Hello? Is anybody listening? In today’s hyper-connected landscape, it might feel like your nonprofit’s communication efforts are being shouted into the digital void. An effective communications strategy is the white whale for many not-for-profit marketers. While a lot of time, effort, and funds are being invested into creating valuable content for your nonprofit’s communication channels, you may still need help executing the actual campaign.
Not only will a robust communications plan establish a loyal supporter and volunteer base, but it will also boost fundraising efforts to ensure future financial stability.
Here are the top reasons why a strong communications strategy is crucial for all non-profits.
Getting your ideas heard
Whether it’s advocating the arts, ending poverty, or halting climate change, at their core, nonprofits are in the business of coming up with bold ideas for the betterment of humanity. In order for their ideas to be efficiently heard and supported, nonprofits must communicate and communicate well.
With the rise in technology and constant communication, PR is simply not enough for nonprofits to get their messages across. Not only do not-for-profit organizations need to deeply understand their audiences and foster profound relationships, but they also need to relay relevant information and communications in a timely manner. This strengthens loyalty and deploys influence. Most of all, it creates conversations and encourages action, including rallying volunteers to attend meetings and inspiring supporters to donate.
CRM success for nonprofits
Constituent relationship management (CRM) software is a great tactic for nonprofits to use when communicating and tracking their interactions with donors and other supporters. CRM software closely monitors past involvement and important donor data, allowing organizations to implement carefully curated outreach strategies. Moreover, CRMs give nonprofits intimate insights through comprehensive reports, giving them a holistic picture of constituent engagements.
The benefits of CRMs for nonprofits include:
- A centralized source for data
- Effortless ways to segment communication lists
- Increased reach on all social media platforms
- Streamlining the event planning process
- Managing volunteers, donors, and staff
- Running robust reports
CRM giants, including HubSpot and Salesforce, have already embraced not-for-profit businesses and work. HubSpot has partnered with Food Bank for New York City, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Greenpeace, and more.
Nonprofits that want to harness the power of SMS and other types of omnichannel communications can seamlessly integrate these strategies with their existing CRM platforms alongside Mitto’s integration services. In doing so, organizations can effectively reach supporters and donors through numerous channels in a timely manner.
Prevents donor fatigue
If not-for-profit organizations don’t continuously engage with donors in a meaningful way, they could run the risk of creating donor fatigue. This is a lessening of the public’s willingness to respond generously to charitable appeals and results in strained relationships with donors and other constituents.
By having a strong communications strategy in place, nonprofits can combat donor fatigue and even prevent it. An omnichannel communications campaign can successfully hone messaging on how a person engages during every touchpoint. This provides audiences with relevant, valuable, and convenient information that breaks down the barriers between potential donors and nonprofits.
Real results
In the modern marketing world, an omnichannel communications strategy truly matters. It’s an effective game plan that provides not-for-profit organizations with real results.
For instance:
- SOS Children’s Village used Mitto’s platform and SMS services to streamline daily communications between donors and fundraisers, allowing the non-profit to automate mission-critical notification deliveries and thank-you notes to generous donors.
- Mercy Corps enjoyed a 3.8% boost for credit card monthly donor revenue and a 5.4% increase in the number of new monthly donors after incorporating an omnichannel communication strategy.
What tools do nonprofits need for a successful omnichannel communications strategy?
In order to achieve success with their omnichannel communication efforts, nonprofits must use three foundational tools, including:
- A CRM to efficiently consolidate supporter data in one centralized location
- Multiple channels with automated campaigns to ensure the right message is sent out to the right person at the right time
- Analytics and reporting tools to monitor progress and identify opportunities for improvement
If you want to create a successful omnichannel communications strategy for your non-profit, Mitto can help. Contact us today to learn more.
