Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media

Online Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Written by Allyson Kapin | 2010/11/5

Marketing nonprofit campaigns can be challenging. It takes staff resources, creativity, buy in from senior management, and of course money. If you're a nonprofit working with a limited budget there are some good strategies that you can still utilize to market your campaigns. Here are seven tips that Katya Andresen CEO of Network for Good, Jocelyn Harmon, Director of Nonprofit Services for Care2, Allyson Kapin (that's me your Frogloop Blogger-In-Chief) and Partner at Rad Campaign and Founder of Women Who Tech and Shireen Mitchell, Founder of Digital Sistas discussed at today's GrowSmartBiz Conference on this very topic.

1. Define Ultimate Goals: What does success look like?

2. Target Audiences: People who you want to reach and have a stake in the issue.

3. Use Multi-Channel Marketing:

 Online - web, email, social networks, banner ads and acquisition
 Earned Media - print, radio, TV, online media and blogs
 Offline - on the ground outreach, telemarketing

4. Provide ENGAGING Content: Hook them in 5 seconds or less.

5. Embrace Community and be Transparent:  Be a part of communities where your audiences hang out!

6. Track Results and Return on Investment: What were the results? Was your investment worth it?

7. Be Human: Marketing is about building a relationship. As a nonprofit you want to connect with me. Talk with me NOT to me. Listen to me.

Be sure and also check out our full presentation below.

What are some of your favorite tips for marketing on a shoestring budget?