Category
Direct Mail
How Far Back Should Your Year-End Appeal Go? Deciding Which Lapsed Donors to Mail
Most year-end mail files go back as far as last year's did, and nobody remembers why. A simple break-even calculation tells you which lapsed donors to mail, which to email, and what to say to the ones you haven't heard from in a while.
The Year-End Follow-Up Letter: Why Your Second Mailing Needs Its Own Plan
Your year-end follow-up letter goes to donors who meant to give and set the first letter aside. Here's who should get it, when it should land, and how to write it so it isn't a reprint.
Your Year-End Reply Card Is Doing More Work Than Your Letter
A donor can skip your year-end letter and still give, but they can't give by mail without the reply card. Here's how to make that small card easy to read, fill out, and send back.
How to Choose Ask Amounts for Your Year-End Appeal
Most reply cards get about ten minutes of thought, yet the first number on them shapes who gives and how much. Here's what the research says about ask amounts, and how I'd set them for your year-end appeal.
Stop Telling Donors What You Need (And Start Showing Them What They Can Change)
Your budget has a gap. Your instinct is to tell donors about it. But donors don't give to fill gaps. They give to change lives. Here's how to shift your messaging from what you need to what donors can make possible.
The Donor Decision: What Actually Happens in the 30 Seconds Before Someone Gives
A donor is reading your appeal. In the next 30 seconds, they'll either reach for their wallet or set the letter aside. What determines which way they go? Three unconscious questions flash through their mind. Answer all three clearly, and giving becomes easy. Miss one, and the gift probably won't happen.
Mastering Donor Segmentation: Strategies for Targeted Campaigns
Learn donor segmentation techniques to maximize donor engagement and donations.
10 Tips for a Direct Mail Fundraising Appeal Envelope Design that Converts
Learn 10 crucial tips for designing a direct mail fundraising appeal envelope that not only stands out in a crowded mailbox but also converts readers into donors.
Ensuring Donor Trust in Direct Mail
Building trust in direct mail strengthens lasting donor relationships through authenticity, transparency, and consistent engagement.
5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Fundraising Letter
Are you struggling to write a persuasive and effective fundraising letter for your non-profit organization or charity? Don't worry, as we've got you covered. In this post, we'll share five common mistakes to avoid in your fundraising letter and provide helpful tips on how to create a compelling message that inspires donors and helps your organization achieve its fundraising goals.
8 Things to Test in Direct Mail
Direct mail fundraising is a tried-and-true method for raising money for your cause. But with so many options and variables to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of 8 things you should test in your next direct mail campaign.
Direct Mail Fundraising: A Complete Guide for Nonprofits
How to run a direct mail fundraising program: plan the calendar, build an offer, write and design the appeal, then test, proof and track each mailing.