LinkedIn to post volunteer opportunities and recruit long-term helpers.
• Tag corporate sponsors in thank-you posts to showcase the impact of their contributions.
• Add a donate button to your Instagram page, Stories, and Lives by verifying your nonprofit status with Meta.
• Share Instagram Reels or TikTok videos highlighting your current campaigns and work in action.
• Post infographics with compelling stats to start conversations with your audience about the needs in your community.
• Celebrate Giving Days by posting fun photos of your team and current projects.
• Host webinars or podcasts on YouTube to reach a broader audience and educate them about your mission.
• Join YouTube’s Nonprofit Program to link viewers directly to your website and fundraising campaigns.

4. Form a Content Marketing Plan for Your Website

Your website is often the first impression people have of your nonprofit, so make it count! Here are ways to keep your content fresh:

• Create a blog with an SEO strategy to increase visibility and engagement.
• Share stories from volunteers, staff, and those you’ve helped to build personal connections.
• Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged.
• Publish fact-based articles that position your nonprofit as a trusted source on your cause.
• Design appealing infographics to make statistics easier to digest.
• Use online design tools to create engaging graphics without the need for a professional designer.

5. Grow Your Nonprofit with Email Marketing

Email marketing continues to be one of the most effective tools for nonprofits, generating around 15% of online revenue. Use these tips to enhance your email strategy:

• Add a signup button to your website for visitors to receive your emails.
• Send a monthly email newsletter to keep donors in the loop.
• Announce upcoming events, campaigns, and send donation appeals through email.
• Craft eye-catching subject lines to increase open rates.
• Personalize your emails by addressing donors by name.
• Send immediate thank-you emails and make major donors feel appreciated in your newsletter.

6. Include Fundraising Campaigns in Your Marketing Strategy

Don’t forget that your fundraising campaigns need marketing love, too! Here are some ideas to boost engagement and donations:

• Use peer-to-peer campaigns to expand your reach through supporters’ networks.
• Host a gala or auction and promote big-ticket items on social media.
• Organize smaller events like car washes or movie nights to engage various donor segments.
• Hold virtual events to connect with supporters and raise awareness.
• Create text campaigns to make donating fast and easy.
• Offer exclusive events or merchandise to recurring donors to show appreciation.

7. Collaborate and Partner with Your Community

Collaboration can amplify your message. Work with businesses, influencers, and other nonprofits to grow your reach:

• Publicly recognize your sponsors to encourage continued support.
• Ask local businesses to display your flyers or information on their bulletin boards.
• Reach out to local media for discounted or free advertising in exchange for sponsorship recognition.
• Invite local celebrities to speak at events to attract more attendees.
• Partner with influencers passionate about your cause to promote your nonprofit on social media.
• Collaborate with other nonprofits on joint events or campaigns to increase visibility.

Final Thoughts

Nonprofit marketing is all about building connections and engaging your audience. You don’t need to be an advertising expert to create a winning strategy—just focus on what works best for your organization. Use technology, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to try new ideas as you grow your nonprofit and reach your goals!

Patrick Slouck – CEO – NPOAuthority- The nation’s most affordable prospect research software company in the marketplace