7 Ways To Improve Your Nonprofit Storytelling
7 Ways To Improve Your Nonprofit Storytelling
As a nonprofit organization, one of the most powerful marketing tools you have is storytelling. In telling potential donors a story, you're showing them how your work benefits others, and how their money can help make a difference. Here are some of the best tips to improve your storytelling, and bring in new supporters.
- Set A Goal
Just like any other industry, you need to have a goal before you start marketing. When you use storytelling as a marketing tactic, what are you hoping to achieve with it? There are several goals you may want to achieve within your own nonprofit, including:
- Raising money
- Inspiring trust in your organization
- Thanking donors
- Growing membership
- Improve landing page conversion
- Make Connections For Your Readers
Many nonprofits tell great stories, but these stories don't explicitly tell the reader what to do. 'You need to make the connections clear for your readers' says content editor Harry Lawson, from Academized and Boomessays. 'If you do this, they will be able to see what they need to do next.'
For example, a WWF piece tells readers about the types of sea life that are currently threatened. They outline what is causing the threats, such as habitat loss, and then how you can help, by purchasi8ng sustainable seafood.
- Encourage Readers To Be Empathetic
One of the biggest goals you'll have when writing marketing materials is to make readers empathetic with what you do. When they feel empathetic, they're more likely to support your cause. As such, you need to use the right tactics when writing.
To do this, you need to use a central character. This gives the readers someone they can connect to. Use emotional language to help show how your organization has helped them. Also, don't forget sensory details, which helps the reader really engage with the story being told.
- Use Visual Mediums
If you're looking to create marketing that really connects, then try using visual tools. There are two main tools you can use here: infographics and videos. These are perfect as they allow you to get a lot of information across quite quickly. Many people find that images help them learn, and by using them you can build your brand.
'Using visual mediums means you can easily share them on social media' says writer Pauline Smith at State Of Writing and OX Essays. 'They're easily shareable too, so readers can spread your message for you.'
- Shine A Spotlight On Important People
As mentioned above, it's a good idea to use a central character in your storytelling. This allows your audience to have someone to connect with. Who should that person be, though? You have a lot of options, so you can choose the one that works best for your needs.
For example, you can use a beneficiary, someone who has used and benefits from your nonprofit. You can also put the focus on a volunteer, or on a donor or sponsor. There are lots of options, so you can choose the right person who will inspire empathy in your readers.
- Focus On Upcoming Events
As well as placing a focus on the people important to your organization, you can also bring attention to any upcoming events that you may have. This is a great way to show readers what they can do to get involved, after you've shared a story.
It's also important as it allows you to stay an important member of your community. By regularly sharing any events you have coming up, you'll be able to keep everyone informed and improve attendance at them.
- Find Your Unique Perspective
There's so many nonprofits out there, and they're all looking for support just as you are. Because of this, you need to find your unique perspective. What can you bring to the table that no one else can?
This may be the service that your non profit provides. It could be the personal story of your founder, or the people who carry out your work. Finding your unique perspective will help put your individuality across.
Use these tips to improve your storytelling as a nonprofit. With them, you'll be able to improve your conversions and donations.
Emily Henry is content writer, working with Do My Assignment. She has a background in nonprofit marketing. Using this, she focuses on nonprofit marketing, aiming to help them improve their visibility and donation bases.