Don’t waste your content and 4 other things you need to read

Don’t waste your content and 4 other things you need to read

1. The magic 🌟 of social proof.

Remember that movie you almost saw, but the reviews were so bad? Remember that restaurant you almost skipped, but the reviews were so great? Social proof is just good reviews transformed into free advertising. Learn how to take your clients’ testimonials, mentions, and case studies and use them to build trust in your services.

Turn your donors into advocates. [via unbounce]

2. The algorithms, 📈 they are a-changin’. 

Next month, Google plans to release its Google Page Experience update, along with some additional SEO tools. These new features will ensure that websites provide the best experience to searchers, whether they are using a mobile, desktop, or tablet device. Preparing for a new update can be a challenge, but there are simple steps you can take now to get ahead of the algorithm changes and avoid declining traffic.  

Get prepared for the update. [via Neil Patel]

3. Why doÂ đŸ“©Â emails go to spam?

The most frustrating thing: putting so much time into your emails just to have them end up in a spam folder alongside ads and scams? You’re better than that! You deserve the inbox! Luckily, there is something you can do. Learn about 12 common mistakes we all make that land us in our readers’ spam folders—and get your emails where they need to be!

Get into the inbox. [via GetResponse]

4. Don’t waste good content. ♻ Repurpose it!

Listen, content creators: we get it. You’re swamped with assignments. But what if you could re-use content instead of re-inventing the wheel each time you post? A few simple content strategy changes could save your heavy workload and boost web traffic on content that already works! Don’t let a good thing to go to waste—learn to build your customer base by repurposing content.

Reduce, reuse, recycle your content. [via Content Marketing Institute]

5. Unlock 🔓 Facebook’s full potential.

While LinkedIn may have cornered the market for professional social networking, Facebook holds valuable networking potential, too—if you can find and join the right groups. Check out this extensive list of the most active, supportive, and useful groups for marketers on Facebook. After joining the right group, you’ll be able to ask questions, learn best practices for growing and building your organization, and connect with your fellow industry professionals.

Join your peers on Facebook. [via Wild Apricot] 

This issue of +good was written and produced by Allison Kooser, Ian Haisley, Sydney Bartlett, Kerry Jones, Lindsey Lincoln, and Katie Powers.

Donor retention secrets and 4 other things you need to read

Donor retention secrets and 4 other things you need to read

1. Keeping your donors is 👌 easier than it seems.

Tired of chasing lost donors? You aren’t alone. Nonprofit donor retention rates have been below 50% for the past decade. Learn what you can do to keep your donors’ eyes off the exit sign and treat them like friends we will see again soon.

Learn 5 secret nonprofit donor retention strategies. [via clarification]

2. Hit 🔃 refresh on your messaging. 

You’re clever, funny, and honest. You know it, we know it, and your audience should know it, too! Keep your message stays relevant and fresh with helpful tips like using different voices from your staff, cracking a joke here and there, and sharing an opinion. 

Don’t be afraid to try something new. [via Nonprofit Marketing Guide]

3. Adapt your Facebook campaigns for đŸ“± iOS 14.

In addition to new emojis, the new iOS 14 means updated privacy and data use regulations that will impact Facebook campaign performance. You may have already noticed shifts in Ads Manager — and more changes are certainly incoming! Nervous about adapting to the new normal? Here are some tips to navigate the update. 

How iOS 14 will impact your Facebook ad campaigns. [via Portent]

4. Create evergreen đŸŒ± content that stays fresh for years.

If you’re looking to create marketing materials that will work for the long haul, lean into the art of evergreen content. Answer the questions your audience asks most, think about what people search, and craft stories that will never go out of style. 

Evergreen doesn’t have an expiration date. [via Neil Patel]

5. Keep your audience 🗓 on time.

If you’re hosting a virtual event on a platform like Zoom or Google Meets, the Add to Calendar app will help ensure no one misses out. This handy tool allows you to create links that will let your audience quickly save your events onto various calendars and get an automatic notification as it’s about to start. You can create links and event reminder buttons for Google Calendar, Outlook, Microsoft Office 365, and Yahoo! Calendar, which is particularly helpful when you have audience members working across multiple platforms. 

Add to calendar. [via Labnol] 

This issue of +good was written and produced by Allison Kooser, Ian Haisley, Sydney Bartlett, Kerry Jones, Lindsey Lincoln, and Katie Powers.

We’re thankful for vaccines

We’re thankful for vaccines

This week, we are thankful for
vaccines! Over the past few weeks, so many people on our team and in our neighborhoods have received their second shots, and WOW are we grateful. All the shout-outs to the absolutely remarkable, brilliant, resilient humans who have spent not only the last 18 months, but their entire careers (hello, Kati Kariko!) studying the intricacies of science to make this possible. And here’s to brighter, more social days ahead! 

Making the most of your Google Grant and 4 other things you need to read

Making the most of your Google Grant and 4 other things you need to read

1. Speak 🗣 up and be heard.

Since its launch in 2020, marketers have been chatting about Clubhouse, the limited-access social network where users can jump into audio rooms together. The app draws users in by promoting off-the-cuff, unplanned, and fast-paced conversations. It invites people to tell stories, meet interesting people, and share ideas about various topics. It’s too early to get a read on the longevity of Clubhouse, but nonprofit marketers are already finding value in the platform.  

Four reasons your nonprofit should try Clubhouse [via Swell+Good]

2. Make the most of your 💾 Google Grant. 

You got the Google Grant. Hooray! So now what? The average nonprofit doesn’t utilize the full $10k of ad credit the grant provides every month. Learn how to take advantage of the ad credit bonanza so you’re not leaving money on the table. From keyword research to analytics, these tips have you covered. 

Five tips for Google Grant success. [via Nonprofit Hub]

3. Refresh 🔄 your grammar knowledge.

You probably know the difference between loose and lose, but do you know how to stay in parallel when writing lists? Does your organization have an official stance on the Oxford comma? When your grammar is on point your message takes center stage! 

Do you make these common grammar mistakes? [via Copyblogger]

4. Content is 👑 king.

The adage exists because it’s true. Telling powerful stories helps you reach more people and raise more support. (Need help getting started with content marketing? Let us know!) But how do you know if these efforts are working? Contently’s ten-step Content Measurement Maturity Model helps you evaluate your work and make smarter decisions around content in the future. 

Make content marketing worth your while. [via Contently]

5. Get that psych degree 🎓 you always wanted.

If you’re looking to attract and expand your audience (let’s be real, who isn’t?), it’s time to take a page from your old psychology textbook. From the paradox of choice to the fear of missing out, learn how to grow your audience by appealing to the most human of behaviors.  

Avoid FOMO and other psychology tricks to improve your marketing. [via Content Marketing Institute]

Saying thanks never gets old and 4 other things you need to read this week

Saying thanks never gets old and 4 other things you need to read this week

This list originally appeared in +good — our weekly round-up of the articles, tools, books, videos, and stories we can’t stop talking about. If you aren’t already subscribed, sign up for free!

1. Saying 💬 thanks never gets old.

Being thanked is different from feeling thanked — and mastering the attitude of gratitude is what separates the good from the great when it comes to donor relations. Think your thanks need an upgrade? Don’t worry, we’ve got seven ways to express gratitude that will give your donors those fuzzy feelings. 

Easy ways to thank your donors. [Swell + Good]

2. Is your content đŸ•¶ïž on trend?

Wish you had unlimited time and money to jump on every single trend you see? Us too! But we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) to be picky about what we invest in. These tips from Contently help you navigate the trends of 2021 to decide which ones work best for your goals. 

Content marketing trends that matter most. [via Contently]

3. You read 📖 this, right? 

If you’re still reading, learn why others might have looked over these next few sentences. The Startup suggests that using subheaders could not only improve your SEO but hold onto your reader’s attention. When drafting the copy for your next fundraising campaign, follow their advice: Start with too many subheaders — then cut back. Your most important message should be the easiest to read.

We’re guessing you read this, too. [via Medium]

4. Are Facebook ads worth it?

What percentage of Americans log in to Facebook each day? If you guess was nearly three-quarters, you’re right — 68% of Americans look at the site on a daily basis. And if your audience is there, you should be there, too. Get started with Facebook Ads (or take your advertising to the next level) with these helpful hints. From detailing your Facebook ad budget to recommending the metrics to track, this guide does the research for you. 

Get into the ad business. [via Neil Patel]

5. Heat up your cold đŸ„¶ subscribers.

Almost 20% of your average nonprofit’s donations come from email lists, so if your newsletters and campaign emails are feeling stale, it’s time to hit refresh. Learn best practices for scrubbing your subscriber list, discover the secrets of an effective email cadence (hint: you should send more frequently than you do), and receive a free license to break the email marketing rules your internship taught you. 

Mix up your email game. [via Marketing for the Modern Nonprofit]

This issue of +good was written and produced by Allison Kooser, Ian Haisley, Sydney Bartlett, Lindsey Lincoln, and Katie Powers.