Remember that day when Facebook and Instagram crashed? There was a general sense of “Uh-Oh” and how could this happen? Many orgs who use social media to communicate with their audience thought, wait a minute, maybe our audience communication is not in our control. It’s a scary thought, especially when the lifeblood of a Positive Impact Organization relies on its audience for support and funding. Well, we have a solution to that problem and it’s easier than you think.
Build an email list
Creating your own email list is a powerful way to ensure that you can be in control of when and where you are in conversation with your community, regardless of platforms going down or malfunctioning. It’s a direct link to the people who want to support you and learn more about all the great work you’re doing. Having access to someone’s inbox is currency these days. People are inundated by commercials and ads, but if you have a direct line to them and you come with a clear message sent in a one-on-one way, that feels special. There are a few steps to getting prepared to build your email list but don’t worry, we’ll show you how to do it!
Sign up with an email automation platform
An email list is supposed to make your life easier, so let it be easy! There are reputable companies, like MailChimp or Constant Contact, that have already figured out easy ways to keep in contact with your audience. Once you sign up, create a welcome email that is triggered whenever someone joins your email list. This email can include important information about your org or any relevant events coming up.
Add a signup button your website homepage
Test the waters by making sure that a signup button is accessible on your website. Once the button is there, make sure it is linked to your chosen email platform. By adding the button to your website, it’s a great way to test how folks interact with your content organically. You can also add a signup button to your email list by including it in your email signature. It’s all about being available to receive folks who want to keep in touch.
Create free offerings in exchange for an email signup
If you aren’t seeing as many sign ups as you’d like, you can create a free offering in exchange for signups. Create a downloadable branded PDF that can provide value for newcomers learning about your org. This is a simple function that a website manager could easily add to your website. It can be a list of helpful hints or something that you feel might make someone’s life that much easier!
Add email signup sheets at all of your hosted events
Asking people to help you build something can feel tricky, but at the end of the day, an email list is a direct connection to the people who want to support the work you do. Let them be a part of it! Then you can manually input their names into your platform. They can do the work of safely storing addresses until you need to send out an email blast.
Only send emails for relevant info
If you work in the nonprofit space, you understand how inboxes are flooded with calls to action, especially around the holidays. Donors can feel fatigued by too much communication. Be sure to only send correspondence monthly or quarterly. As you get started, you can figure out what works best for your organization.
An email list does not need to be more on your proverbial plate, but instead a way to maximize your communication and keep things succinct for your audience.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us! And of course, click below to join our Digital Mountaineers email list to learn more about us!
