Are you making the most of your website visitors? In this episode, I sit down with Abby James from Nonprofit Megaphone to explore innovative ways to connect with people who've shown interest in your organization. We discuss how to leverage website visitor data ethically and effectively to grow your supporter base and enhance your fundraising efforts.

Overcoming the “Creepy Factor”
Abby shares insights on:
- Why collecting visitor information isn't as invasive as you might think
- How to approach outreach in a way that feels authentic and valuable
- Balancing personalization with privacy concerns

Practical Strategies for Engagement
Discover actionable advice for nurturing relationships with website visitors:
- Crafting a welcoming initial email that sets clear expectations
- Developing a consistent communication strategy beyond the first contact
- Using segmentation to tailor your messaging effectively

Maximizing the Value of Visitor Data
Learn how to:
- Identify potential business partners and volunteers from your website traffic
- Use visitor information to refine your programs and services
- Leverage data for both online and offline marketing efforts

Getting Started with Visitor Engagement
We address key considerations for implementing a visitor outreach strategy:
- Essential tools and platforms to simplify the process
- How to involve different departments in utilizing visitor data
- Setting clear goals for your engagement funnel

Whether you're new to digital marketing or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you turn website visits into meaningful connections and support for your mission.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key moments:
05:40 Ethical Considerations Explore the balance between personalization and privacy in visitor outreach.

12:15 Crafting Effective Welcome Emails Learn how to make a strong first impression that encourages further engagement.

19:30 Data-Driven Decision Making Discover how visitor information can inform your organizational strategy and program development.

26:45 Building a Sustainable Engagement Funnel Understand how to create a journey that guides visitors towards deeper involvement with your nonprofit.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can ethically and effectively utilize your website visitor data to grow your nonprofit's impact. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to supporter engagement and fundraising.

Abby James
Abby has been immersed in the Google Ad Grant world for over 5 years, holding various positions at Nonprofit Megaphone. Nonprofit Megaphone is a Google Certified Partner and manages more than 750 Google Ad Grant accounts for nonprofits. With her experience in managing accounts and background in marketing and development, she now consults with nonprofits every day on how to fully utilize this program and amplify their missions!

Learn more at nonprofitmegaphone.com
https://www.facebook.com/nonprofitmegaphone/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofitmegaphone

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you struggling to attract more visitors to your nonprofit's website? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO, to explore the power of search engine optimization (SEO) for mission-driven organizations. We discuss why SEO is a crucial long-term strategy for increasing your online visibility and connecting with potential donors and supporters.

Building a Foundation for Sustainable Growth
Steven shares insights on:
- Why SEO is like investing in your retirement account for your nonprofit
- The importance of patience and consistency in your SEO efforts
- How to balance short-term paid strategies with long-term organic growth

Practical SEO Strategies for Nonprofits
Discover actionable advice for improving your website's search rankings:
- Crafting content that aligns with what your audience is actually searching for
- Leveraging free tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile for local nonprofits

Measuring Success and Adapting Your Approach
Learn how to:
- Track your SEO progress using key metrics and tools
- Identify which content is resonating with your audience
- Adjust your strategy based on real data and user behavior

Overcoming Common SEO Challenges
We address potential hurdles in implementing an SEO strategy:
- Balancing SEO efforts with other marketing priorities
- Staying motivated during the initial “sandbox” period for new websites
- Adapting to changes in search engine algorithms and user behavior

Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you increase your nonprofit's online visibility and connect with more supporters.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
06:28 Understanding Organic vs. Paid Traffic Learn the difference between organic search results and paid advertising, and how they can work together in your digital strategy.

12:15 Essential SEO Tools for Nonprofits Discover free and paid resources to help you research keywords, analyze your website's performance, and track your progress.

19:36 Creating Content That Ranks Explore strategies for developing blog posts and web pages that address your audience's needs and align with popular search terms.

26:15 Optimizing for Local Search Understand how to leverage your Google Business Profile to improve visibility for local nonprofits and events.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how SEO can help your nonprofit reach more people and make a bigger impact. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to online visibility and donor engagement.

Resources
Google Ad Grant: https://www.google.com/grants/
Google Search Console & Analytics: https://search.google.com/search-console/about
SEMRush: https://www.semrush.com/
Ahrefs: https://ahrefs.com/

Steven Schneider
Steven is co-founder and CEO at TrioSEO, an agency that helps B2B brands design and implement ROI-focused SEO strategies.

Before TrioSEO, he co-owned a portfolio of 40 blogs, managed 400 articles monthly, and scaled to 7 figures via SEO – no paid ads, social media, or other strategies.

Today, TrioSEO creates content that converts browsers into buyers. Their team manages everything – the process is 100% hands-off for founders and CMOs

Learn more at TrioSEO.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneis/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your nonprofit's workload? In this episode, I sit down with Karen King, founder of Gold Star Pro, to explore how automation can revolutionize your organization's productivity and give you back precious time to focus on your mission.

Embracing Automation Without Losing the Human Touch
Karen shares valuable insights on:
- Why automation doesn't mean depersonalization
- How to create personalized experiences at scale
- Balancing efficiency with authenticity in your communications

Streamlining Your Nonprofit's Processes
Discover practical strategies for:
- Identifying tasks that can be automated
- Creating a roadmap for implementing automation
- Leveraging data to make informed decisions

Overcoming Common Automation Hurdles
We address key concerns, including:
- Maintaining consistency in your messaging
- Ensuring quality control in automated processes
- Freeing up time for strategic thinking and creativity

Getting Started with Automation
Learn how to:
- Map out your current processes
- Identify areas for improvement
- Choose the right tools for your organization's needs

Whether you're a small grassroots organization or an established nonprofit, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on how to work smarter, not harder. Don't miss this opportunity to explore strategies that could transform your approach to productivity and impact.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
06:28 Mapping Your Processes Learn why creating a roadmap is crucial before implementing any automation tools.

12:47 Personalization in Automation Discover how to maintain a human touch while leveraging technology for efficiency.

19:36 Data-Driven Decision Making Explore how automation can provide valuable insights to guide your strategy.

26:15 Consistency and Trust-Building Understand how automation can help you maintain a consistent presence and build trust with your audience.

Don't let burnout hold your nonprofit back. Tune in to learn how automation can help you create more impact while reclaiming your time and energy.

Resources
Worldschooling Central: A community founded by Karen King, helping families educate their children through travel.: https://www.worldschoolingcentral.com/

The Escapepreneur: Another program by Karen King, teaching entrepreneurs how to design businesses that fund their ideal lifestyle.: https://www.theescapepreneur.com/

Karen King
Karen King is a visionary entrepreneur, world traveler, and founder of Gold Star Pro—a platform and coaching program designed to help solopreneurs and coaches build scalable, location-independent businesses. With over a decade of experience in technology coaching and marketing, Karen specializes in simplifying business automation so her clients can focus on creating freedom, not just revenue.

After leaving corporate burnout behind, Karen sold everything to travel the world with her family, embracing a “world schooling” lifestyle for nearly a decade. This journey inspired her to launch Worldschooling Central, a 13,000-member community helping families educate their children through travel. Now, she merges her expertise in business automation with her passion for freedom through The Escapreneur Movement—a program teaching entrepreneurs how to design businesses that fund their ideal lifestyles.

Learn more at usegoldstar.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/worldschoolingcentral
https://www.instagram.com/gold.star.pro/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-e-king/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you struggling to create engaging video content for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with John Gargiulo, founder and CEO of Air Post, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your video production process. We discuss innovative ways to leverage AI tools that can help you connect with donors, save time, and stretch your budget.

Harnessing AI for Impactful Video Creation
John shares insights on:
- Using AI to generate realistic video content from text prompts
- Repurposing existing footage with AI-powered editing tools
- Creating personalized video messages at scale
- Translating video content into multiple languages effortlessly

Practical Applications for Nonprofits
Discover how AI can help you:
- Craft compelling fundraising event videos
- Produce Netflix-quality content on a shoestring budget
- Streamline your video editing process
- Expand your reach with multilingual content

Addressing Ethical Concerns
We tackle important questions about:
- Maintaining authenticity when using AI-generated content
- Balancing efficiency with transparency
- Communicating your use of AI tools to stakeholders

Getting Started with AI Video Tools
John recommends practical tools for:
- Creating AI avatars for spokesperson videos
- Enhancing video quality and removing filler words
- Generating storyboards and scripts

Whether you're a seasoned video creator or just starting out, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you leverage AI in your nonprofit's video strategy. Learn how to create more engaging content, save time, and stretch your resources further.

What to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
03:54 The Excitement of AI in Video Production There have been rapid advancements in AI video technology, especially with Google's VO3 as a significant leap forward. AI can now create realistic videos with sound, opening up new possibilities for content creation.

06:22 Authentic Use of AI in Nonprofit Video Production You can use AI to repurpose existing footage, create personalized videos, and translate content into multiple languages. This allows for better efficiency and expanded reach.

12:40 The Future of AI in Video Production AI is revolutionizing video production, replacing traditional methods. AI helps you create high-quality, Netflix-level content at the click of a button, opening up new possibilities for nonprofits to create compelling video narratives.

15:54 AI Tools and Job Security in Content Creation AI won't replace human creativity but will act as a highly capable assistant. Human input in content creation will always be critical.

19:21 Recommended AI Video Tools and Final Thoughts There are several AI video tools for different purposes, from caption generation to avatar creation. Experiment with AI tools and communicate with them effectively.

John Gargiulo
Founder and CEO of Airpost, an AI-driven platform automating video ad production. Former Global
Product Marketing Lead at Airbnb, where he launched and scaled new products and features for millions of hosts and guests.
Seasoned marketer with over 15 years of experience in creative direction, digital marketing, and online advertising.
Frequent speaker on the future of AI in marketing, user-generated content, and advanced creative strategies for consumer brands in ecommerce, fintech, and mobile

Learn more at Airpost.ai
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gargiulo/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you looking to boost your nonprofit's fundraising efforts and connect with more donors? In this episode, I sit down with Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, to explore the power of event fundraising in 2025 and beyond.

Roger shares his wealth of experience in helping organizations create successful fundraising events, from galas to golf tournaments. We discuss why events are becoming increasingly important for nonprofits of all sizes, especially in an uncertain funding landscape.

Crafting Events That Resonate
Discover practical strategies for:
- Tailoring your event to your specific audience
- Balancing cost-effectiveness with donor expectations
- Leveraging technology to streamline your auction process

Maximizing Impact Without Breaking the Bank
Roger offers insights on:
- Creative alternatives to traditional galas
- Engaging donors through interactive experiences
- Using data to inform your event planning decisions

Building Long-Term Fundraising Success
Learn how to:
- Create a sustainable event strategy that grows with your organization
- Use software to build institutional memory and improve year-over-year results
- Balance the needs of different stakeholders in your event planning process

Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to event planning, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you create memorable experiences that inspire generosity and build lasting relationships with your supporters.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways:
05:40 Tailoring Events to Your Audience Learn how to research and design events that resonate with your specific donor base.

12:15 Leveraging Technology for Better Results Discover how software can help you track data, improve decision-making, and streamline your event processes.

19:30 Creative Fundraising Ideas Explore unique event concepts that can energize your supporters and set you apart from traditional galas.

26:45 Building a Sustainable Event Strategy Understand how to create an event program that grows with your organization and adapts to changing donor needs.

Roger Devine
Roger Devine has led a life based on service, communication, education, and entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, he has spent the past 20 years assisting and advising local and national nonprofit organizations and charities on how to grow their programs and ensure financial stability through fundraising events, such as gala auctions, golf tournaments, and trivia nights.

In addition to assisting organizations across the country, Roger has personally chaired dozens of fundraising events for his kid's schools, his Rotary Club, and Pacific Northwest nonprofits focused on causes such as building schools in rural communities, matching US military veterans with service dogs, and pandemic relief.

Learn more at schoolauction.net

Sign up for a FREE Trail: https://my.schoolauction.net/registrations/new?product_id=281&aff_id=firstclick

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolAuction
https://www.pinterest.com/schoolauction/
https://www.instagram.com/SchoolAuction/
https://twitter.com/schoolauction?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the buzz around AI and wondering how it fits into your nonprofit's digital strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Arti Anand, an AI automation expert, to demystify the role of artificial intelligence in personalizing donor engagement and streamlining operations.

Embracing AI Without Losing the Human Touch
- How AI can enhance, not replace, genuine connections with donors
- Strategies for maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation
- The importance of transparency when implementing AI tools

Practical Applications for Nonprofits
- Using AI for efficient proposal generation and follow-ups
- Implementing AI voice agents for improved donor communication
- Leveraging ChatGPT for problem-solving and strategic planning

Overcoming Implementation Challenges
- Start small and iterate your AI strategy
- Train AI tools effectively using your organization's unique data
- Balance automation with human oversight for optimal results

Addressing Common Concerns
- Maintaining personalization in automated communications
- Ensuring AI aligns with your nonprofit's values and mission
- Communicating the benefits of AI to donors and stakeholders

Whether you're AI-curious or skeptical, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit technology. Discover how embracing AI can free up your team to focus on what matters most – making a meaningful impact in your community.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways:
03:31 AI as a Tool for Personal and Business Growth It is important to identify what brings joy and generates income, then using AI and automation to handle necessary tasks that don't fall into those categories. This approach allows for better time management and increased productivity.

11:05 Balancing Automation and Personalization There are concerns about AI and automation leading to depersonalization. Start with what works manually, then automate 80% of it. This approach saves time and increases productivity while still maintaining quality through human supervision. Pay attention to the iterative nature of implementing AI solutions in business.

18:20 Understanding AI Agents and Their Applications There are different types of automations, including linear, AI-powered, and AI agents. AI agents can be used in businesses, such as replacing receptionists for appointment booking. It's important to have proper training and data input for effective AI implementation.

24:26 Transparency and Practical Implementation of AI Transparency is so important when using AI in organizations. Communicate the use of AI to stakeholders, emphasizing its benefits. Attach AI implementation to specific outcomes that solve pain points for users.

28:10 Getting Started with AI in Business Start by describing the problem and desired outcome to ChatGPT, then consulting with multiple vendors. The importance of asking the right questions and starting with a proof of concept is important.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge on harnessing AI to enhance your nonprofit's efficiency and donor engagement. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to digital strategy and fundraising.

Resources
Follow Aarti on Insta and DM her FC-Pod to receive her playbook to adopt AI.

Aarti Anand
After years of building SaaS products, Aarti saw businesses wasting time on outdated, manual prospecting and thought, “This is broken.” With AI on the rise, she knew the answer wasn't more outreach—it was smarter automation.

Now, Aarti is on a mission to help businesses ditch the grind and scale faster. No more chasing leads that go nowhere—just an AI-driven system that works while you sleep.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartianand82/
https://www.instagram.com/aartianand82/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you looking for innovative ways to boost your nonprofit's revenue and expand your reach? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked strategy of affiliate marketing and how it can benefit mission-driven organizations. I sit down with Aya Hesham, CEO of Vivian Agency, to uncover the potential of strategic partnerships that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.

Demystifying Affiliate Marketing for Nonprofits
Aya breaks down the concept of affiliate marketing and explains why it's a powerful tool for nonprofits:
- Creating mutually beneficial partnerships with aligned businesses
- Generating additional revenue streams without compromising your mission
- Offering supporters new ways to contribute to your cause

Finding the Right Partners
Discover practical strategies for identifying and approaching potential affiliate partners:
- Analyzing your audience to determine relevant products and services
- Leveraging affiliate networks to streamline the process
- Ensuring partners align with your organization's values and mission

Implementing Affiliate Marketing with Authenticity
Learn how to integrate affiliate partnerships into your nonprofit's communication strategy:
- Crafting genuine stories around recommended products
- Balancing promotional content with your core messaging
- Testing and refining your approach to maximize engagement

Overcoming Common Concerns
We address potential hesitations about affiliate marketing in the nonprofit sector:
- Maintaining ethical standards and transparency
- Focusing on value-add for your audience rather than “pushing” products
- Viewing partnerships as an extension of your mission, not just a revenue source

Whether you're a small grassroots organization or an established nonprofit, this conversation offers fresh insights on diversifying your income streams while providing additional value to your supporters. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a strategy that could transform your approach to partnerships and sustainability.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
05:23 Identifying Relevant Affiliate Opportunities Learn how to research and select partners that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.

12:47 Crafting Authentic Promotional Content Discover strategies for sharing affiliate offers in a way that feels genuine and adds value to your community.

19:36 Integrating Affiliate Marketing into Your Strategy Explore practical tips for incorporating affiliate partnerships into your existing communication channels and content plan.

26:15 Scaling Your Affiliate Program Understand the time investment required and how to grow your affiliate marketing efforts sustainably.

Aya Hesham
Turning Partnerships into profit, Aya helps brands scale their revenue and visibility through strategic Affiliate & Influencer partnerships. As the CEO of Vivian Agency, she leads a team of top specialists dedicated to building communities for brands by connecting ambassadors and their audiences to the products they love.

Learn more at VivianAgency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivianagency/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-elrahman-saad-799638213/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you struggling to connect with major donors and secure those game-changing gifts for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with Ellen Christine Ruiters, a nonprofit leadership and fundraising consultant who has helped great causes raise over a billion dollars globally. Ellen shares her insights on building authentic relationships with high-net-worth donors and creating a strategic approach to major gift fundraising.

Shifting the Mindset: From Asking to Partnering
Ellen emphasizes the importance of viewing major donors as strategic partners rather than simply sources of funding. We explore:
- Why today's donors want to be heard, understood, and involved in problem-solving
- The power of engagement design in creating meaningful donor experiences
- How to balance donor input with maintaining your organization's mission and direction

Practical Strategies for Cultivating Major Gifts
Discover actionable advice for nurturing relationships with potential major donors:
- How to identify and engage with donors who are ready to increase their giving
- The art of asking thoughtful questions and truly listening to donor motivations
- Creating personalized stewardship plans that respect donors' preferences

Leveraging Donor Insights for Organizational Growth
Ellen shares a brilliant strategy for involving donors in your nonprofit's development:
- How to conduct donor interviews that provide valuable feedback and insights
- Using donor input to shape your organization's growth strategy
- Turning engaged supporters into potential board members and major gift donors

Whether you're new to major gift fundraising or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you build stronger, more authentic relationships with your top supporters.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
06:28 Crafting Effective Donor Conversations Learn how to ask the right questions and truly listen to donor motivations, creating a foundation for meaningful partnerships.

19:38 Personalizing Donor Engagement Discover strategies for tailoring your approach to each donor's preferences and communication style.

30:47 Turning Donor Feedback into Action Explore Ellen's powerful technique for using donor insights to shape your organization's growth strategy and cultivate deeper commitment.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to major gift fundraising and create lasting partnerships with your most impactful supporters.

Resources
One:One and Team coaching. Join my MasterMind Group. Listeners can have FREE access to my course. The Thriving Nonprofit Leader: https://theideallife.com/the-thriving-nonprofit-leader/

Ellen Christine Ruiters
Ellen Christine understands the challenges of nonprofit leadership because she’s been there. A nonprofit founder turned leadership and fundraising consultant, she has helped great causes raise over $1 billion globally.

Through culture-building, high-net-worth donor strategies, and impactful storytelling, Ellen empowers nonprofits and their leaders to thrive.

Her program, The Thriving Nonprofit Leader, helps organizations and their teams rediscover joy in their work while attracting more high-impact donors.

Learn more at TheThrivingNonprofitLeader.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-christine-ruiters/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours