10 easy ways to communicate better in 2017

It’s a new year.  Here are ten resolutions that every organization should make to improve their communications in 2017.

1. Google yourself. What are the first things people see about you? Would you support the group you see on screen?
2. Take charge of your brand. Create your own reputation through the news you make and the stories you post.
3. Cultivate local reporters.  They work too hard: if you feed them human interest stories and photos, they’ll be grateful.
4. Everyone in your organization speaks for you.  What are they saying to their friends? Do they have stories to tell your supporters?
5. Your website: keystone of all your communications.  Ask an outsider to click through it. Is it easy to navigate? Informative? Fun?
6. Facebook is a party, not a meeting.  Find ways to get your fans talking with each other.  They’ll come back more often and like you better.
7. Which social media should your group use?  Depends.  Who do you want to reach?  Where do they go when they’re online?
8. Horror movie: “I mail to dead people.” In January, take people off your postal and email lists if you haven’t heard from them since 2013.
9. Photos: not just for breakfast any more. Your readers want to consume photos at every meal, including online posts.
10. Your good name is your most valuable asset.  What’s it worth to you?  THAT’S the return on investment for your communications.

Resolutions are not made to be broken! You can do #1 right away, as in the moment you finish reading this blog post. The other items will take time, so make a plan. For instance, to put #5 into action, who are you going to ask to review your website, and will you get their feedback in person, or by email, or…?

As your communications consultant, I can help your nonprofit make 2017 the year you communicate better with your donors and raise more money. Let’s talk about how. Email me at [email protected] and let’s start the new year right.