However, charities in the past have tainted the reputation of nonprofits. Last 2018, the public questioned Oxfam charity of how donations were spent. This led to a widespread distrust of how charities are operated. With this, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to embrace technology.
In fact, leaders of such organizations are expected to have digital skills for them to succeed. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways nonprofits can utilize technology.
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How Can Nonprofit Organizations Leverage Technology?
Technology help nonprofits to maintain their profit margins. On the other hand, nonprofit organizations use technology to generate public value. And right now, the best way to increase exposure is through the digital world.
One of the main advantages of digital marketing for nonprofits is its cost-effectiveness. Nonprofits operate with less budget so getting supporters and donors is a priority. That’s how they mobilize their causes.
However, based on a 2019 report, nonprofit is one of the top industries in the US. This means that there will be competition in attracting donors. With an effective nonprofit marketing strategy, an organization can stand out from the rest.
Digital marketing is just one of the many uses of technology for nonprofits. Here are the rest of how these organizations can take advantage of today’s technology.
1. Embark in Digital Fundraising Drives
Any successful fundraising campaign requires new ways of doing fundraising. By doing so, the organization can have a cost-effective yet engaging fundraising drive.
Instead of project-based fundraising, digital fundraising creates an online community. This community generates donations on a regular basis. With that, digital fundraisers should learn more about digital marketing. Most strategies in digital marketing also apply in marketing for nonprofits.
Similar to digital marketing, digital fundraising is about reaching out to the right person. You can target specific audiences and customize the donation experience.
Digital fundraising is done in four stages:
Attract
In this stage, nonprofit organizations broaden their reach online. To attract potential contributors, you can use different marketing techniques. These include SEO, digital advertising, and increasing social media presence. Having a strong online presence is good for your organization.
Your main objective is to pique people’s interest in your organization. And once they do, they will be willing to give you their email address to connect with you.
Nurture
You can retarget people who have interacted with you and nurture them to become a donor. With techniques like email nurturing campaigns, you can strengthen your relationship. Demonstrate who you are and why they should care about your potential contributors.
Convert
After your prospect has learned about your organization, you can ask them for donations. Make a compelling request across various channels and provide a simple giving experience.
Repeat
Now that you’ve gotten a new contributor, it’s time to keep them interested in your cause. This will make them more willing to donate to you in the future. Additionally, this will establish a close bond between you and your contributors.
Digital fundraising isn’t simply a popular approach among nonprofit fundraisers. It will stay as an effective way of increasing your fundraising growth. Moreover, it provides both short-term and long-term benefits for your organization when done right.
2. Make Use of Cloud Technology
Nonprofits are expected to give the same technology experience as the commercial sector. This is true not only for donors but also for the staff and volunteers. That’s why many charity organizations have resulted in the use of cloud technology. It is cost-effective and flexible, fit for goal-oriented organizations.
Basically, cloud technology consists of services that use the internet for data sharing. These include data storage systems like Google Drive and email solutions.
With cloud-based storage, you can store your data on a server. Since it only needs an internet connection, connecting to one allows you to access your data. Private companies use this technology to save money, time and encourage collaboration.
As a nonprofit organization, you can make use of cloud technology in four ways:
- Automate Communications
- Streamline Processes
- Protect Data
- Manage Volunteers
3. Increase Engagement Using Social Media Features
Being on social media is a good way of increasing your online presence. Social media marketing is one of the best nonprofit marketing strategies. It is an effective tool for nonprofit organizations. With this, you can reach larger audiences in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Organizations can use social media channels to communicate their stories to these people. In return, it promotes brand recognition, community engagement, and fundraising efforts.
With 2.9 billion active users monthly, it’s not a surprise that most nonprofits use Facebook. In fact, 93% of these organizations have an account, while 77% of them have a Twitter profile.
Youtube, LinkedIn, and Instagram are among the most popular channels. Active users on social media can help spread the news about your organization. However, it only works if they have clear knowledge about your organization. So it’s up to you to employ the best nonprofit marketing strategy.
Or, you can also look for digital marketing agencies for nonprofits. They can help you with social media marketing and tell your story in the most effective way. It’s difficult to juggle two jobs at the same time. With a digital marketing agency, you can focus more on important matters such as your cause.
Features in social media help you identify opportunities for interactions. You can monitor mentions of your group and partners, as well as identify trends.
To interact on social media, you should have clear objectives. This goes alongside understanding who your audience is and having a plan. Knowing the best social media marketing strategies can help your organization reach its goals.
4. Get Creative With Content Marketing
Content marketing can boost your organization’s visibility. In addition to this, you can also rank higher in search results, which will attract more donors. Not only that but you will also gain additional volunteers and supporters.
A good content marketing plan will raise awareness to the next level. It will assure you that those who contact you can connect with you on a deeper level. Additionally, they will be motivated to take action and help you accomplish your goals.
It’s not enough to just publish content without a clear plan or established brand voice. Your content may not directly influence your goals without a unified, goal-oriented marketing plan. You have to make sure that all of your marketing strategies have a clear communications plan. To do this you need the right element for your nonprofit marketing strategy.
5. Invest in Email Marketing
Email marketing is usually associated with businesses trying to increase profits. However, it is also beneficial for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit email marketing means that you are convincing people to get involved with your cause. Additionally, it also means spreading the news about your goals.
Preference for traditional marketing strategies came to an end in 2020. Although it is an old communication means, it still proved its uses for organizations alike. From fundraising campaigns to updates, email allows you to connect to your supporters.
If you want to create loyal supporters, email marketing can help you. Some of its advantages include:
- Being cost-effective
- Providing a personal touch to messaging
- Helps you to reach out to more people
- Allows for nurturing relationship between you and the donor
Conclusion
For-profit organizations have used technology to improve communications and reach their goals faster. It is about time that nonprofits incorporate technology into their daily operations. So the technology help nonprofits to support their missions effectively.
Technology for both sectors does not really differ from each other. The only difference is how technology is used. Nonprofits can quickly identify cost-effective solutions to fulfill certain goals.
