3 Nonprofit Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Email List
False spring has struck Nashville! I’ve spent the last 2 weeks outside, starting seeds and planting the garlic I stratified this winter. Even with more cold temperatures to come, I’m excited about the growth my garden will have over the next few months.
Your email list is like a garden. (I love a good garden analogy… stick with me!)
March is a great time to promote email list growth because things aren’t as fast-paced as April and May tend to be. Growing your list now can set you up for more donors, volunteers, or resources later.
The seeds you plant now could bring a great harvest you didn’t see coming.
In nonprofit marketing, I see many organizations shy away from email list growth because they feel “salesy” or feel like they shouldn’t be self-promotional. But what I see in common between digital marketing for nonprofits and businesses is the same marketing techniques with a different purpose. Your strategy is to build lasting relationships, not buyers. Your call-to-action is an invitation, not a push.
People won’t know about you unless you tell them. They won’t become supporters unless you invite them.
An average rate for email list growth is about 2.5% per month, or 30% per year. Your email list has the power to strengthen donor relations and maintain a revenue stream, so planning ways to grow your email list is an essential part of your nonprofit marketing strategy.
Here are 3 marketing ideas for small to mid-size nonprofits to grow your email list this month:
Create a fun lead magnet relevant to your mission. The National Forest Foundation offered fall-themed coloring pages this past year, highlighting fall nature scenes. This is relevant to their mission and great for kids or a relaxing afternoon (my daughter and I colored them together!). Your lead magnet doesn’t always have to be a report – it can be a fun way to promote an upcoming initiative or share your mission. It could be a quiz, a digital download, or an entry for a giveaway.
An opt-in on your direct mail. I shared on LinkedIn about a cute puppy calendar I received from a heating and air company. It was a nice little surprise that now hangs on my whiteboard. If you’re already sending direct mail, include a CTA or a QR code asking them to sign up for your emails. They may have engaged with you in person and could be missing your emails.
Your newsletters as an incentive! Everything doesn’t have to be new, and there doesn’t have to be a great new launch just to see some list growth. Your emails alone can be the incentive for people to sign up. Just make sure you are providing value or including exclusive content just for your subscribers.
Choose one (or all!) of these methods to grow your email list this month. I can’t wait to see the harvest these seeds produce for you!
If growing your email list feels like too great a task for you or your team, I’ve got you covered. Book a no-pressure call with me to discover how we can collaborate to grow your email list AND impact this year!
