Matching challenges help increase direct mail response rates and total revenue. I've seen nonprofits that use matches in as many as 7-10 of their mail appeals each year. Probably seems...
Are you constantly reinventing your direct mail wheel? (Tip #20)
Find a control package (or several). I'm always surprised when I talk to nonprofit organizations and hear things like, "we're working on a new holiday package because our board thinks...
If you’re going to hide the ask, just don’t mail at all (Tip #17)
Don't hide your ask deep in your letter. If you're spending the money to send out direct mail solicitations, don't be shy! Prominently and repeatedly make your ask. In fact,...
Focus on user experience in the mail too, not just online (Tip #16)
Increase response rates by pre-filling your donors' personal information on your direct mail reply cards. It might be tempting to just leave these blank (it's probably modestly cheaper than pre-filling),...
If you’re in nonprofit work, you’ve heard these before…
Someone just posted this on LinkedIn and I thought it was worth sharing. Happy Friday!
Direct Mail Fundraising Tip of the Week (#9)
Increase your response rates by including mission-relevant involvement devices in your direct mail. These aren't premiums like address labels. Instead, I'm talking about items that require the donor to interact...
Does Your Newsletter Make These 4 Fatal Mistakes?
Newsletters can be a powerful tool both for your organization's fundraising and stewardship efforts. Often newsletters can raise just as much - if not more - than your solicitations. And...
Direct Mail Fundraising Tip of the Week (#6)
If you want to acquire donors at a higher average gift level, start testing catalog subscriber files. You'll get lower response rates (because these people aren't necessarily qualified charitable donors),...
Direct Mail Fundraising Tip of the Week (#4)
Write your direct mail letter like you'd write to a close friend. Make it warm, personal and informal. Adhering to the APA and MLA style guides might make the brand...
Direct Mail Fundraising Tip of the Week (#3)
In this multi-channel world, anywhere from 10% - 30% of the responses to your direct mail campaign will be captured online. Make sure your website is optimized for giving. And...