Nonprofits that utilize donor management software enjoy a streamlined way of storing contact information, tracking a constituent’s interests and activities, and building strong relationships.
These software solutions help nonprofits reach out to constituents with ease. With contact information at a nonprofit manager’s fingertips, he or she can quickly locate a constituent’s phone number, address, email address and possibly their Facebook page and Twitter account. Software management systems make it easy for nonprofits to reach out to donors and volunteers. All nonprofits have to do is send an email or a postcard in the mail, and a volunteer or donor will know about a new initiative, fundraising campaign or an upcoming event.
Software solutions help NPOs identify and reach their target audiences
Before informing constituents about a campaign or other activities, it’s vital for a nonprofit to consider its target audience. Donor and volunteer management software helps a nonprofit find its ideal target audience. Once it identity its constituents, the software program can generate an automated letter and email regarding an event.
Nonprofit software helps organizations host successful online events
Nonprofits are not only using CRM software to invite supporters to physical events, but also online events as well. Tweet chats are becoming a popular online event among the nonprofit sector. A Tweet chat is exactly what it sounds like -a conversation via Twitter.
At a specific time, and for roughly an hour or so, nonprofits spark conversations among donors, supporters and volunteers based on topics relevant to a hashtag. These conversational items are typically related to a nonprofit’s mission and initiatives, according to Nonprofit Tech for Good. Constituents can ask questions and receive quick responses.
Nonprofits host “Twitter parties” to increase awareness of a cause or imitative, raise money and expand their online presence, among other goals. Organizations accomplish these goals when supporters retweet or favorite a nonprofit’s content. These online events allow nonprofits to reciprocate and favorite a supporter’s tweet. With a Twitter chat, a nonprofit will broaden its social media audience, according to Forbes.
Using software expands a nonprofit’s network
Before hosting a tweet chat, Know How Non Profit recommends that nonprofits invite their target audiences to the Twitter chat. Aside from email and snail mail, nonprofits can take a direct online approach by informing regular Twitter followers and posting the invite on other social networking channels.
The software continues to assist nonprofits in strengthening connections even after the event ends. If a nonprofit makes a new connection, the organization can enter the new contact’s information into its software program and follow up a few days later with a friendly tweet or Facebook post.
Tips for hosting a Tweet chat
For nonprofits that are interested in hosting a Twitter chat, here a few guidelines to ensure a successful online conversation.
1) Create a hashtag
Nonprofit Tech for Good suggested picking a hashtag that is themed to the topic of the Twitter chat. Forbes also recommended making it unique and easy to remember.
2) Schedule the tweet chat
Don’t forget to set a time for constituents to attend the event. According to Non Profit Tech for Good, it is best to schedule the online event one month in advance. To engage people, create a blog that mentions the event and explains the event’s details, such as topics and highlights. Special guests may be attending, so it’s vital to share this information with the online community. In the week prior to the event, promote the tweet chat on every communication channel.
3) Plan ahead
Write at least 10 tweets out a head of time, including powerful statistics, inspirational quotes and thought-provoking questions, Non Profit Tech for Good indicated. Know How Non Profit encourages NPOs to consider organizing an agenda and posing questions to keep the chat flowing.
“Tweet chats are great not only to learn more about subjects in which you are interested, but also to find new connections who share similar interests,” Jen Lilienstein, who leads digital marketing efforts for Touring & Tasting, a wine and travel marketing company, told Forbes.