and some affordable options to take advantage of them!
As nonprofit organizations, we are always looking for ways to do more with less. That's why it's vital to ensure we are using our limited resources in the most effective way possible. When considering digital marketing, there are a few key strategies you can't afford to ignore. We even included programs that will save time/resources no matter what size your nonprofit organization might be.
1. Invest in SEO
One of the most important digital marketing strategies for nonprofits is search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is about ensuring your website appears as high up as possible on the search engine results pages (SERPs). Why is this so important? Because web users rarely look beyond the first page of results when searching for something online. If you want your nonprofit to be found online, you need to ensure your website is optimized for search engines.
Fortunately, you can use several free and low-cost tools to help with this, including Google's Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest and Moz's beginner's guide to SEO.
2. Take Full Advantage of Social Media
Another essential digital marketing strategy for nonprofits is taking full advantage of social media. Successful social media marketing and fundraising include creating engaging content that speaks to your audience and drives them to take action. It also includes engaging with your supporters in meaningful ways. All too often, nonprofits fall into the trap of posting on social media just for the sake of posting without engaging with their audience. Not engaging with followers can be counterproductive since social media is all about building relationships.
Canva is an easy-to-use online design platform that offers tons of templates for creating everything from simple graphics to complex designs. And the best part? It's completely free to use and even has a scheduling tool!
3. Grow Your Email Marketing
If you're like most nonprofit professionals, you're always looking for new ways to build your donor list. Email marketing is another powerful tool in the digital marketer's toolkit. Email, when used correctly, can be a highly effective way of communicating with supporters and driving them to act.
Email marketing for nonprofits is all about building your list and creating great emails. But it's not as easy as it sounds. First, you need to find a way to get people to sign up for your email list, like using an email sign-up form on your website, blog, social media and even a QR code at your reception desk. You will also need to create engaging and responsive copy for your emails.
We found three great tools to help reduce the workload and create outstanding copy. Jasper is an AI writing tool. HubSpot can help you manage your database and layout your emails.
4. Apply for Google Ad Grants - and use it wisely
There are plenty of reasons for nonprofits to apply for Google Ad Grants. For one, it's a great way to get your organization's name and mission out there. With a Grant, you can create AdWords campaigns that target potential donors and other supporters. And since Google is one of the most popular search engines, your ads are likely to be seen by a lot of people. As a nonprofit, you know that every dollar counts. That's why it's essential to make sure you're using your Google Ad grant wisely.
Google Skillshop is a free online resource that offers courses on how to use Google Ad Grants. The courses cover topics such as setting up campaigns, choosing keywords, and optimizing ads.
5. Embrace Content Marketing
Finally, don't forget about content marketing. Content marketing is about creating informative and shareable content like blog posts, infographics, and whitepapers that helps promote your cause and drive people to take action. Content marketing is also essential for SEO, email building and social media engagement! It ties in with all three platforms by providing interesting information about programs or campaigns that link back and bring people into our site or app.
If you're looking to learn more about content marketing, there's no better place to start than with us! The Cause Specialists is an excellent resource for all things content marketing. Follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or listen to our podcast for an in-depth look at all the topics we covered in this article. We'll help you get the most out of your content marketing efforts and ensure that your campaigns are successful.
Digital marketing offers nonprofits a number of powerful tools they can use to reach new supporters and promote their causes. SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing are all essential components of any successful digital marketing strategy for nonprofits—so make sure you're incorporating them into your awareness and fundraising efforts.
Check out our YouTube video for more information on digital marketing strategies for nonprofits.
