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tips to grow your nonprofit social media following

How Nonprofits Can Grow Their Social Media Following Without Breaking the Bank

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Discerning nonprofit leaders like you know every dollar counts. So how can nonprofits grow a social media following without a massive ad budget? With each passing day, it seems, all manner of digital marketing strategies require pay-for-play.

For a vast majority of you, the budget is stretched thin as it is. Approximately 92 percent of nonprofits operate on a budget of less than $1 million annually. (As you know, after paying for overhead, perhaps a few staff members and implementing programs, there’s not much of the financial pie left). 

It goes without saying, but nonprofits just can’t do without social media in the 21st century. It’s your vehicle for community engagement and communicating your mission to build a case for financial support. 

The good news? You don’t need a lavish advertising spend to build a vibrant social media following and drive meaningful engagement. Doing so organically takes a great deal of work, but some of the most successful nonprofits have leveraged creative, low-cost strategies to amplify their voice, build community trust and boost donor engagement. 

Here’s how you can do it, too!

Embracing Organic Marketing Strategies: Growing Your Nonprofit Social Media Following on a Tight Budget

Let’s first ditch the myth that you need to pour money into ads to see results. Yes, social platforms are increasingly forcing ad spends for nonprofits and for-profits alike to grow relevant reach and engagement. For perspective, my girlfriend (a doctoral student who owns a dance studio) recently spent a whopping $150/day on social media ads for nearly a month – with limited results.

I remember helping nonprofit clients as recently as two years ago, spending a minimum of $5/day to achieve greater results than that. The ad algorithms have evolved; not for the better. So our clients, especially small nonprofits with tight budgets, are returning to organic social media strategies.  

Organic growth — while it might take a bit more time and consistency — is not only achievable, but also incredibly rewarding. The secret is to be strategic about your content and engagement.

1. Use the Free Social Media Tools Available

As a nonprofit, you’re in luck! By enrolling as a charitable organization in a variety of social media platforms, you can unlock a variety of freebies – like software memberships, advertising deals and tons of digital media training opportunities – simply by virtue of your mission-driven status. Major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest offer nonprofit perks, including donation buttons, fundraising tools, exclusive technical support and even production resources. 

Don’t miss out on all the free training available to nonprofits. Nearly every platform offers something! Rather than venturing out and “winging it,” take advantage of these resources to learn the best practices, master the essential tools and absorb expert insights that can guide your posting strategy.

2. Content is Still King

Even in an era dominated by flashy paid ads, organic content remains the heart and soul of your social media strategy. It’s still about how the story speaks to people and “gathers them around your fire” to be inspired.

Develop content that speaks directly to your audience’s needs and interests. This means:

Great Storytelling

Share authentic stories about your mission in action. Think of short-form videos, photo stories and testimonials that show real impact. For example, a local food pantry might share a before-and-after story of a family helped by its services.

Educational Content

Create posts that educate your followers about solving the community issues that guide your nonprofit mission. Infographics, quick tips and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your charity build trust and position your nonprofit as a leader in fighting for those in need.

User-Generated Content

Encourage your supporters to share their experiences with your organization. Invite them to tag you (and any other community stakeholders who could be positively impacted). Repost their stories and give them a shout-out. This not only amplifies your reach but also strengthens your community bond.

3. Consistency is Key

Social media algorithms favor consistency. The algorithms absolutely WILL NOT promote a digital graveyard. The more regularly you post, the more likely your content is to be seen organically. 

Now, no self-respecting nonprofit social media strategy involves simply posting every day. But even simple, well-planned posts with compelling content — say once or twice a week — can create a steady stream of engagement. Develop a content calendar that aligns with your key events and campaigns. This planning ensures that you’re always on top of your messaging, even when your small team is juggling multiple responsibilities.

Get More Nonprofit Social Media Followers by Leveraging the Power of Engagement

Organic growth isn’t just about posting content — it’s about sparking conversations. Engaging directly with your audience is key, especially for nonprofits where trust and community matter the most.

1. Interact & Respond

Social media is a two-way street. It’s a conversation. It’s not just blasting your community with content. 

When followers comment on your posts, reply with genuine, thoughtful responses. This shows that you value their input and helps build a loyal following. For instance, if someone thanks you for a post, respond with gratitude and ask an open-ended question to keep the conversation going.

(Ex. – Thank you, @Rob_Robertson, for chiming in! By the way, do you think there’s something else that could make next year’s community event more impactful?) 

2. Utilize Live Sessions & Q&A’s

Most social media platforms offer a fantastic opportunity to connect in real-time – like “going Live.” Schedule regular live sessions where you can answer questions, share updates or even conduct mini-workshops related to your mission. These sessions not only humanize your organization, but also provide an avenue for immediate engagement and feedback.

3. Create Polls & Interactive Content

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple poll. Use platforms like Instagram Stories or ‘X’ Polls to ask questions about your followers’ interests, preferences or opinions on a topic related to your charitable work. This not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable insights into what content your audience wants to see.

Optimize & Integrate Your Nonprofit Social Media Presence

Even without a big ad budget, you can still optimize your presence by ensuring your social media channels are integrated and that your branding is consistent across platforms.

1. Website & Email Integration

Make sure your website prominently features social media icons – and not just in the footer. Your website is often the first point of contact for potential donors or volunteers, so it should guide them seamlessly to your social media channels. 

Similarly, integrate social media icons and calls-to-action in your email newsletters. For example, after someone donates or signs up for your newsletter, use that “thank you” page to invite them to join your social media community.

2. Cross-Promotion Across Platforms

Each social media platform has its unique strengths. It’s unwise to “put all your eggs” in one social media basket. Share snippets of your content across multiple channels. A compelling video teaser on TikTok can be repurposed as a shorter clip on Instagram Reels, with a link directing viewers to your full story on Facebook or your website. 

This cross-promotion ensures you’re reaching a diverse audience without the need for expensive ads.

3. Engaging Visuals & Consistent Branding

Your posts should be both informative and visually appealing. Use high-quality images, infographics and short-form videos that align with your brand’s aesthetic. Tools like Canva can help you create professional-looking visuals even on a shoestring budget. 

4. Harness the Power of Data

You can grow your nonprofit social media following organically without spending big bucks by being smart about your content strategy. Use free or low-cost analytics tools to track engagement, audience demographics and post performance. 

Adjust your nonprofit social media strategy accordingly.

Understand what resonates best with your followers. For example, if you notice that posts featuring behind-the-scenes content get more comments and shares, while other organic posts get nothing but crickets in response, double down on the content type THAT WORKS!

5. Collaborate & Build Partnerships

Finally, remember that nonprofits thrive on community. Collaborate with other organizations, influencers and community leaders to expand your reach. Joint campaigns, guest posts or co-hosted live sessions can introduce your nonprofit to new audiences. Not only does this create a buzz, but it also strengthens your network and enhances your credibility.

Final Thoughts: Growing Your Nonprofit Social Media Following with an Organic Approach

Building a robust social media presence without a hefty ad budget might seem challenging, but with a smart strategy and a consistent, engaging approach, small nonprofits can make a significant impact. By focusing on authentic storytelling, regular engagement, and leveraging the power of data and partnerships, your nonprofit can expand its digital footprint and build a community of loyal supporters.

At Grand River Agency, we specialize in helping nonprofits like yours navigate the digital landscape with innovative and cost-effective strategies. We also recently became certified in AI for Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing. Whether it’s crafting compelling content, optimizing your social media profiles or analyzing engagement data, we’re here to help you shine.

Let’s get to work! Contact me directly at ke****@**************cy.org.

professional speech writing

Speak Like a Human: Mastering the Art of Professional Speech Writing

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Let’s be honest, the art of speech writing today has lost a bit of  luster. We can blame politics for that. Whatever “side of the aisle” you’re on, the leaders we hear so much in speeches today are word salad monsters and meandering buffoons who never get to any cogent point.

(For whatever reason, that speech style works for millions of Americans, but that’s a different story for a different day.)

The rest of us rank-and-file professionals are still left with the burden of telling stories that actually sense. Could you imagine giving a speech at a trade show, meandering aimlessly from the most recent research to demonizing competitors back to completely unrelated research? You’d be booed off stage!  

So let’s get reacquainted with professional speech writing as it’s meant to be. Let’s prepare to speak like a human.

Professional Speech Writing Tips to Engage Audiences & Become Memorable

Even the most brilliant leader can lose their audience if their speech fails to connect dots or sounds like it was written by a robot. 

Your first hurdle? Attention spans are shorter than ever. The secret to professional speech writing is balancing expertise with humanity. If you get too deep in the weeds, statistics and insider jargon, audiences will get bored and tune you out. If you get too comfy and sprinkle three key points in an hour of personal stories like an annoying recipe blogger, no one will get the point. 

So you have to strike a balance among being:

  • Relatable
  • Credible
  • Knowledgeable
  • Likeable
  • Approachable

As someone who’s spent nearly two decades in the trenches of media and communications, I know the art of speech writing is about connecting with your audience in the most genuine way possible. The best professional speech writers weave a story that augments the thesis, reaching out to viewers/listeners as a friend with a helping hand or guiding perspective. 

Here’s my take on how to use what I call “muscular writing” to craft speeches that aren’t just heard – but felt.

Know Your Audience & Speak Directly to Them

Before you even put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard or voice to AI assistant), think about who’s in your audience. Know your audience, as the cliché goes. Professional speech writing doesn’t aim to impress with technical jargon or convoluted ideas. 

Instead, it focuses on what matters to the people listening. Ask yourself: What do they need to hear? How can you address their challenges in a way that’s relatable? When you tune into your audience’s interests and pain points, you’re not just delivering information — you’re having a conversation.

For example, if you’re speaking to a group of startup founders, share practical anecdotes about overcoming common entrepreneurial hurdles. When your message resonates with their daily struggles, your speech transforms from a monologue into a dialogue that sparks real connection.

Hook ‘Em Early

We all know that the first 30 seconds of any speech are crucial. That’s your golden moment to grab attention. It’s your elevator pitch in live form. Whether it’s a witty remark, a surprising statistic or a poignant story from your own experience, the hook must be powerful and immediate. 

A strong opening sets the stage for everything that follows. It gets your audience salivating for more. It reaches their psyche and speaks to innermost desires, fears or uncertainties. 

Invite your audience to lean in and listen.

Simplify Without Dumbing Down

Speakers often get lost in the labyrinth of their own expertise. While it’s important to showcase your knowledge, your audience isn’t there to be dazzled by complex theories or data. 

They’re there to be inspired! 

Strive to simplify your language. Write to speak concisely. Replace convoluted concepts with clear, quick and powerful statements that hit home. Think of your speech as a friendly conversation where every word counts. The goal is to be memorable and relatable, not to intimidate with complexity.

The Power of Storytelling

Nothing builds connection like a good story. Personal anecdotes, relatable case studies or even a clever metaphor can make your speech unforgettable. 

Storytelling is your superpower — it not only humanizes your message but also creates emotional anchors for your audience. When you share a story about overcoming adversity or achieving breakthrough success, you’re not just conveying information; you’re inviting your listeners to experience those moments with you. 

It’s this shared experience that makes your message stick.

Structure for Impact

A well-organized speech is like a well-built house: it needs a strong foundation, clear rooms and a comfortable flow. I like to think in terms of a simple structure:

  • Introduction: Start with a hook to capture attention.
  • Body: Develop your main points with supporting stories and evidence.
  • Conclusion: End with a strong call-to-action that leaves your audience ready to act.

This classic structure ensures your message is coherent and your key points are reinforced. It’s like setting up a roadmap that guides your listeners smoothly from point A to point B, with no confusing detours along the way.

No word salad! No meandering! 

Keep It Brief and Memorable

Brevity is key. Get to the damn point. 

The average adult attention span these days is 8.25 seconds. Experts say the attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds. 

The best speeches are NOT the longest. They’re the ones that stick in the minds of the audience. Be ruthless with your editing. Ask yourself: Does this sentence add value? Can this idea be stated more succinctly? Remember, every word should have a purpose, and sometimes less is more.

The Human Touch in Every Word

At the end of the day, speech writing is an art form that thrives on human connection. Technology and data can provide us with trends and insights, but they can’t replace the nuance and empathy of a well-crafted human message. 

A great speech is like a personal letter — it speaks directly to the hearts of those who hear it. It’s this human touch that differentiates an ordinary speech from one that inspires action.

How to Prepare for Your Next Speaking Engagement

As you step up to deliver your next speech, keep these principles in mind. The real magic of professional speech writing happens when you combine clarity with authenticity, and structure with heartfelt storytelling. 

Your audience isn’t just listening — they’re connecting with you. Or at least, they would like to. And when you speak like a human, you create a lasting impact that transcends the moment.
For more insights on strategic communications and storytelling for both businesses and nonprofits, keep an eye on our updates at Grand River Agency. Let’s keep the conversation going, one genuine word at a time.

Feel free to contact me directly at ke****@**************cy.org.

business podcast content ideas

How to Come Up With Awesome Business Podcast Content Ideas

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A business podcast can play a key role in your organization’s evolving digital marketing strategy. But how do you keep a volume of business podcast content ideas flowing to ensure it entices the target audiences you aim to help?  

Podcasting as a thought leadership tool is so ripe for all the things digital consumers are looking for – especially if you’re in the B2B realm aiming to attract busy professionals. So let’s leverage that! 

Hopefully, you’ve developed an overarching strategy that’ll guide your podcast direction moving forward. If so, now it’s time to develop that further into actual business podcast content. 

In this blog, we’ll explore various techniques and strategies to spark inspiration for your podcast, empowering you to consistently deliver high-quality episodes that resonate with your audience.

Unlocking Creativity: 4 Strategies for Generating Business Podcast Content Ideas

The good news is there are so many great business podcast content ideas and show formats out there. You can: 

  • Host guest experts from your field
  • Discuss the benefits of your latest product with your product engineer
  • Interview satisfied customers/clients
  • Provide tips & tricks to solve pain points
  • Give insider knowledge about industry trends  

What luck, in content marketing, anything that can be blogged about, posted on social media, turned into an infographic, etc., can be talked about. If it can be talked about, it can be turned into a great podcast content idea.

The format options are also wide-ranging – from one-on-one interviews to panel discussions to solo shows. (Josh Hatcher, our VP of Client Success, sometimes likes to sit in his car and turn his thoughts into awesome podcasts for our business!)

In general, here are four strategies to get your gears turning about specific business podcast content ideas.

1. Identify & Address Audience Problems

This one’s always key for me. Any piece of content marketing should strive to solve a problem or pain point of your target audience. Sure, there’s wiggle room for entertainment and enlightenment, but the most engaging business podcasts keep people coming back for one simple reason: THEY ARE HELPFUL!

At the core of every successful business podcast is a deep understanding of the audience’s needs, challenges and aspirations.

(I know, you’ve been told “know your audience” more times than you can shake a stick at.) But getting to the crux of their issues takes more than educated guessing. Listen to your audience and prospective listeners/viewers. Engage them through:

  • Surveys (offer incentives for participation)
  • Feedback forms
  • Social media interactions
  • Live Q&A sessions or virtual events
  • Interactive polls or quizzes on your podcast’s website or social media channels
  • Listener-generated content submissions (questions, stories or testimonials)
  • Attend industry events, conferences, or meetups to engage listeners face-to-face

Uncovering pain points and audience questions in these ways could potentially inspire hundreds of business podcast episode topics you had never considered. Each problem is a solution waiting to be discussed. Craft episodes that offer practical solutions, actionable insights and meaningful conversations that resonate with your listeners and establish your podcast as a thought leader in your industry.

2. Journal Techniques for Inspiration

Take some time to jot down your thoughts and feelings. Seriously.

Journaling isn’t just some grade-school activity to learn personal reflection. In a professional sense, it’s also a powerful tool for generating content ideas for your business podcast. By setting aside time to jot down ideas, experiences and observations, you can uncover a wealth of potential topics and themes to explore.

These thoughts don’t have to be logical or coherent. Whether you prefer traditional pen and paper or digital note-taking tools like Google Keep, even a random train of thought can get you thinking in the right direction.

3. Collaborate with Other Business Podcasts

Collaboration holds the key to unlocking fresh perspectives and new audience insights – while also greatly amplifying your message and reach. Partnering with fellow professionals in your niche offers a unique opportunity to generate compelling content ideas.

Identify podcasters or influencers whose content aligns with yours and resonates with a similar audience. Pitch a guest spot on your podcast – or vice versa. Your two organizations may form a natural connection in a continuum of services, from one step in a process to another. 

Feeling bold? Reach out to a competitor and have a friendly debate!

Discuss shared interests, audience demographics and the unique perspectives each party brings to the table. Brainstorming sessions can spark creativity and generate a wealth of business podcast inspiration.

4. Competitor Analysis

There’s much to learn by looking at what others are doing. You can stay ahead of trends to keep your content fresh and relevant. Online forums, discussion groups and subreddit communities pertaining to your podcast’s subject matter are great places to mine for information. Use digital analytics tools to analyze listener/viewer demographics and behavior.

And if you’re looking at competitors, you stand a better chance of not missing a particular podcast discussion or format that really seems to resonate.

Remember my buddy Josh from earlier? He jokingly calls this “spycraft.” I just call it smart market research. Ethically gather insights – engagement strategies, emerging topics, etc. – from competitors and other industry authorities. Note exciting new opportunities for innovation! 

Borrow ideas. Give credit where it’s due, of course. Ensure your podcast stands out while staying true to your brand.

Ready to Come Up with Some Great Business Podcast Content Ideas? We Can Help!

As business decision-makers, you understand the importance of engaging your audience with valuable and relevant content. First, you must strategize and create it, and then you must launch and promote it to the world!

Remember, creativity knows no bounds – so let your imagination soar as you craft compelling business podcast content that sets yours apart in the digital landscape.

In the bustling world of podcasting, competition for listeners’ and viewers’ attention is fierce. The ability to generate fresh and compelling content ideas is paramount. That can be a lot even for well-established marketing teams – let alone for small businesses and nonprofits. If you need help, contact us here.

business podcast promotion using short-form video

Business Podcast Promotion: Unleashing the Potential of Short-Form Video

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You’ve strategized and launched your business podcast. Congratulations! Now, how are you going to get eyes and ears on it – especially in a world that’s overflowing with multimedia content? If you’re video recording your podcast, as well, short-form video is the common denominator for promotion across a variety of platforms.

What must your business podcast up aga? Well, there are 3.2 million active podcasts, which last year published over 30 million episodes in at least 100 different languages. 

That’s a lot. The good news is, it’s not nearly as competitive as producing SEO blogs for your business against 3 BILLION blog posts published each year globally. 

So let’s promote your business podcast using short-form video to do what it does best: grab attention on social media.

Capturing Attention with Short-Form Video to Promote Your Business Podcast

By now, you know how hard it is to capture shrinking attention spans. That’s the double-edged sword of digital media. The easier it becomes to access and absorb content, the less mental capacity people subconsciously devote to processing it. 

Podcasters need to find innovative ways to stand out in the digital realm. Enter short-form video content – a dynamic tool that holds immense potential for business podcast promotion and engaging with listeners. 

Here we’ll explore how harnessing the power of short-form video can augment your business podcast promotion strategy and captivate audiences – where they live on social media. Create super-quick snippets that appeal to the senses and tease the subject matter in just seconds. 

Social Media LOVES Short-Form Video

Short-form video content is the literal definition of today’s most popular social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. While these (especially TikTok) emerged as places for silly content and dance videos, businesses quickly caught on that they could leverage the market, too.

A quick video snippet can tell a potential viewer everything they need to know about an upcoming episode or your podcast in general. People can learn a heck of a lot in a 7-second clip – enough to make a decision about consuming your content. By condensing key themes, topics and highlights from podcast episodes into bite-sized snippets, business podcasters deliver their message quickly and effectively, making it easier for viewers to consume and share across social media platforms.

Crafting Compelling Teasers & Trailers

Short-form video content serves as the perfect teaser or trailer for podcast episodes, generating anticipation and excitement among listeners and viewers. Share intriguing snippets of conversations, thought-provoking insights or captivating guest interviews to entice your audience to tune in for more.

(Helpful hint: Just because it’s a business podcast doesn’t mean it has to be all serious. In producing and promoting podcasts for clients, we’ve found that humor draws people in, too.) 

These teasers not only engage existing listeners and viewers, but also attract new ones who are intrigued by just a capsule glimpse at the podcast’s content.

Editing with AI for Maximum Impact

Whether you’re an organizational decision-maker or a rank-and-file member of the marketing team, you’re busy. Too busy. Sometimes the thought of spending MORE time on ANOTHER marketing task makes it easy to avoid business podcasting altogether.

Rest assured, there are so many tools to make your life easier. Utilizing AI-powered editing tools streamlines the process of breaking down podcast episodes into short-form video content. By transcribing podcast episodes and then editing the transcripts into concise video clips, business podcasters can create engaging snippets that grab viewers’ attention from the outset. 

It’s essential to ensure that each clip can stand on its own and make sense outside of the context of the full episode, increasing its effectiveness in driving engagement.

Artificial intelligence is our powerful friend in the digital marketing world, allowing us to efficiently compile volumes of content. But as we always say, AI is just a tool and still requires the human touch to make your work sing. 

Diversifying Content for a Fresh Look

In addition to sharing clips from podcast episodes, podcasters should also create platform-specific short-form videos tailored to each social media platform’s unique audience and format. Don’t fall into the pattern of crafting the “same old” short-form video clips for business podcast promotion. 

They’ll become repetitive and boring. They’ll get tuned out and avoided. Or worse, people will unfollow your podcast and social media platforms.  

So keep it interesting and snappy! Get creative. Show them something a little different each time around:

  • Share behind-the-scenes content
  • Respond to comments with additional video content
  • Post funny outtakes 
  • Create interesting podcast promotions & intros from new locations

Crafting fun, humanizing videos can increase engagement and nurture a sense of connection with the audience. By diversifying content, business podcasters can maximize their reach and impact across different platforms. Show them you’re not just a resource for insights, but actual people aiming to help them solve their problems.

Business Podcast Promotion with Short-Form Video: Engage Your Audience in Exciting Ways

Short-form video content presents a tremendous opportunity for podcasters to improve promotional efforts and engage with your audience in new and exciting ways. By leveraging the power of short-form video, podcasters can create compelling teasers, trailers and platform-specific content that captivates viewers and listeners. 

Drive awareness for your business podcast as part of a well-rounded digital marketing strategy. Show them your human side and your commitment to providing content that helps and engages them how they prefer to be engaged – whether that’s during their morning workout or tuning in for a brief lunch break session.

With creativity, strategy and the right tools, you can harness the full potential of short-form video podcast promotion to show your brand in a new light. 

Of course, there’s no shame in asking for help. Grand River Agency produces and promotes podcasts for business clients every day. Email Josh Hatcher, our VP of Client Success, at jo**@**************cy.org to have a friendly chat!

podcast content creation

4 Basic Steps to Mastering Business Podcast Content Creation

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The potential for digital content creation is virtually limitless these days. As a smart business leader, you’re likely proud you’ve invested in website development and social media marketing. But what MORE could you do to move the needle? How about trying some podcast content creation? 

Podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for businesses and organizations to connect with their audiences on a deeper level. But, as you know, it’s far from a new technology. The very first podcast was launched in 2003 – back before it was even called a podcast.

Two decades later, an ocean of podcasts dominates nearly every market and subject area imaginable. It’s not just people talking about pop culture, self-improvement tips and true-crime documentaries. Businesses and other organizations can use podcast content creation as another avenue for industry thought leadership.

(Check out our podcast at StratComm.Live to see how we tackle thought leadership here at Grand River Agency.)

(Breaking News: StratComm.Live Podcast Debuts at No. 8 on Apple Podcast in the US.)

Tips & Tricks for Great Podcast Content Creation 

Crafting compelling podcast episodes is not just about hitting the record button and hoping for the best. A great business podcast requires careful planning, creativity and consistency. As with any other part of your expert digital marketing strategy, you must have a good grasp of your target audience:

  • Demographics: Characteristics such as age, gender, location, occupation, income level and education to tailor content that resonates.
  • Interests & Preferences: What topics are they passionate about? What types of content do they enjoy consuming? How do they prefer to be engaged to keep them coming back for more?
  • Pain Points & Challenges: Identify the problems that your audience faces in their personal or professional lives. The best business podcasts provide valuable insights, solutions and practical tips.
  • Listening Habits & Preferences: How does your target audience consume podcasts? Do they prefer short episodes or longer, in-depth discussions? Are they more likely to listen during their commute, while exercising or during downtime? Tailor your podcast format and delivery to maximize engagement.
  • Communication Style: Are they looking for authoritative, professional content? Or do they prefer a more laid-back, conversational and relatable approach? 

Knowing these, you can begin strategizing podcast content creation. 

Building the Ultimate Podcast for Your Business or Organization

Let’s start generating some ideas and streamlining your workflow to produce your business podcast with maximum efficiency. Here are four easy steps to follow:

1. Lay the Foundation for Your Content Strategy

Before diving into podcast content creation, it’s essential to establish a clear content strategy. You wouldn’t trudge forward with creating blog content or social media posts without first knowing what you’re doing, right? Launching a successful podcast follows the same playbook. 

Define your target audience, identify key themes or topics that align with your brand or organization, and determine the overall tone and style of your podcast. This foundation will guide your content creation process and ensure that each episode serves a purpose in achieving your audience engagement goals.

2. Generate Fresh Content Ideas

Generating fresh and engaging content ideas is crucial for keeping your audience hooked – and perhaps even turning them into brand ambassadors. Explore different techniques to spark inspiration, such as brainstorming sessions, audience feedback and trend analysis. 

Utilize tools like journaling and even “spycraft” to identify emerging trends and topics relevant to your audience’s interests. By addressing your audience’s problems and providing valuable solutions, you can create episodes that help them to choose you over others during their morning jog or lunch break.

3. Planning Your Content Calendar

Feeling good about the topics you brainstormed? Great! Let’s start putting them into an easy-to-follow schedule. 

Consistency is key in the world of podcasting. To avoid the common pitfall of running out of things to talk about and losing momentum, create a podcast content calendar. This calendar will help you stay organized and plan out your episodes in advance. 

Consider establishing themes or series to provide structure to your content and maintain audience interest over time. Balance variety and consistency in your content calendar to keep your audience engaged while ensuring a steady flow of new episodes.

4. Streamlining Your Workflow

Efficiency is crucial for podcasters, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. (If you’re running a small business or nonprofit organization, podcasting is most certainly not the ONLY thing on your plate.) Adopt bulk production strategies to streamline your workflow and maximize productivity. 

The “Master Calendar” approach involves outlining talking points, scheduling interviews, and producing content in batches. By batching similar tasks together, you can minimize interruptions and focus your energy on creating high-quality content. 

Additionally, leverage automation tools and templates to streamline repetitive tasks and free up time to invest in the creativity of your business podcast.

Business Podcast Tips: Professional Quality Podcast Content Creation is Easier Than You Think

Launching a compelling podcast for your business or organization requires careful planning, creativity and consistency. With a clear roadmap, professional quality podcast content creation is easier to accomplish than you might think.

We do it every day here at Grand River Agency, for ourselves and for client businesses and nonprofits who aim to reach new audiences. Combined with other elements of 21st-century marketing – like search engine optimization and targeted social media ads – podcasting can be an element of your digital strategy that people actually WANT to hear and see.

By establishing a clear content strategy, generating fresh ideas, planning your content calendar, and streamlining your workflow, you can create episodes that captivate your audience and drive engagement. If you follow these basics, podcasting can help you build brand awareness, establish thought leadership and foster meaningful connections.

Of course, there’s no shame in asking for help from the experts. Contact Josh Hatcher, our VP of Client Success, at jo**@**************cy.org. 

StratComm LIVE Graphics (3)

5 Keys to Designing a Business Logo: Let’s Make a GREAT First Impression!

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Your brand matters. The most prominent part of your organization’s brand identity is your logo. Without saying much explicitly – other than your business or nonprofit name – it manages to say so much. Above all, yes, your business logo has to look great. But designing a business logo takes an understanding of some key graphic design elements that tap the psychology of memory and decision-making.

Needless to say, you need a logo that makes a great first impression. That’s the whole purpose, right? Something distinctive. Something memorable. Something people could see at a glance, file away in their memory bank and easily recall later. It must tell your organization’s story in pictorial form. 


Logo design can be a daunting task, especially for those less acquainted with the process. Those without graphic design “chops” and a mastery of design software will almost certainly struggle. 

Good news! At Grand River Agency, our professional design and communications experts have done this for many customers all over. We can help you break down the key elements you need to design an awesome business logo that stands out.

The Elements of Brand Messaging Behind a Great Business Logo

Design isn’t the first step. Before we start with the art, we have to get to the core of the brand itself. What are your brand’s values, goals and target audience? What are the feelings and messaging your brand needs to convey?

A meticulous understanding lays the foundation for designing a business logo that genuinely represents the organization.

Brand Message Checklist:

  • Consistency with brand personality
  • Emotional resonance
  • Alignment with brand image & values

The Five Core Business Logo Design Elements

1. What’s Your Style?

There are so many ways that you can create a logo. What’s your style? (Time to dip into your closet of stylish logo designs!) The choice you make really depends on the nature of your brand and identity. But as we look at the different styles of logos, pay careful attention to what your logo says to your ideal customer.

Key Styles:

  • Emblematic
  • Lettermark or wordmark
  • Pictorial
  • Mascot
  • Combination

Emblematic Logo Examples

Lettermark / Wordmark Logo Examples

Pictoral Logo Examples

Mascot Logo Examples

2. Create Some Graphic Appeal

The graphic style of your logo contributes to its uniqueness and impact. Whether hand-drawn, generic, trendy or quirky, the graphic style communicates your logo’s personality and sets it apart from the competition. 

We can often recognize brands without even thinking. They have a tendency to associate the symbols we see with certain feelings. Making sure your style communicates that feeling to your audience is the whole goal of designing a business logo.

Common Graphic Style Expressions:

  • Cute
  • Trendy
  • Intelligent
  • Edgy
  • Clean
  • Grungy

3. Color Choice

Color selection wields immense influence, not just aesthetically but psychologically. (Remember, we brought that up earlier?) Understanding the psychology of colors aids in choosing a palette that resonates with the target audience and avoids negative connotations.

The strategic selection of colors can significantly impact a brand’s identity and the way it is perceived by the audience. Let’s break down a few color options for example:

  • Blue: Trust, stability and professionalism, making it a popular choice for financial institutions and tech companies.
  • Red: Energy, passion and urgency, making it suitable for brands aiming to grab attention. 
  • Yellow: Warmth, optimism and creativity, often seen in logos of brands associated with innovation. 
  • Green: Commonly linked with nature, health and tranquility, making it a fitting choice for eco-friendly and wellness-focused businesses. 

The careful consideration of color palettes in logo design not only reflects a brand’s personality, but also establishes a subconscious connection with consumers. It’s such a powerful element in the art of visual communication.

4. Font Choice

Fonts contribute significantly to the tone and personality of a logo. The type of font, whether serif, sans-serif, script, or modern, influences the visual language and conveys a specific vibe.

It’s important to do your research here. Quite often, “free” fonts are not to be used for commercial use. Don’t use a font that will leave you open to fines or additional court action from copyright infringement. Some graphic designers will actually create a custom font for your logo.

Font Styles and Tones:

  • Serif: Traditional, Respectable, Trustworthy
  • Sans-serif: Edgy, Clean, Efficient
  • Script: Artistic, Unique, Elegant
  • Modern: Dramatic, Bold, Impactful
Serif
Sans Serif
Script
Modern

5. Brand Message Alignment

Every design choice must align seamlessly with the brand message. The overall harmony of the logo, with each element complementing the others, ensures a cohesive and resonant representation.

Over the years, I’ve done a lot of logos for churches. Churches love to make sure there is a cross in their logo. Considering the symbolism of the cross, it’s a relevant choice, even though it’s overused. Far too often, though, I’ve seen the poor choice to make the letter “t” into a cross. It looks tacky. That doesn’t align with their brand, it actually takes away from meaning of the cross, making it look like an afterthought.

Stand Out With Distinction: The Path to Designing a Business Logo

A perfect logo will visually stand out but also authentically represent the heart and soul of your brand. Overall, does your logo communicate your organization’s brand identity? Do the design elements described above work together well? Does it say – in zero or very few words – what you need it to say?

Designing a business logo doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A methodical approach to identifying each of these elements can help you narrow down exactly what you want your brand to be. 

Let’s be honest: no one wants to see your marketing. Better stated, no one wants to be marketed to – unless you’re being super helpful and actually solving their problems. But a great logo –  can’t be ignored. It sticks in minds like a good jingle, whether they like it or not!

Do you need a business logo? Let us help! Contact Grand River Agency today.

no one wants to see your marketing and advertising

No One Actually Wants To See Your Marketing

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Sorry to break it to ya’. You want your organizational brand to be welcome – like a beloved family member – in communities and households. You want your brand to be like sweet Grandma Jane dropping by in the morning to make pancakes and shuffle the kids off to school with a kiss on the forehead.  

But no one ACTUALLY wants to see your marketing. In reality, marketing and advertising is like your grumpy Uncle Ed, who shows up randomly, expects you to make him pancakes and needs a few bucks for the bus ride home.

That reality is true whether you’re a for-profit business or even a nonprofit promoting an amazing community mission. Marketing and advertising, by nature, is intrusive. But you can’t afford to NOT spread your organization’s message. So what do you do? There’s value in telling your story, gathering new leads, and making new connections and sales. 

Let’s examine our premise again: no one wants to see your marketing. Accepting that as true, what’s the next best way to capture the attention of those whose attention doesn’t want to be captured?

To make your marketing and advertising ENGAGING and HELPFUL! To lead through nurturing and communication. Let’s break this down further:

How to Make Your Marketing & Advertising More Appealing

Look at the way you use the internet yourself for a moment. You open a blog post that you want to read, and a pop-up ad blocks your view. You look for the “X” button to close it, but it’s nowhere to be found. You think, “This is so frustrating.” 

Or, you’re knee deep in a repair project, and you open a YouTube video to see how to git-er-done. You very impatiently tap your toe just waiting for the opportunity to “Skip Ad”, right?

The harsh reality is, nobody goes online with the intention of seeing advertising. Yet marketers spend billions of dollars each year trying to interrupt people’s browsing experience. (Over 90% of internet users find this annoying and even rude.) It seems like we’re paying money not to get customers, but to annoy and irritate those potential customers, right?

So let’s chat about some sure-fire ways to make your ads more relevant, helpful and effective so you waste less money, and connect more with your target audience. 

Principle One: What To Say & How To Say It 

For more than 20 years I’ve written and designed ads, blogs, and all other kinds of marketing content. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that you need to be clear in your messaging, and you need to communicate it in a way that captures their attention. 

Some of the biggest brands have made so much content that a 30-second or 60-second TV spot is almost irrelevant to their message. Geico commercials about a little lizard helping space lords or football teams has so little to do with insurance. But the most important part of that ad is simply putting THIS message in front of people over and over: “GEICO: 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance.”

You can get as creative as you want, but the most important thing is to make your message clear and simple. Some people spend a lot of time being conceptual and trying to evoke emotion. That has some value. But your message, stated simply, is the most important piece.

That’s why copywriters and creatives are valuable for your team. We’re innate idea people. We’re programmed to communicate in witty, concise ways. Creating a conceptual ad is a lot like writing a joke – think one-liner or setup and payoff. The message doesn’t have to be funny, but it has to be smart. 

It has to make the viewer/reader think, “Wow, that’s clever” or “That’s interesting” or “That’s useful.” It has to make them want to know more about your product or service. It has to make them feel something positive toward your brand.

Principle Two: Who To Say It To & When To Say It

Understanding your target audience is the key. You need to know who you are talking to, their needs, and consider when and how they are going to be interacting with your message.

You don’t advertise a Lamborghini to 7-year-olds or soccer moms on their way home from school. You don’t market B2B cybersecurity services to college marketing interns. 

Know your audiences (you may have multiple audiences): 

  • Their needs
  • Their goals and objectives
  • Their pain points
  • How they consume content
  • Where they consume content
  • How they prefer to engage in a digital dialog

Find ways to speak to their demographic profile and provide that context within your messaging. In many industries – especially B2B markets – the goal isn’t to be catchy like a jingle, but rather informative and helpful. That’s where content marketing comes in, providing industry-specific insights and value that solve pain points. It nurtures an ongoing conversation via thought leadership toward an eventual decision on your products or services.

Of course, you have to consider the medium and the timing of your message. You don’t want to use the same message for a banner ad, a video ad and a social media post. You have to adapt your message to the format, the length, and the purpose of each medium. 

You also have to consider when your message will be seen or heard by your audience. You don’t want to use the same message for a morning, an afternoon and an evening slot. Adjust your message to the moods, mindsets and motivations of your audience at the most opportune times.

Principle Three: Why To Say It & What You Want Them To Do

Write with a clear objective and a compelling call to action. You can’t just write something catchy or clever and hope it’ll work. You have to know why you’re writing it and EXACTLY what you want your audience to do after seeing or hearing it.

Every ad message should have a clear goal and a clear benefit for the viewer/reader. You have to answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” You have to show them how your product or service can solve their problem, fulfill their desire or improve their situation. Give them a reason to care and a reason to act.

Tell them EXACTLY what THEY NEED to do next. Spell it out! You have to give them a clear and easy way to take action. You have to make it as simple and convenient as possible for them to buy your product, sign up for your service, visit your website, or whatever your desired outcome is. Make it irresistible for them to take the next step.

Stop Wasting Money on Marketing & Advertising Nobody Cares About

If you follow these three principles, you’ll be able to create marketing and advertising more relevant, effective and more profitable. You’ll stop wasting money on ads that nobody cares about, and start investing in ads that actually work.

Let’s dive a little further into the history of advertising, and how the pioneers of professional communications tackled these issues and developed winning strategies.

“Like a Good Neighbor…” 

I know you know the rest. You’re singing it in your head right now. You know you’ve had a jingle or two caught in your head over the years.

Years ago, when people listened to radio as their main source of entertainment, advertisers would hire ad agencies to create catchy, memorable jingles. Everyone knew that music could create some sort of emotional connection that would make the best ad messages stick in people’s minds. 

The brands that consistently presented consumers with these catchy jingles would grow stronger by building recognition and trust. Even then, nobody turned on the radio wanting to hear commercials, so ad agencies had to hire talented musicians and singers to create the jingles that consumers would maybe hum along.

Newspapers: Remember Those?

The same thing was true with newspapers. I worked as an ad designer for a small market newspaper for several years. When I first stepped into that job, I was surprised how little effort and creativity had gone into helping our advertisers actually capture attention.  

Readers scanning the newspapers were looking for information that was useful and interesting. If an advertisement didn’t really catch their attention, readers didn’t even see them. There were advertisers wasting thousands of dollars on ads no one was even seeing. I’d like to think I helped to change that in my time there. 

Attention Wars: Advertising in the Digital Age

Fast forward to the current challenge. Today, the “tolerance” of advertising by readers and viewers of digital media is much lower than it was when radio and newspapers were dominant media. To make matters worse, the creativity of the messaging today seems to have declined to a bland level that barely registers in the eyes – much less the hearts and minds – of consumers. 

And the problem gets bigger. 

According to Emilia Kirk in Forbes, “On average, people are exposed to between 6,000 and 10,000 advertisements a day. The average human brain is simply incapable of processing such a bombardment of content, which means the vast majority of ads seen are only ignored or forgotten about within seconds.”

Back to the Golden Age

We’ve come a long way from The Mad Men era. We have trackable analytics and data and information that the old ad agency men would drool over, but there is so much we can learn from the good ol’ days.

The same basic methods to develop creative messaging used in the golden age of advertising can and should be applied to the current digital platforms. Keep in mind that in many cases our goal is to capture the attention of the viewer/reader for only 3–5 seconds. To use a modern advertising example, you’re creating a social media post that a user needs to be able to see and understand what you’re offering in a glance. 

Need Help With Your Marketing & Advertising? Contact Grand River Agency Today

If you need help with creating marketing and advertising that works, contact us today. At Grand River Agency, we aren’t just ad creators. We’re professional storytellers. We’re experienced copywriters and designers who can help you craft marketing messages that will capture your audience’s attention, interest and action. We can help you grow your brand, your business and your bottom line.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your messaging to the next level. Contact us today and let us show you how we can make marketing and advertising content that truly resonates.

public relations tips from a former journalist

8 Proven Strategies from a Former Journalist to Improve Public Relations

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I’ve been remembering fondly my former career as a news journalist lately. In the years that’ve gone by, I still cherish relationships with many great community members who not only became great friends, but also helped me lay a foundation for an award-winning career by supplying wonderful story opportunities for years.

The community leaders who most frequently earned prominent coverage for their initiatives did so because they were skilled at relationship-building. They did their research. They read our publication. They identified me as a preferred journalist, learned how to reach me directly, and opened a mutually beneficial dialog that piqued my interest even in the most frazzled 70-hour work weeks. 

Funny, the most adept at these public relations tactics weren’t even PR professionals. They were school teachers, small business owners, nonprofit leaders and others short on public relations training but high on passion for their cause.

Before we delve into their tactics, let’s explore the true value of public relations and earned media coverage.

Public Relations: Paid Media vs. Earned Media Coverage

That’s the operative phrase: earned media. By definition, it’s really quite simple. You EARN coverage by a reputable third party – typically a well-established news outlet. 

Contrary to politically charged drivel, the media remains a credible resource for for-profit and nonprofit brands alike aiming for positive coverage and thought leadership. OK, so admittedly media trust has fallen – partially because of that drivel has snowballed out of control. That said, 58% of consumers still trust editorial content conveying brand promotion. Not an impressive statistic? Compare that to paid advertising on: 

  • Television (47% trust)
  • Social media platforms (36%)
  • Online video (36%)
  • Mobile display ads (33%)
  • Text ads (29%)

Yet paid advertising is highly prioritized for its ability to hone in on target audiences specifically. There’s most certainly value in that. That’s why we’re advocating for BOTH EARNED AND PAID MEDIA in a well-rounded professional communications strategy. 

How To Be Successful in Making Public Relations Pitches

Still curious what worked so well for community leaders making PR pitches during my time as a journalist? 

These were people like Evelyn Sabina from Dream It. Do It.-Western New York, who nurtured a love of STEAM subjects for regional school students to find fruitful careers in advanced manufacturing. And Christina Lopez and Mike Marvin from Boundless Connections, who compelled kids and adults alike to explore technology. And there are far too many local law enforcement officials to name who protected and served by announcing big arrests, high-profile court cases and other public safety initiatives.

Their earned media pitches worked so well because they did their homework and made an effort to build relationships with me that met our common needs to inform and help the public. Which segues nicely to our first tip.

1. Shift Your Public Relations Mindset From Selling to Helping

Tens of thousands of press releases found their way to my email inbox and news desk. I take great pride in the fact that 95% ended up in the trash. Why? Because I saved the readership from wasting their time on sales pitches with zero news value.  

The remaining 5%? Those were helpful and informative. Those were published. It was refreshing to encounter a press release with true newsworthiness that focused not on the greatness of the promoting organization, but rather on the benefit to the news consumer. If it helped me to help the reader, it passed the litmus test.   

So instead of pushing your agenda, focus on providing additional info that genuinely adds value to journalists by adding value to their news consumers. This approach not only reduces the perceived aggressiveness, but also establishes you as a trustworthy resource.

Sources who did this well were not only received warmly in my inbox, but over time, I began to approach them for fresh news and continuing coverage.

2. Perfect Timing: The Art of Follow-Up

Journalists work one of the most stressful and hectic jobs in the world. It’s easy for press releases and other media pitches to fall through the cracks.

Timing is everything in the world of media pitches. Follow up within 48 hours of your initial pitch to stay top of mind. Just a quick bump – nothing too urgent or angry for a lack of response. Be understanding and respectful of their time, or you’ll never see print or air time again. 

If there’s no response, a well-timed second follow-up after five business days can reignite interest. But avoid repetition. If you’re not as familiar with the journalist(s), send follow-up messages that offer unique value or context, diverging from the content of your initial pitch.

3. Express Urgency to Resurrect Interest

For initially receptive journalists who seem to have gone silent, introduce “urgency buttons” in your follow-up. Phrases like “deadline approaching” or “time-sensitive opportunity” inject a sense of urgency, prompting them to revisit your pitch. 

But use this tactic judiciously to maintain authenticity and credibility. Overused, the whole “last-minute” or “time’s running out” appeal comes across very salesy. Experienced journalists can spot that grift a mile away.

4. Follow-Up Relationship Building

Who would’ve thunk it? We’re back at relationship-building. Well, that’s because it’s THAT important. Shift your perspective on follow-up success. It’s not just a means to secure placements, but an opportunity to nurture relationships with journalists for continued coverage for years to come. 

My best PR sources became partners in communication. After initially inviting me to witness their cause – building a mutual understanding of its news value and importance – those sources made their appreciation known. At the very least, they’d follow up with an email thanking me for the coverage. Others went all out with special gifts, dinners and other tokens of appreciation.

Of course, there’s something to be said for journalistic distance and objectivity. But there are no rules against having lunch with a friend. Consistent professionalism – coupled with value-driven interactions and interacting as human beings – positions you as a trusted resource. 

5. Personalization is Paramount

Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Personalize your follow-ups. Reference previous work or articles by the journalist, demonstrating that you’ve done your homework. Tailor your messages to their interests and beat, reinforcing the idea that your pitch aligns with their expertise.

6. Craft Compelling Subject Lines

Subject lines matter. In a journalist’s crowded inbox, a compelling subject line can make the difference between an opened email and being relegated to the spam folder. 

Which email subject would you be more likely to open?

“New Press Release”

Or

“High School Science Club Plans Rocket Launch”

The answer is pretty obvious. Also, if possible, specifically identify your organization in the subject line or preview text so they recognize the email as from a trusted source. Craft subject lines that intrigue, hint at value and spark curiosity. But, again, avoid the gimmicky, time-sensitive nonsense unless it’s absolutely necessary. (Helpful hint: email servers tend to  flag such subject lines for spam.)  

7. Multichannel Approach: Beyond Email

Explore a multichannel approach to follow-up. While email is a primary mode of communication, consider reaching out via social media or even a brief phone call. Adapt your strategy based on the journalist’s preferred mode of interaction.

As a journalist, I was always very active on Twitter (now X). Many PR pitches saw the light of day thanks to someone reaching out via DM with a link or tip.

8. Use Technology Wisely: ChatGPT for PR Pitch Writing

Of course, artificial intelligence wasn’t a thing back in my day as a journalist. Today, technology is your ally, allowing you to create volumes of content like never before.

But beware. While tools like ChatGPT can assist in pitch writing, remember that you, as the PR professional, hold the key to understanding the substance, style, and tone that resonate with journalists. Use technology as a supplement to your expertise, not a replacement.

Successful Public Relations Tactics from a Journalist’s Perspective

Incorporating these advanced strategies into your public relations strategy can elevate your success rates and establish you as a PR professional who not only knows how to pitch but understands the art of building lasting relationships with journalists. Start implementing these tips today and watch your media placements soar.

If you need advice from a seasoned former journalist, feel free to reach out to me here.

nonprofit value proposition

Nonprofits, Have You Ever Considered Your Unique Value Proposition?

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As a nonprofit executive, have you ever really thought about your organization’s unique value proposition? That sounds like yet another thing saved for big for-profit businesses, right? Just as businesses must establish value propositions that stand out from competitors in a crowded marketplace, so too must nonprofit organizations.

That goes for nonprofits of any size. Why? Because YOU NEED MONEY to build and sustain any nonprofit mission. Your “customer” is the deep-pocket donor or grant funder who will SPEND THEIR MONEY to see your mission thrive.

See how your nonprofit’s unique value proposition carries a lot of weight? By that measuring stick, it’s a critical element within your organization’s communications and outreach strategy.

6 Ways to Craft a Unique Value Proposition for Your Nonprofit

Whether you know it or not, you likely face competition from other organizations in your field, all vying for funding and support from donors, grant funders and other benefactors. In this cluttered landscape, it’s important to communicate not just what your organization does, but how it does it differently from others in your field. 

That’s your nonprofit’s value proposition!

Your value proposition is what sets your organization apart from others in your field. It’s your unique approach to service delivery, the people you serve, and your impact metrics that differentiate your organization and make it more attractive to potential supporters. 

Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate all this:

1. Analyze Your Organization’s Strengths & Core Competencies

Isn’t it funny how so many steps to communicating a message begin with analysis. Well, spoiler alert: you’re going to have to do some organizational introspection. You can’t just throw messaging to the wind.

Start by identifying what makes your organization unique. This could be an innovative service delivery approach, a focus on a particular underserved population, personnel experience, or a unique fundraising model that allows a greater impact with less overhead. 

Organizational strengths may also include individual and collective areas of expertise. Is your CEO a financial whizz who can take a $1,000 donation and quickly turn it into $10,000. Do your Board members have proficiencies to offer expert guidance in service delivery areas? Do you have staff members who have successfully overseen programs and services for years (all while developing new methods of impact to evolve with time)? Each of these could be key elements to your organizational messaging and branding.

Whatever it is, be sure to highlight specific examples of how these elements of value proposition have led to tangible results.

2. Develop Clear Mission, Vision & Values Statements

At the very least, every nonprofit organization must have clear and concise mission and vision statements. Your mission statement is your organization’s identity. It’s your reason for being; your purpose. Your vision statement is your organization’s ideal for a world in which the problem(s) you serve are solved. It’s the world in which your organization wouldn’t have to exist. Your values statement is essentially a code of ethics. It’s a set of principles that govern the way your nonprofit, its leadership and staff operate daily.

Your nonprofit’s value proposition should include a brief and compelling summary of these statements as unique strengths and differentiators. It should be easy to understand and articulate to communicate the impact that your organization aims to achieve.

3. Incorporate Your Value Proposition Into Your Messaging & Outreach

A nonprofit’s value proposition must have a foothold in every piece of communication to come from your organization. Now, that doesn’t mean it has to be mentioned at every turn and included verbatim in each piece of marketing material. 

A value proposition can also be the spirit by which your organization operates and communicates. Can you see and feel this spirit in all of your communications channels, including your website, social media, fundraising materials and grant proposals? Even without stating it explicitly, is the spirit of your value proposition front and center (and consistently communicated) in your messaging?

Whether it’s communicated subtly or overtly, your nonprofit’s unique value proposition should clearly illustrate impact and how fulfilling it is to participate in your mission. 

4. Use Storytelling to Illustrate Your Impact

People connect with stories, so use real-life examples and testimonials to illustrate the impact that your organization is making. Your nonprofit’s story is not just a series of social media posts showing check-passing events and pictures of staff members smiling in the office. Nor is it the regurgitation of data expressing impact and community need.

It’s an ongoing narrative with triumphs and failures, heroes and villains, and lives improved through philanthropy. Your nonprofit storytelling should not only amplify your message, but more importantly, gather prospective stakeholders around your fire to envision themselves as supporting characters.

5. Engage Your Community

Your supporters are your best advocates, so engage them in your mission and ask them to help spread the word. Encourage them to share your message with their friends and family, and ask them to become ambassadors for your nonprofit. 

Here are several great ways to accomplish community engagement:

  • Build an online community
  • Cultivate a volunteer program
  • Host community events
  • Utilize local media 

But it’s not enough to do just one or a few of these things. Doing these all effectively will convey your nonprofit’s unique value proposition and reach new audiences who are interested in supporting your organization.

6. Seek & Accept Feedback

Finally, actively seek feedback from your customers and stakeholders to ensure your communications efforts are driving results from your target audience. You can conduct surveys, focus groups or individual interviews to gain a deeper understanding of your unique value proposition as it relates to their needs and perceptions. You also can access feedback at your fingertips through data and analytics from your website, social media apps, CRM software and more.

So many organizations throw all sorts of messaging to the wind and assume it’s going well. You may even feel like you get a lot of engagement on social media and great response from your email marketing list.

But if you don’t take the pulse, you don’t know where to shore up weak spots or augment processes that are working well. Your efforts could be reaching EVEN MORE potential supporters. Or your messaging could be improved in any number of ways to drive better results from the supporters you already have.

Your Nonprofit’s Unique Value Proposition is a Key Part of Your Communications Strategy

By effectively communicating your nonprofit’s unique value proposition, you can differentiate your organization from your competitors and build a loyal base of support that ACTS ON A SYSTEM OF SHARED VALUES AND BELIEFS!

Thus, your value proposition is a critical component of your nonprofit communications strategy for standing out in a crowded nonprofit landscape. Use these tactics to attract the support you need to achieve your mission.

Of course, if you need help, there’s no shame in seeking help from an experienced strategic communications firm that has helped many nonprofits just like yours to resonate with target audiences. Grand River Agency is also the preferred nonprofit social media marketing vendor of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives (NANOE).

Feel free to reach out to me directly here for a free consultation!

nonprofit community engagement

4 Ways Nonprofits Can Engage Their Communities in BIG WAYS!

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Your nonprofit organization relies on community engagement. Think about it. How far would your charity get if no one knew it existed? Taken a step further, how much impact would your charity have if it had no communications mechanism to raise money.

That’s the kicker. So many nonprofits get this part wrong. Of course, it’s important for organizations to advertise the availability and benefits of their programs and services. But without the funding to provide those initiatives in the first place, your nonprofit is quite literally dead in the water.

At Grand River Agency, we understand that the key to expanding the impact of your nonprofit lies in engaging a community of support through strong digital marketing and public relations. It takes a village. Your supporters are not just helpers. They are your greatest assets, capable of broadening your audience and magnifying your influence. 

Unleashing the Power of Nonprofit Community Engagement

Let’s delve into these effective nonprofit community engagement tips to captivate and mobilize your target audience! 

1. Cultivate an Online Community

We begin, quite naturally, with our area of expertise: professional communications. Where do vital communications take place in the 21st century? That’s right, the digital realm!

Nonprofits must cultivate an online community of support while nurturing an ongoing dialog. That’s where you can express important info and thoughts like:

  • Success stories
  • Community need & overcoming adversity
  • Data & statistics
  • Client testimonials
  • & More

Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Linkedin and even TikTok to create groups where supporters can connect and bond around your mission. Did you know email marketing is still a valuable tool to disseminate crucial information among followers who’ve already engaged with your nonprofit brand. 

Charitable organizations are notoriously bad at wooing repeat donors. According to our good friend and nonprofit fundraising guru Joanne Oppelt, the average donor retention rate is around 24%. So keep those who have given before engaged by crafting inspiring newsletters featuring updates, personalized stories and upcoming events. 

Encourage community members to subscribe to your newsletter, ensuring they never miss an important announcement. Remember, personalized and visually appealing emails lead to better open rates, click-through rates and conversion rates – in addition to leaving a lasting impression.

2. Build a Volunteer Program

A great nonprofit community engagement plan asks people to “get their hands dirty,” so to speak. What better way to get people excited about your nonprofit mission than to have them participate and witness the impact first-hand? 

Launch a volunteer program to establish a personal connection between your community and your mission. People value the opportunity to contribute their time and skills, fostering a sense of personal investment. Volunteers become ambassadors, spreading information about your nonprofit among their friends and family.

Ambassadors, in turn, can increase their involvement by becoming regular donors or even serving on your Board of Directors.

3. Host Community Events

We’re hesitant to bring community events into this, but they do have their merit. Contemporary thinking ditches the annual fundraising gala – typically a VERY LOW ROI fundraising activity that quite often LOSES money on overhead. But community events ARE terrific for building nonprofit community engagement and promoting mission. 

Bring your community together through events tailored to your nonprofit’s unique identity. Whether it’s fundraisers, networking events, or volunteer appreciation gatherings, creativity is key. Think outside the box to make your events memorable, impactful and, most importantly, enjoyable for the community.

4. Tap the Power of Local Media

Earned media still holds immense power. Even a press release in the local media can add loads of credibility to your nonprofit mission. All the better if that press release turns into a feature story or segment on the 5 o’clock news.

Local newspapers, radio stations, and community websites provide direct communication channels to reach people in your area. Engage your community through these strategies:

  • Develop Compelling Stories: Share narratives, success stories, and experiences that show local and regional audiences how your nonprofit is helping their friends and neighbors.
  • Establish Media Relationships: Build rapport with local journalists, reporters, and editors. Invite them to events, allowing them to connect personally with your mission.
  • Craft Engaging Press Releases: Share milestones, events or noteworthy updates. Ensure your press releases are concise, interesting, and contain quotes and facts.
  • Pitch Stories: Identify topics aligned with community interests while showcasing your nonprofit’s values. Make your pitches compelling and highlight the story’s relevance.
  • Seize Media Opportunities: Take advantage of interviews or guest appearances on local radio and shows. Discuss crucial issues, promote upcoming events, and emphasize the importance of your nonprofit.

Is Your Nonprofit Ready to Engage the Community Effectively?

Nonprofit community engagement is not just about spreading the word, but more importantly, creating a loyal community that believes in your mission. Take your time to nurture these relationships, ensuring your supporters feel the reciprocated love. 

Utilize these tips from Grand River Agency to rally your community, turning supporters into advocates and financial supporters for your cause! If you need help building a nonprofit communications strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.

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