Marketing Ideas to Try If You're Feeling Stuck
Does this sound familiar?
You post the same content on social media a few times a week…
You send the same updates in your monthly email newsletter…
You host the same events and invite the same people…
And yet, nothing really changes from year to year.
Why?
Well, it’s not because your effort is lacking, or because your ideas aren’t “good enough.”
It’s because you’re expecting the same marketing tactics to deliver different results.
So, if you’re feeling stuck in your nonprofit’s current marketing efforts, here are a few new ideas to get you out of your marketing rut.
✔ Try new video content on social media
One way to get out of a marketing rut is to experiment with a new type of content.
Challenge yourself (or your team) to come up with a new series of short-form videos for social media, like a:
- FAQ series, answering the top questions people have about your organization
- “Did You Know?” series, with facts about your industry, nonprofits, your niche, etc.
- “Get to Know Us” series, highlighting the people who work/volunteer at your nonprofit
Don’t be afraid to recruit volunteers, board members, and staff outside of the marketing department to help with filming, too.
Try out your new short-form video series for a few months and track which videos get the most views and engagement. Then, let the data tell you whether you should keep going with the same series, make a few adjustments, or try something new altogether.
Experimentation is key for content creation, especially with short-form video!
✔ Try something different from your monthly newsletter
Another way to get out of your marketing rut is to try out a new type of email marketing. Something different than your monthly newsletter. There are a few ways you can do this.
→ You can make small (but impactful) adjustments to your current newsletter
Rethink the format. Add a new section or two. Try sending something shorter or longer. Rename or redesign it. Include some never-before-seen event photos or updated staff photos. There are endless ways to make the same old newsletter fun and exciting.
→ You can try something totally brand-new or out of your comfort zone
If your newsletters are usually word-heavy, try out a completely visual newsletter. Or, if you lean heavier on visuals, try to flex your writing muscles. Leave your comfort zone behind and experiment with something entirely new. You never know what will stick!
And remember: If you’re not sure what your audience will like, you can always ask them!
Add a short survey to your next email and ask people what they want to see more of, what they want to see less of, and how you can make every email worth their time.
Don’t forget to segment your email list for maximum engagement! Learn more about segmentation in my previous newsletter, “3 Segments Your Nonprofit's Email Marketing Needs!”
✔ Try a new marketing plan for events
The last suggestion I have for getting out of your marketing rut is trying out a new marketing plan for your nonprofit’s events.
Come together with your staff, the board, and your event committee to think about new, fresh ways to promote your event, beyond just your own email list and social media marketing.
Here are a few questions you and your team can explore in your brainstorming session:
- Can you get a sponsor for event ads? Who might be interested?
- How can you make it easier for sponsors to help with personal invites?
- How can you get the invitation in front of new people (with a limited budget)?
- How can you make it easier for sponsors/volunteers/staff to share event info online?
- Can you offer an incentive or prize for the board member who brings the most guests?
- Can you partner with another group or community event for marketing/cross-promotion?
This is a great opportunity for you to think outside the box, too.
Maybe there’s a promotion idea you’ve been thinking about but haven’t had time to execute yet, or there’s something exciting you’ve seen another organization do that you’d like to try.
Being in a marketing rut can feel like a drawback, but a lot of the time, it’s actually an opportunity. Make sure you use it!
All it takes is one new idea to change your marketing game forever.
See you in two weeks!
Catrina
