What we think, what we’ve learned, tried & more …
In this final part of a 4 part series, we dive deep into these “extra” pieces you sometimes find in mail packs. Inserts, lift notes, buckslips, etc. These pieces can either solidify getting that gift or maybe make your donor run screaming away. (Maybe that’s a little over the top…). Let’s see what Dale got from some of her charities in today’s post.
Read MoreHey! How are you? No, really how ARE you?
Things are weird, unprecedented, uncertain…ahh so much bullsh*t language. I honestly think sometimes I might be more anxious and exhausted trying to come up with new ways to talk about what’s happening than what’s actually happening…fellow writers, do you know what I'm saying?
Read MoreAgent Jen here. This is a guest post from an anonymous fundraiser working in the trenches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sending love and light to fundraisers everywhere... XO
Read MoreReaders, there is A LOT I can say about the last 10 years here at the Agents of Good. But most importantly, I want to thank you for being part of this gongshow. Our readers, clients, colleagues, family and friends are the reason we love what we do and nothing we do would be possible without our community. Thank you, Agents of Good far and wide!
Read MoreI’m proud to point out that I’ve been a student of direct response and direct marketing for more than 20 years. That’s a lot of ideas, testing, concepts, tactics, tricks, tips, nerd knowledge and history packed into this tiny brain of mine.
Read MoreIf you’ve seen me speak, you’ve heard me talk about “Ask for one thing”. I learned a lifetime ago that, in testing, the more you ask for, or the more check boxes you have on your reply form, the less likely you’ll get a positive result…
Read MoreDoes your organization send newsletters to your donors? A great #donorlove newsletter should do three things…
Read MoreThis week, I’m delighted to be featured on Simon Scriver’s Amazingly Ultimate Fundraising Superstar podcast! Have a listen and I’d love to hear what you think and hear about any of your favourite fundraising conversations…
Read MoreI first heard this idea of “the 3 deaths” from my Mum, just after the death of her father. She’d heard it on a podcast, and it stuck with her. I remember her telling me about it during a hike in the woods, and she repeated the sentiment at his graveside ceremony, surrounded by our extended family…
Read MoreRecently, Julie Edwards, Executive Director at The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, asked us to do a #donorlove audit of her newsletter. These audits can be useful since they are specific to your program, your appeal, your newsletter, whatever it might be…
Read MoreIt’s the most wonderful time of the year…In theory.Would your donor feel that way? Mary Cahalane (Hands-On Fundraising) and I sat down to give you a tried and tested YEAR END checklist you can use as you sit down to craft the most meaningful appeal of the year…
Read MoreAs a graphic designer and donor champion, I spend a lot of time thinking about the needs of donors. May I remind you, my friends and colleagues, that your amazing donors are very likely, women in their late 60’s to early 90’s…
Read MoreThis direct mail appeal pretty good. Not perfect, but pretty good. Not too long ago, I opened my mailbox to find this inside…
Read MoreI find it interesting that when we are asked to look at someone’s direct mail, all they tend to send us is the letter. “Where’s the envelope? ” I ask. Silence. There are two different types of envelopes…
Read MoreThis morning I was reading an article about self-help advice. As it relates to individuals. This life coach had curated what she believed to be the top 10 nuggets of happiness from over 500 books. If you wish, you can read her article here. Hopefully, before you do that, you’ll have a look at mine…
Read MoreIt started with the 7 easy #donorlove principles we use to guide us in our work. You make your donor the hero. You share amazing and inspiring stories. You connect to your donors emotions and values…
Read MoreYou can call it #donorlove, you can call it donor-centred, you can call it whatever you want. But Jen and I have discovered, as we travel around and speak with our fundraising friends, that very few of you (or them) are following these 7 very easy—but not simple..
Read MoreI admit my first post was a little simplistic but more importantly I think I missed the mark in my rant. As a result, it became part of a little virtual dust up between marketers and fundraisers. You can read Gail’s post and then Kivi’s if you want to follow along. (Bonus marks to Kivi for one of the best blog headers I have seen in some time!)
Read MoreThose of you who are on twitter may have heard of “@thewhinydonor“… If you haven’t – I suggest you follow her – she is your donor. Her insights to your asks, activity, automation, lack of gratitude, etc will give you a look into how some of your donors might feel when they get something from you…
Read Morenoun: marketing: the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising…
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