The need to keep their supporters engaged and informed is never-ending in this digital age for nonprofits. They still have email and telephone communications, but the speed and effectiveness of texting revolutionize communication by grade level, with practical utility for nonprofits.
With high open rates and instant reach, nonprofit text messaging is becoming a trailblazer in marketing for nonprofits, engaging donors, and coordinating volunteers.
This blog will speak to all of these: the advantages paid for by text messaging, what role it can play in marketing through nonprofit text messages, how nonprofits could take advantage of free and even mass text messaging services, and so forth. It would also offer ways to use such a tool to raise the effectiveness of your nonprofit.
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Table of Contents
What is Nonprofit Text Messaging?
Nonprofit text messaging refers to sending SMS messages to people who are supporters, volunteers, donors, or even just interested in knowing what the nonprofit organization has to offer. Such communication can range from an update, an appeal for donations, invitations to events, and even thank-you letters. It lets organizations send personalized messages directly to individuals’ mobile phones, providing convenience and immediacy that other forms of communication simply cannot provide.
However, while emails are sometimes unopened or filtered to the spam folder, text messages are opened by the recipient within a couple of minutes after receipt. This is why it is one of the greatest tools in the nonprofit’s arsenal for getting things done quickly and efficiently.
Why Should Nonprofits Use Text Messaging Services?
Several reasons justify the need for nonprofits to include text messaging in their communications strategy. Here are some advantages:
1. High Open Rates and Immediacy
One of the most engaging channels of communication continues to be a text message, with an open rate of almost 98%. It’s far better compared to either emails or social media posts. So, whenever a nonprofit sends a text, the chances are much higher that a recipient will get to read it immediately and act on it. Whether it is a donation request letter, an event reminder, or an emergency update, text messaging permits audiences to be reached almost instantaneously.
2. Cost-Effective Communication
Communicating with supporters is cheaper through text messaging for nonprofits with limited budget allocations. Most text message platforms even offer cheaper or free options for small organizations. Text messaging is much more affordable than mailing or putting in a call, and communication through such means can be effectively achieved.
3. Increased Engagement and Retention
Using nonprofit text messaging creates a more personal and immediate relationship with the audience. From a thank you to a donor to invitations for personalized fundraising events for volunteers, text messages strengthen relationships and create donor loyalty. Increased engagement correlates with higher donor retention rates, so they are less likely to move away from a nonprofit that knows how to communicate well.
Free Text Messaging for Nonprofits
To many nonprofits, text messaging is just another one of their paid services. However, there are some absolutely free text messages. Free messaging can be a good starting point for smaller organizations or ones with little foray into text messaging without getting a paid service.
Of course, there will always be limitations when it comes to free services, such as the number of messages you can send out in a month or a few customisation options. It will continue to be a good tool for nonprofit organisations from then onward.
Some popular free text messaging services for nonprofits include:
- Google Voice: Google Voice allows you to send and receive text messages, but it is not a direct feature for nonprofits, as it can serve as a better option for small organizations requiring connection to their supporters on a limited budget.
- Twilio: With Twilio, you can also take advantage of a free trial offering 500 free messages, giving you a very credible opportunity for resource utilization before accessing any paid plan. It’s perfect for nonprofits seeking to have some serious scaled capabilities.
- Textedly: Textedly offers a free plan that includes up to 50 messages per month, making it an excellent plan for smaller nonprofits taking their first steps into text messaging.
Such services may be free, but there are also some limitations, especially for nonprofits. More often, organizations may consider opting for paid services principally when sending a heavy volume of messages or for advanced features like automated messages or integrations.
Mass Text Messaging for Nonprofits
The sending of mass text messages is the practice of sending a single text message to multiple people at once. It’s an incredible way for nonprofits to communicate with everyone in their audience, remind donors about up-and-coming campaign shifts that volunteers need to know, or announce critical news inside the organization.
One of the major benefits of mass text messaging is that it reaches large audiences with little effort involved in distributing them. Mass texting platforms make it easy for you to send messages to thousands of contacts in just a few clicks.
Best Practices for Mass Text Messaging
This type of text message should be sent by the sender only at appropriate times. Mass text messaging is very effective, but you must exercise self-control at the time of messaging to avoid irritating the audience. The following ones serve as a few best practices for mass text messaging:
- Segment Your Audience: Your supporters will not all want the same information. Divide your audience into segments that consider different criteria like donor status, volunteering, and event participation. It ensures messages will be relevant and personalized to all the supporters.
- Do Not Overwhelm Your Audience: Sending messages sparingly never becomes a nuisance. Too many messages could end up causing unsubscribes, damaging relationships, or worse.
- Include A Clear Call to Action: Make clear in every message what action you expect from the audience, whether that action is donating money, registering for an event, or even circulating the word among friends about that message. Make it clear, simple, and straightforward.
- Get Permission: Always make sure that the recipients have an opt-in status for receiving text messages. Sending text messages without consent is likely to bring complaints, thus leading to legal complications.
Nonprofit Text Message Marketing
Fundraising, serving up information regarding campaigns, and reaching new audiences can all use text message marketing for nonprofits. Such messages could contain direct, timely, and personalised content that stimulates action among supporters to create such effective campaigns.
Some sample messages might include:
- Fundraising Appeals: Text-to-donate services provide an efficient way for supporters to give via SMS. Nonprofit organizations can send potential donors a simple message with a link to donate online.
- Event Promotion: Send invitations and reminders to supporters by text about upcoming events, whether a fundraising gala, a volunteer orientation, or a community outreach event.
- Emergency Alerts: Notify members by text for things like sudden changes in event schedules, cancellations due to bad weather, or really important organizational news.
With the help of text message marketing, nonprofits can build relationships with supporters, enhance participation, and improve fundraising efforts.
How to Choose the Right Text Messaging Service for Your Nonprofit
When selecting a nonprofit text messaging service, there are several factors to consider:
- Pricing: Pick out a platform that accommodates your budget yet meets the specifications you require. While some offer pay-per-use, others have monthly subscriptions.
- Features: Check availability for features such as message automation, bulk messaging, donor segmentation, or even integration with your CRM system or donation platforms.
- Ease of Use: Select a service that is easy to manoeuvre, even with people who may not be tech-savvy. Services have their user interface so easy to move around.
- Support: A good text messaging service should give one honest customer support, especially when one’s points are on the use of that platform.
In A Nutshell
Text messaging for nonprofits proves to be one of the best means for organizations to engage their supporters, mobilize donations, and keep up with the audience. Such immediate, personalized messaging builds stronger ties with donors and beneficiaries for nonprofits. Text messages may, therefore, be considered a very cost-friendly means for such organizations, even depending on whether they are using a free service or investing in a paid platform.
With proper best practices and coupled with the right text messaging service, with the nonprofit, your nonprofit will be unlocking solutions that SMS communication could bring toward more codifying connections and bigger impacts.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the best text messaging service for nonprofits?
Some of the most popular nonprofit text messaging services their organizations use include SimpleTexting, Twilio, and Textedly. With such services, nonprofits enjoy mass texting, automation, getaways with donation systems, affordably priced plans, and good customer support services, depending on their needs.
Is it legal to send marketing text messages?
It is indeed legal to send marketing text messages, but it is mandatory to comply with detailed regulations. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), such businesses or nonprofit organizations must have the prior consent of recipients before sending an opt-out option. Violation of these rules will subject them to penalties or lawsuits.
Do you need permission to send an SMS?
The recipients should be given explicit permission before one sends them text messages. The most common routes of obtaining permission are generally through forms, keyword texts, and subscription confirmation opt-in methods. Consent is a must for compliance with regulations like TCPA and saves your nonprofit from tons of fines in the future.
