Why Audience Research Will Save Your Nonprofit Time And Effort

TechSoup Connect Western Canada is delighted to announce our next event with repeat guest expert Alison Knott. Join us for a virtual event on June 6 for “Audience Research: Save Time And Effort With Your Communications.”

🗓️ Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 at 12 PM PDT

🎟️ https://events.techsoup.org/e/m6vstb/

Nonprofits can get excited to start their marketing efforts immediately, but we must know our target audience first. In this workshop, Alison will share best practices for audience research and what nonprofits like yours should do before you get into the tactics.

“How do organizations decide what they are going to talk about? That’s going to be worth our time, our very limited time as nonprofit teams,” says Knott.  “We are going to measure twice and cut once and research before we start thinking about what to put on TikTok and Instagram, in newsletters and webinars.”

Who Is Alison Knott?

Alison K supports brands putting good into the world with marketing consulting and training. She shows you how to make your marketing ethical, doable, and lovable so you stick with it to get the goods and do more good.

More on Audience Research: Save Time And Effort With Your Communications

“While it can be tempting for staff working for non-profit organizations to be turning out things for the sake of churning out things.” Knott says that “it’s getting back to easy, affordable, enjoyable research that will help you create content ideas and content and understand who we want to reach from an advocacy perspective or educational perspective.”

“Perhaps there is a fear of greenwashing, excluding voices/perspectives or other concerns that make team members unsure how to communicate effectively,” says Knott.

The challenges faced by non-profits are many and before you act on the tactics of your messaging without really understanding why it is you are doing what you are doing.

Learn More About Alison

Her presentations are an unusual blend of high-octane enthusiasm and actionable lessons. Boring tech jargon has no place in her talks!

Alison aims to engage audiences at the highest level. Action plans, workshop sessions and giving out candy are just a few examples. Whatever it takes to have people leave inspired, she’s on board.

In addition to public speaking, Alison has held teaching positions at NSCAD University and NSCC IT Campus, mentoring hundreds of students about design and the web.

Learn more about Alison’s work: https://alisonkconsulting.com/

May 9: Hot Topics in Nonprofit Technology: AI, VR, and Mastodon [IN-PERSON]

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming in-person event exploring the hot topics in nonprofit technology, including Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), Virtual Reality (V.R.), and Mastodon.

This event will take place on Tuesday, May 9th at the Creekside Community Centre, and will look at what you, as a small to middle-sized non-profit, need to know about these technologies.

Register: https://events.techsoup.org/e/mghs6s/

Venue map: https://goo.gl/maps/osjTCRCC896da2f38

Jai Djwa will share his knowledge and insights on how these technologies can be used to advance the work of nonprofits. AI will impact how nonprofit organizations handle things like engagement and conversion, while VR helps us think about different aspects of perception.

Our agenda for the evening

  • 5:45 PM Doors open
  • 6:00 PM Event Starts
  • 6:15 PM: Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits. AI and its applications in nonprofit organizations
  • 6:30 PM: Virtual Reality for Nonprofits. The potential of VR in creating immersive and engaging fundraising campaigns.
  • 6:45 PM: How Mastodon can be used as an alternative social media platform for nonprofits.
  • Q&A 7:00 PM

In addition to the informative presentations, we will provide ample opportunities for networking and engaging in discussions with fellow nonprofit professionals.

We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their support in making this event possible. If you are interested in sponsoring or partnering with us, please email eli@vandergiessen.ca

Events like this one allow us to come together as a community, share our knowledge, and support each other. So please mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s make this event a success!

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Ben and Eli, TechSoup Connect Western Canada

Replay: Indigenous Protocols For Nonprofits

What is a territorial acknowledgment? How does it differ from a traditional welcome? If you are asking yourself these types of questions, you need to watch the video replay of TechSoup Connect Western Canada’s April 11 event.

In this informative and welcoming workshop Rowena Veylan, Founder of The New School of Fundraising, discussed the importance of understanding Indigenous protocols in Canada and how this relates to the nonprofit sector.

Want to work with Rowena or bring the full version of this workshop into your organization? Reach out to Rowena at https://nsof.ca/contact/

Video

Rowena also shared this hilariously uncomfortable video from the Baroness von Sketch Show.

Slides


TechSoup-Indigenous-Protocols-April-11-2023Download

Links from the Chat

An Interview with Rowena Veylan about Indigenous Protocols For Nonprofits

TechSoup Connect BC is proud to present our next event, Indigenous Protocols For Nonprofits on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, with Rowena Veylan from the New School of Fundraising. This workshop is designed to help non-profits understand the role that indigenous protocols can play in their events and functions and how to be able to do such things authentically.

“We encourage non-profit organizations to approach things authentically when it comes to including indigenous protocols in events. What it means, Why it’s done. The nuts and bolts. Make it personal to you. Read from your heart and ensure that things come through in a meaningful way.”

Rowena Veylan

There are differences between how First Nations groups conduct things like a traditional welcome or a land acknowledgement and many non-profits don’t know even know what the difference is between a welcome and an acknowledgement. There is also a lack of consistency at non-profit events regarding a welcome or acknowledgement as they are present at some events and not others.


“In the non-profit industry, we are empathetic and compassionate and we want people to feel that it’s ok to call an admin office or friendship centre of a nation and ask how this can be approached.”

Some other key parts of the workshop will also look at how to help organizations foster lasting relationships with groups and Nations as its the ongoing relationships that are key. Correct name pronunciation of both the individuals and groups that may be involved in an event will also be covered.

June 6: Audience Research: Save Time And Effort With Your Communications

Discover three low-cost, high-rewarding ways your comms team can create content and campaigns that your ideal audience will love. No matter your team size or capabilities!

This event features Alison Knott, who is quickly becoming TechSoup Connect Western Canada’s good luck charm!

🗓️ Tuesday, June 6, 12:00 PM pacific
🎟️ https://events.techsoup.org/e/m6vstb/

April 11: Indigenous Protocols For Nonprofits

What is a territorial acknowledgement? How does it differ from a traditional welcome? If you are asking yourself these types of questions, we are here to help.

This online workshop from TechSoup Connect Western Canada will discuss the importance of understanding Indigenous protocols in Canada and how this relates to the non-profit industry.

🗓️ April 11, 12:00 p.m. PT
🎟️ https://events.techsoup.org/e/mmjubh/

This event is held with the support of the New School of Fundraising.

Oct 13 & 14: Volunteer BC & BCACG CONFERENCE for Nonprofits, Charities & Volunteers

Join BC Association for Charitable Gaming (BCACG) & Volunteer BC . This conference is for individuals around BC interested in learning more about volunteerism, non-profits, charities & Community Gaming Grants.   Attend our event aimed at helping you move forward and adapt to a post-pandemic world. Everyone is welcome! 

Keynote: Crystal Flaman founder of Inspiring Success Services – Inspiration, Collaboration and Creating You Extraordinary Future.

Sessions: Attracting & Engaging Youth Volunteers, Governance as Leadership, Community Gaming Grant & Funding Updates, Tech Trends for Non-Profits, Impactful Storytelling and more.

Date: October 13 & 14, 2022
Location: Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, Richmond
Fees: $200/2 days(member) – $300/2days(non-member)

Registration fees include:   All sessions, breakfast, lunch, coffee & refreshments. 

For more info: Event Details (https://bit.ly/VBCACG22)

What is a New Member Worth? Calculating Customer Acquisition Cost and Lifetime Value

In this webinar, learn methods to assess and calculate Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), and more!

How much should you spend on ads or growth at your nonprofit? What is each email address worth? You need to know how to calculate customer acquisition cost and lifetime value.

In this webinar, author and University of Southern California Professor Paul Orlando gives a friendly and accessible introduction to Unit Economics.  Paul will demonstrate methods to assess and calculate Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), and more.

What You’ll Learn

  • Ways to calculate Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) with additions like customer segments, cohorts, retention, and more (and why they can be imperfect methods).
  • How to manage the cost of growth along with potential value generated.
  • The difference between growing and scaling a nonprofit.

Important Definitions

Customer:

Anyone who exchanges money with your nonprofit i.e. members, donors, ticket holders, corporate sponsors, etc

Lifetime Value (LTV):

“The gross profit that an organization earns over the relationship with a customer.”

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC):

“Cost of getting a paying customer ‘in the door.’” (figuratively or literally)

Key Takeaways from this Webinar

  • It’s important to balance Customer Acquisition Cost and Lifetime Value with time. As Paul mentions, it’s a race, and you have to make sure you don’t run out of time!
  • There are many ways to get a customer/donor “in the door.” A variety of methods are discussed in the webinar by both the presenter and attendees.
  • Using the formulas shared in the webinar, nonprofits will be able to calculate Lifetime Value and Customer Acquisition Cost and use that data to help guide their focus.
  • Segmenting customers/donors is an important part of calculating and tracking LTV and CAC.

Bonus Q&A

Stay tuned to the end of the webinar for the Q&A and get answers to these questions:

  • Should ads be focused on the top three performing segments and consistently test for that segment using a single platform?
  • Which is better: Excel templates or online calculators? 
  • Where should you begin if you are new to Unit Economics?

Watch the recording to learn how to calculate customer acquisition cost and lifetime value!

What is a New Member Worth?

Additional Resources

About the Presenter: Paul Orlando

I build internal incubator/accelerator programs around the world (including Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Rome, and remote), getting companies to solve problems that they couldn’t in other ways. Building these programs I unlock new revenue and partnership opportunities for large organizations. These programs build autonomy and skills that keep employee retention high in an era when companies need to maintain their top talent.

Join the TechSoup Connect British Columbia Community!

TechSoup Connect British Columbia hosts online and in-person tech-for-good events that bring nonprofits together. We help you build communities, share resources, and discover new opportunities for social impact.

We welcome nonprofits, consultants, technologists, funders, and everyone else passionate about using technology for good. 

Check us out: https://events.techsoup.org/techsoup-connect-british-columbia-chapter/

Sponsors

A HUGE thanks to our amazing community partners and sponsors. Give them love! Spend đź’µwith them!

Digital Marketing Diagnostics for Nonprofits

Watch this two part webinar series to learn everything your nonprofit needs to know about digital marketing diagnostics!

In this two-part webinar series, you will learn all about digital marketing diagnostics for nonprofits. Part one focuses on how to run a “checkup” on your website to diagnose what’s working (and what isn’t). Part two dives into online advertising and how to create a marketing strategy that delivers.

Part 1: Web Analytics Checkup

In the same way that it’s considered good practice to see your doctor for a checkup every now and then, conducting a website “checkup” is important.

In part one, join digital marketing consultant Matt Whalen as he guides you through an interrogatory approach to web analytics and the role that measurement can play in your overall marketing strategy.

Part 2: Paid Media Best Practices

In Part 2, Matt Whalen will cover a few PPC (pay-per-click) advertising best practices that you can apply to your own approach to digital marketing.

If you have a limited marketing budget and want to ensure you’re deploying it effectively, this is the session for you.

Key Takeaways from this Digital Marketing Diagnostics Webinar

  • Learn what a website checkup is, how to conduct one, and why it’s important
  • Discover which measurements you should be tracking and why
  • Explore ways to avoid common issues nonprofits face with digital marketing
  • Learn how to determine if your online advertising is delivering

Key Tools for Digital Marketing Diagnostics Success

Bonus Q&A

Stay tuned to the end of the webinar for the Q&A and learn answers to these questions:

  • How can you tell if Google Analytics is properly installed on your website?
  • How can you improve bounce rate?
  • What do you do if your ROI (return on investment) isn’t sufficient?

Watch the recording to learn more about digital marketing diagnostics for nonprofits!

Digital Marketing Diagnostics Part I: Web Analytics Checkup
Digital Marketing Diagnostics Part 2: Paid Media Best Practices

Additional Resources

About the Presenter: Matt Whalen

Matt is a Halifax-based digital marketing consultant with almost 10 years of experience in marketing agencies and consultancies and has been working as an independent consultant since early 2020. He specializes in a variety of areas of digital marketing including paid digital ads, analytics, and demand generation. He has worked with a wide variety of clients including orthodontists, insurance brokers, multinational B2B software companies, Universities, major utilities, regional growth agencies and more.

Website: www.mattwhalen.com

Join the TechSoup Connect British Columbia Community!

TechSoup Connect British Columbia hosts online and in-person tech-for-good events that bring nonprofits together. We help you build communities, share resources, and discover new opportunities for social impact.

We welcome nonprofits, consultants, technologists, funders, and everyone else passionate about using technology for good. 

Check us out: https://events.techsoup.org/techsoup-connect-british-columbia-chapter/

Sponsors

A HUGE thanks to our amazing community partners and sponsors. Give them love! Spend đź’µwith them!