How’s your summer going so far?

I’m keeping today’s email short and sweet.

As you read this, imagine me sitting at a picnic table in front of my tent with a cup of tea and my book.

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You already know that retaining your current donors can be challenging.

We hear it so often. Donors say they feel like an ATM or the organization they give to only reaches out when they need funding.

Let’s put the brakes on that feeling.

Making the smallest positive gestures to donors can make a huge difference in their giving decisions throughout the year.

And even though we’re already in August, you still have ample time to delight your donors and personalize their experience.

In today’s edition of the Social Profit Stack, I’m sharing five ways to improve the little things that can make a massive difference to your audience, leading them to become long-term donors who give year after year.
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It’s the Little Things

As you prepare for the silly season and year-end fundraising, I trust you’ll spend time reviewing your retention process.

When you create your appeals, consider how you’ll thank and retain donors. Organizations with a high retention rate have long-term supporters who donate year after year.

Planning the little things is often not a goal but part of the bigger process.

Here are five simple ways to start with that can help you improve the little things that will allow your prospective donors to see the best in you and your organization:

1/ Read and Listen to Comments.
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​When you set up a website or social media account, inviting conversations with your audience is natural. Listening to feedback or comments can be priceless when writing blog posts, social media posts, or newsletters. To encourage comments, be social—reply to posts and acknowledge customer feedback. Maintaining your online presence and availability shows you care, dedication, and attention to detail.

2/ Poll or Survey Your Audience and Donors.
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​As I often say, learn more about your audience. Sharing a poll or survey can help you understand what the community likes or dislikes.
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A short survey allows your audience to voice their opinions. Negative comments can happen, but if you set an intention to learn more about their challenges, note what you hear and take action to solve the issues where possible. The best part? You'll learn even more when you invite your audience to share their knowledge.

3/ Stay Relevant.
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If your website's copy or blog posts are from 2021, they’re outdated. I’m guilty of this! If the content is still relevant, keep it and update the stats and stories. If you have a blog, use what you’ve already written and update the numbers, language, and process. A simple way is to update the information and share it again.

4/ Say Thank You Often.
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​Gratitude is a simple gesture that shows you care. First, share valuable information with your audience. Create unique experiences and take the time to create community. If you had a chance to review my email sent in mid-July, I shared ways to ignite engagement with a thank you page.​

5/ Personalize Appeals.
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When you understand your audience, it’s easier to personalize your communications. Personalizing the information from your polls will add value to the content on your website, social platforms, etc. Stand out and stay consistent with your brand across channels.
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It’s the little things that make a big difference over time. Although they may seem extraordinary or unnecessary, those gestures can make all the difference in your donor’s experience. In the digital world, the little things will always be worth it.

Link 👀

Activate ideal prospects with quizzes and convert them from passive viewers into engaged donors using this great tool! Interact is your perfect quiz conversion tool.

The internet has always been a little strange in places, but this app is the world's third most popular AI platform. Only the brave may click. Character.AI empowers computers to create and interact with lifelike characters that can simulate human behaviour, engage in conversations, and even participate in storytelling.

Run your following appeal through the Hemingway Editor. Slay your passive voice and remind yourself you used grade 12 language instead of grade 6.

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