Organizations: Learn to Connect the Dots [infographic] (via frogloop)

A new study of 244 nonprofit participants by Avectra and NTEN show that nonprofit organizations are either tracking a lot of engagement metrics ranging from email open rates to activity on Facebook or don’t do it all. Unfortunately, many of the organizations tracking engagement metrics are not applying the data to make informed decisions about … Continue reading →

The 5 Social Media Metrics Your CEO Actually Cares About (via hubspot)

This is Brian, our CEO. Aside from his outstanding taste in headwear, Brian is also known around HubSpot for his unwavering vision of what it will take to build HubSpot into a once-in-a-generation company. He’s also a data guy. An MIT alum and lecturer, Brian knows how to separate useful data fromvanity metrics, and he’s quick … Continue reading →

How One Nonprofit Is Using Content to Give Back to U.S. Soldiers (via hubspot)

Memorial Day is a special day in the U.S. The whole country takes the day off to spend with loved ones and remember the men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. In honor of the holiday, we didn’t feel comfortable conducting “business as usual” on the blog … Continue reading →

10 Tips for Creating Photos that Tell Stories (via socialbrite)

Get supporters involved by sharing your story through pictures The Internet is slowly but surely becoming one big picture book. Instagram and Pinterest have grown at astronomical rates precicely because they allow people to easily create, curate and share pictures. And Facebook has placed more importance on pictures, with cover images, full screen viewing and newsfeed preferences. Photos are huge but simply posting … Continue reading →

Only Marketing to the Top of Your Fundraising Pyramid Is Hurting Your Nonprofit’s Future (via hubspot)

The top of your fundraising pyramid is just that — a small, concentrated piece of your whole universe, made up of older, rich donors who, though important, won’t be able to add to the strong foundation of your future fundraising efforts. While they’re reliable for contributing large sums of money to help you reach your yearly goal, … Continue reading →

Infographics: Not Your Grandmother’s Pie Chart (via socialbrite)

Infographics & data visualization turn data into stories Most organizations have important data to present to their clients, members, boards of directors and other constituencies. Yet who has time to read or understand the reports, charts and diagrams created by your overworked staff? Infographics are a communication trend that’s all about displaying data in an … Continue reading →

Getting Out of the Way of Mobile Giving (via npengage)

Setting up online giving forms can be so exciting… so many options! Recurring and matching gifts, multiple fund designations, tributes, sources, giving levels, the possibilities and combinations are enough to make a giving form that truly appeals to every type of constituent under the sun. Unfortunately, this same flurry of options is also enough to … Continue reading →

4 Ways to Give Donors a Better Experience Online (via katya’s nonprofit marketing blog)

A new Donor Experience guide is out from Crown Philanthropic Solutions.  While it is written for community foundations and others providing giving platforms, the useful tips apply to all fundraisers.  Here are some of the recommendations. Online giving should be: 1. Social: Personal connections are essential, so donors must be able to easily share their … Continue reading →

3 Ways to Boost Facebook Engagement with Text Updates (via socialbrite)

How to make text updates as effective as photos It seems like all the “experts” tell us is to post photos on our Facebook page to get more likes, comments and shares. Text updates aren’t as sexy, but they can be equally as effective. Why bother posting text updates on your Facebook page? Why should you care … Continue reading →

20 Data-Backed Ways to Upgrade Your Social Media Marketing [SlideShare] (via hubspot)

As a professional social media scientist and part time unicorn hunter, I spend a lot of time chasing down and busting social media unicorns-and-rainbows myths and superstitions — advice that has no basis in facts — with real data and science. I’ve conducted quite a bit of research about social media marketing, and as a result, … Continue reading →