Clairity Click-it: Sharing, Pinterest, G+, Databases, Content Marketing, Emotion

Click it!

I love this week’s links because they’re both thought-provoking and actionable. Pick one that speaks to you, and consider doing something different. Heck, the only way we grow is through experimenting. Take chances! Make mistakes!

Social media sharing

Click-it: 4 Tools to Help You Integrate Your Social Media and Email Marketing. The folks at Constant Contact provide some useful tips that makes it easier for folks to share your great content. On the same blog, Ryan Pinkham shares Answers to 8 Frequently Asked Social Media Questions gleaned from a webinar he did for small businesses and nonprofits. Lots of specific steps you can take to get more engagement.

Pinteresting

Click-It: Oh, How Pinteresting! If your nonprofit has used Pinterest, you may know about “secret boards” where you plan and draft and keep your board hidden from the public until you’ve got enough pins on it to make it look decent (I think 5 is good, because it fills your board space when a reader gives it a first glance). If you’re not using Pinterest, check out why you should consider it HERE.

Google+

Click-It: Here’s Why Marketers Can’t Afford To Ignore Google Plus. David Ahn writes on Social Media Impact as to why you should consider adding G+ to your online marketing mix.  Did you know it’s the second most active social network? If you think from your user’s perspective, it’s easy to understand why. With a single Gmail account, folks can access E-mail, Google Analytics, Google Drive, Google Local, YouTube, and much more – all backed by the world’s most popular search engine. So if you want folks to find and share your content, give it a look-see.

Donor Data Bases

Click-it: Finding the Right Donor Database for your Nonprofit. This is a question I’m often asked. And it can be especially challenging for small to medium-size nonprofits. You want something that has robust functionality, but you can’t afford a Cadillac.  This article from Hubspot lays out all the options.

Content Marketing

Click-It: Do you know your content marketing basics? If you’ve been hearing a lot about ‘content marketing’ and aren’t quite sure what it is, check out this comprehensive primer from Maddie Grant of Social Fish.

Emotional Connection

Girl Scout Cookies. What’s it all about? Why do folks buy these cookies? It’s similar to why they support nonprofits, believe it or not. Because they evoke emotions… childhood memories. There’s a story behind every cookie, and it’s not the Girl Scout Organization’s story; it’s yours. This article from Seth Godin reminds us to ask questions that evoke donor emotions.  Don’t just blather on and on about your history and how great you are.  Ask your prospect which of your programs is their favorite. I’ll bet they have a story that explains why!

Speaking of Stories…

I invite you to join me for my newest e-course:  THE POWER OF STORYTELLING – 4 Weeks to Engage Board and Staff as Passionate Fundraisers. The early bird registration price ($30 off) ends March 15th. Learn to tell your remarkable stories – and persuade donors to join you in your mission. Register today!

Reminder: My 4-week blogging E-Course with social media and fundraising whiz Mazarine Treyz begins March 10^th.  Today is your absolute last chance to register for this super fun course that will change the way you think about creating awareness and investment online.  Check out Charity Blogging Gold here.

Photo: Flickr, Isaac Torronterra