How To Use Offline Marketing to Raise Funds

How To Use Offline Marketing to Raise Funds

There are more ways than ever that a nonprofit can get the word out in an affordable way. They can email, put out social media ads, and create content on their website. However, offline print marketing continues to be a huge driver of donations. Sure, you can create a large email list, but even an email marketing campaign does not get the same donation rate as direct mail does, for example. Even though so much can be done online, when it comes to nonprofits, offline still needs to be a focal point.

Organizations and associations need to be easily recognizable and consistent in their brand image to not only attract like-minded individuals, but also give the existing community a common banner to wave. With print advertising, brand consistency is king.

Thinking outside of the box is a much needed trait for all organizations, nonprofit or not. However, being creative is a critical aspect of print marketing. Posters, brochures, business cards and flyers need to be attractive, yet easy to read.

Some of the best advertisements are the ones that inspire an emotional response, so when creating marketing materials, designers should always have a message. But, without something to draw people’s attention, that message will go unnoticed.

Here are some affordable ways that nonprofits can invest in print marketing to raise big dollars for their cause.

Newsletters and Flyers

Newsletters tend to be sent out to people who have already donated, but nonprofits can also send them out to potential donors as well. They let people know how donations are being used to benefit the community that the nonprofit serves. They can be filled with facts and figures, highlight volunteers and donors, and give updates on any new programs or projects that might be on the horizon. Donors like to know how their dollars are making a difference, and a newsletter is a great way to do that. This will encourage past donors to give again, and possibly give more.

Flyers can perform a similar function, but they are aimed at potential donors. They can look similar, but they should highlight how donations can help. If someone hasn’t donated before but is on your mailing list, then perhaps a new program will be just what piques their interest to write a cheque. To make this easy, use an online service to create a flyer design. You can find flyer templates here, and choose one that will work best for you. It’s a quick and easy way to create something that looks professional to send to potential supporters.

Brochures

Sending out brochures is another method of print marketing for nonprofits. They tend to be geared more towards specifically talking about the nonprofit in a general sense, as opposed to a newsletter. They can still have timely updates, however. They should always come with a reply envelope and detailed information on how someone can donate. Making a donation should be as easy as possible, otherwise you might lose some donations from people who don’t want to take an extra step. Make sure there is a donation form included on the brochure, and your online giving information as well. Make sure that your brochure is bright and looks professional. You can use My Creative Shop to quickly design your brochure, and you can easily update it whenever needed.

Postcards

Believe it or not, but one of the most important things you can do to raise money is to thank those who have already donated. Every donor is important, but the 80/20 rule applies for fundraisers, too. Your entire operation will be funded by your top 20 donors. The better you thank them, the more they will give.  Of course you will send them a letter after each donation and provide them with a tax receipt for their gifts. However you also need to provide them with regulation reminders that you love and appreciate them.

Postcards are a great way to do that. You can have a special design on the front, with a photo related to your cause, and “thank you” printed in a decorative font. On the back, take the time to handwrite a quick note to show how grateful you are for the support. Donors will love the personal touch.

Pre-Printed Cards

Every year around the holidays, millions of people send cards to friends, family, and loved ones to express best wishes for the holidays. This can get expensive and time-consuming. However, an innovative charity can make it easier on their supporters, and get them to do some marketing work for the cause at the same time. You can send out pre-printed greeting cards that have information about your charity. Send a stack to each of your donors, and ask them to send them as their holiday greeting cards. This will get your information into the hands of many like-minded potential donors, and can lead to some incredible returns during the holiday period. Word of mouth is always the best marketing, and greeting cards are a great way for your nonprofit to earn some.

Charities can’t afford to limit themselves when it comes to marketing. They need to reach as many people as possible, but also do it in the most affordable way. Print marketing is one of the most important avenues a charity can use to reach new potential donors, and ask their current and former donors to give again. These tips and ideas will help with all of those so that nonprofits can do the good work that they need to do.