As your nonprofit grows, the question of how to manage your marketing efforts becomes increasingly crucial. Should you hire a contractor, bring marketing in-house, or maintain a mix of both? In this episode, we explore the intricacies of building and expanding your marketing team, offering insights on when and how to make these pivotal decisions.

Our guest, Kasper Sierslev, brings a wealth of experience from both agency and in-house perspectives. As a visionary thought leader in marketing operations, Casper shares valuable strategies for nonprofits at various stages of growth.

Key Insights on Marketing Team Development
- The importance of balancing in-house expertise with external perspectives
- How to determine which marketing functions to bring in-house first
- Strategies for effective collaboration between internal teams and external agencies
- The value of documenting processes and creating annual marketing plans

Building Your Marketing Dream Team
Casper suggests starting with a small, versatile team:

- A digital graphic designer for visual content creation
- A copywriter to maintain consistent messaging and brand voice

This foundation allows you to handle day-to-day marketing tasks while still leveraging external expertise for specialized projects or campaigns.

Maximizing Agency Partnerships
When working with external agencies, Casper recommends:

- Clearly defining project scope and expectations
- Fostering transparent communication and collaboration
- Utilizing agencies for their unique insights and industry trends
- Balancing agency work with in-house capabilities for cost-effectiveness

Streamlining Your Marketing Operations
To create more time for creative work, Casper emphasizes the importance of:

- Mapping out processes and creating playbooks
- Batching content creation for efficiency
- Regularly reviewing and refining your marketing strategies

By implementing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your marketing team's structure and capabilities, ultimately driving more effective campaigns and better results for your nonprofit.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
07:12 Building Your Initial Marketing Team Start with a digital graphic designer and copywriter as your foundation for handling day-to-day marketing tasks.

15:38 Balancing In-House and External Resources Learn how to effectively collaborate with agencies while maintaining control over your marketing strategy.

23:05 Streamlining Marketing Operations Discover techniques for creating efficient processes that free up time for creative work and strategic thinking.

29:47 Embracing Creative Ideas Understand the power of innovative thinking in marketing and how to prioritize creativity in your campaigns.

Kasper Sierslev
Kasper Sierslev is not just a marketer; he's a visionary thought leader dedicated to transforming in-house marketing and creative collaboration. Kasper's journey is a testament to his commitment to sharing knowledge and nurturing creativity, not solely for client acquisition, but for the elevation of the entire industry.

As the founder of a company that helps brands establish and fortify in-house competencies, Kasper brings a wealth of experience. His extensive background encompasses pivotal roles in respected brand agencies, as well as steering his own startup and overseeing global campaigns for one of the world's largest shipping companies. This multifaceted experience equips him with a unique perspective, allowing him to effortlessly bridge the gap between diverse industry landscapes.

Kasper's passion for in-house marketing is palpable, evident in his best-selling book, “Moving In-House. (https://moving-in-house.com/the-book)”

Learn more at https://zite.agency
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaspersierslev/
https://www.instagram.com/cphillustrated/

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 engage visitors on your nonprofit's website? You're not alone. Many organizations find it challenging to tell their story effectively online, often missing the mark when it comes to showcasing the true impact of their work.

In this episode, I'm joined by Daniel Molina, an accomplished marketing professional and entrepreneur, to discuss strategies for creating a compelling online presence that resonates with donors, volunteers, and those seeking help.

Key Insights on Website Engagement
- The power of video in storytelling and emotional connection
- Balancing short-form and long-form content for maximum impact
- Creating a redemptive narrative that inspires action
- Transparency in fundraising and project goals
- Avoiding political pitfalls in your messaging

Crafting Your Nonprofit's Story
Daniel emphasizes the importance of a three-part storytelling approach:

- Highlight the issue with relevant statistics
- Present your organization's solution
- Showcase the fruits of your efforts

By following this structure, you can create content that not only informs but also motivates visitors to get involved.

Practical Tips for Website Optimization
- Use video to capture attention and convey emotion quickly
- Offer multiple engagement options: volunteer, donate, and seek help
- Create project-specific fundraising goals to give donors a sense of ownership
- Ensure your content remains timeless to avoid frequent updates

“Don't have this black box that no one knows what's in it. You want to make sure that you are fully transparent and people know where the money is going, who's involved.” – Daniel Molina

This episode provides actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their digital presence. You'll learn how to create a website that not only informs but also inspires action, ultimately helping you further your mission and make a greater impact.

Ready to transform your nonprofit's online storytelling? Listen to the full episode for more valuable insights and strategies you can implement today.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
03:55 Crafting Compelling Website Content for Nonprofits Create a narrative that includes the problem, solution, and impact. Use video to capture attention and convey emotion, followed by photos and text. Transparency is so important. Right now avoid political stances, and focus on the organization's core mission to connect with donors on a human level.

18:48 Effective Calls-to-Action and Conversion Strategies Conversion strategies are important. Create multiple options beyond just donating. Provide ways for visitors to volunteer, get help, or sign up for newsletters. Show project progress and costs to give donors a sense of ownership and transparency in how their money is used.

Daniel Molina
Daniel Molina is an accomplished marketing professional and entrepreneur, owning Red Palm Studios since 2002. With extensive experience and knowledge in the latest web trends, he has successfully worked with high-profile clients and small business startups, delivering maximum exposure. As a passionate entrepreneur, Daniel Molina believes in giving back to the community and making a positive impact. Through various initiatives and partnerships, he actively engages in community outreach, addressing social issues and supporting local causes. Daniel's dedication to creating a better society extends beyond business, demonstrating his commitment to improving lives and fostering a sense of unity.

Learn more at www.redpalm.us
https://danielmolina.life/
https://www.instagram.com/danielmolinalife/
https://www.instagram.com/redpalmmarketing/

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 ready to supercharge your nonprofit's digital marketing efforts? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Lewis, a seasoned marketer with 30 years of experience in copywriting and technology, to explore the game-changing potential of ChatGPT for small to medium-sized nonprofits.

We dive deep into how this powerful AI tool can become your 24/7 marketing consultant, helping you craft compelling content, conduct market research, and even run virtual focus groups – all without breaking the bank.

Unlocking ChatGPT's Potential for Nonprofits
Steven shares invaluable insights on:

- How to use ChatGPT as a thought partner and consultant
- Crafting the perfect prompts to get the results you need
- Developing a unique tone of voice for your organization
- Creating synthetic personas for risk-free testing and feedback

Key Takeaways:
- ChatGPT isn't just for content creation – it's a versatile tool for strategy and research
- Learn how to have meaningful “conversations” with the AI to refine your marketing approach
- Discover how to leverage ChatGPT's vast knowledge base to understand your audience better
- Find out how to use synthetic personas to test ideas without risking donor relationships

Practical Applications for Your Nonprofit
- Use ChatGPT to develop and refine your organization's tone of voice
- Create virtual focus groups to test new ideas and campaigns
- Generate data-driven insights to support your marketing decisions
- Streamline your content creation process while maintaining authenticity

This episode is packed with actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to make the most of AI technology in their digital marketing efforts. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to the world of AI, you'll find valuable strategies to elevate your nonprofit's online presence.

Ready to revolutionize your nonprofit's digital marketing strategy? Listen to the full episode and discover how ChatGPT can become your secret weapon in reaching and engaging your audience more effectively than ever before.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key moments:
09:30 Understanding ChatGPT: The Basics and Beyond ChatGPT is a large language model trained on vast amounts of data. Providing context helps shape ChatGPT's outputs. There is a lot of potential for ChatGPT to be a thought partner and consultant for businesses of all sizes.

24:34 Addressing Security Concerns and Developing Tone of Voice Be sure to balance proprietary information protection with leveraging ChatGPT's capabilities. Creating your tone of voice will help your prompts become even more effective.

35:57 Advanced ChatGPT Techniques: Synthetic Personas and Focus Groups Use ChatGPT to create synthetic personas for focus groups. This technique allows organizations to test ideas and content safely without risking real donor relationships. The approach provides valuable insights and data for decision-making.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how AI can transform your nonprofit's digital marketing efforts. Tune in now and take the first step towards a more efficient, effective, and data-driven marketing strategy.

Steven Lewis
Steven Lewis is a marketer with 30 years of experience in copywriting and technology. His course Make ChatGPT Your CMO shows business owners how to turn ChatGPT into a 24/7 marketing consultant that gives expert advice tailored to their business.

Learn more at https://taleist.agency/

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 ready to take your LinkedIn strategy to the next level? In this episode, we're diving deep into creative ways to boost your visibility and reach new audiences on the platform. Whether you're a nonprofit looking to connect with potential donors or a business aiming to grow your professional network, you'll find valuable insights to elevate your LinkedIn game.

Our guest, Peter Murphy Lewis, founder of Strategic Pete.com and fractional Chief Marketing Officer, shares his expertise on leveraging LinkedIn's features to maximize your impact. From automated connections to newsletters and live streaming, Peter unveils strategies that can transform your approach to this powerful professional network.

Key Takeaways:
- Discover how to use automation tools for strategic connections
- Learn the power of LinkedIn newsletters for repurposing content
- Explore live streaming capabilities to engage your audience
- Understand why authenticity trumps perfection in video content
- Gain insights on repurposing content across platforms

Practical Tips for LinkedIn Success:
- Utilize automation tools to connect with 15-30 people daily
- Create a LinkedIn newsletter to repurpose existing content
- Apply for creator status to access live streaming features
- Embrace imperfection in your video content for authenticity
- Implement a content strategy that spans from top to bottom of the funnel

Peter also shares a brilliant tactic for engaging with industry leaders and potential collaborators through strategic tagging in your newsletter content. This approach not only increases your visibility but also opens doors for meaningful professional relationships.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your LinkedIn strategy, this episode provides actionable advice to help you make the most of this platform. Remember, it's not about perfection – it's about consistency, authenticity, and providing value to your network.

Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence? Listen now and start implementing these strategies to expand your reach, build meaningful connections, and achieve your professional goals.

Want to skip ahead?
[04:14] Video Content on LinkedIn: Authenticity Over Polish The importance of authenticity over polished production encourages users to embrace imperfections. It's more about being genuine and getting to know your connections and letting them get to know you.

[11:28] Repurposing Content and Newsletter Strategies Tagging keynote speakers, sharing job postings, and engaging with new subscribers will go a long way. Add value, increase visibility, and foster meaningful connections on the platform while using content you've already created.

Resources
talkclip.app
Quuu Promote: https://www.quuupromote.co/
Google Ad Grants: https://www.google.com/grants/
People Worth Caring About | Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8f4FVNBnlH8hC8VRCHG_Dvo3I0DuzZV6
Bob Speelman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-speelman
Alana Sparrow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanasparrow
Ep 289 | Power of Creating a Personal Brand on LinkedIn with Alex Thoric: https://www.thefirstclick.net/ep-289-power-of-creating-a-personal-brand-on-linkedin-with-alex-thoric/

Peter Murphy Lewis
Peter Murphy Lewis is the innovative founder of StrategicPete.com and a respected fractional Chief Marketing Officer, skilled in turning complex marketing data into actionable strategies that boost revenue and growth. His expertise spans diverse sectors, including software, travel, media, zoos, and banks. As host of two TV shows and producer of a documentary, Peter combines strategic marketing with storytelling flair. Living with his family in a literal zoo, he is a trusted advisor for CEOs seeking to streamline marketing efforts and accelerate business outcomes.

Learn more at www.sbxproductions.com
Book your free discovery call with Pete: https://strategicpete.com/audit/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/
https://www.youtube.com/@StrategicPete
https://www.instagram.com/gringopeter/

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 considering starting a podcast for your nonprofit but feeling overwhelmed by the process? You're not alone. Many organizations recognize the potential of podcasting as a powerful marketing tool but struggle with where to begin.

In this episode, I sit down with Vince Quinn, co-founder and creative director of SBX Productions, to explore the world of podcasting for nonprofits. Vince shares invaluable insights on how to leverage podcasts to amplify your organization's message, connect with donors, and streamline your marketing efforts.

Why Podcasting Matters for Nonprofits
Vince emphasizes that podcasting isn't just another task to add to your already full plate. Instead, it's a versatile content creation machine that can:
- Drive your entire marketing strategy
- Repurpose content across multiple channels
- Build trust with your audience
- Provide networking opportunities

Getting Started: Key Considerations
Before you hit record, Vince recommends focusing on:
- Alignment: Ensure your podcast concept aligns with your organization's mission and daily activities.
- Pilot Testing: Create a few episodes privately to refine your process and ensure sustainability.
- Content Planning: Use bullet points rather than scripts to keep conversations natural and engaging.
- Time Management: Plan your recording and post-production schedule to stay consistent.

Maximizing Your Podcast's Impact
Vince shares strategies to make your podcast work harder for your nonprofit:
- Invite key stakeholders: Feature donors, corporate sponsors, and beneficiaries to strengthen relationships and create powerful testimonials.
- Repurpose content: Turn episodes into blog posts, social media content, and newsletters.
- Network strategically: Use your podcast to connect with high-level contacts at partner organizations.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
11:55 Developing Your Podcast Concept and Strategy Your podcast can help drive messaging and build brand awareness. It can also help with bring in and feature donors. Understanding what you want your podcasts purpose is goes a long way.
18:04 Preparing for Podcast Episodes and Handling Interviews Prepping for your interviews is important, but be genuine. It doesn't need to be fully scripted. People want to hear conversations the are authentic and feel like they're hanging out with you in their living room.
24:07 Leveraging Podcasts for Networking and Sponsorships This can be a great way to highlight and feature your donors and sponsors. You can also interview people you've been wanting to connect with.

SquadCast
Descript
Opus Clip
CapCut
Vimeo

Vince Quinn
Vince Quinn is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of SBX Productions, where he helps businesses and foundations start podcasts that power their marketing. He also hosts a podcast about the same thing, called It's Not Just Talking.

Learn more at www.sbxproductions.com

Podcast Pilot Program: https://calendly.com/vincequinn/intro-call-w-vince-quinn-podcast
Quiz: https://sbxproductions.com/podcast-compass-quiz/
Podcast: https://sbxproductions.com/our-podcast/
Calendar: https://calendly.com/vincequinn/podcast-guest-booking
https://www.instagram.com/sbxprod/
https://www.youtube.com/@sbxprod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-quinn-7456114a/

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

This episode is in partnership with thousands of other podcasts highlighting nonprofits this week!

Kristin Orphan, co-founder of Finally Home, an organization dedicated to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families. With over 20 years of experience, Kristin shares her journey of founding a nonprofit while navigating the challenges of being a foster and adoptive parent herself.

Kristin's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

She opens up about:

The Genesis of Finally Home
- How personal experiences as foster and kinship parents led to identifying a crucial gap in support for families
- The initial focus on marriage education for foster and adoptive couples
- Balancing naivety and passion when starting a nonprofit

Navigating Challenges and Growth
- Adapting to unexpected hurdles in building partnerships
- The importance of staying true to your mission while remaining flexible in your methods
- Lessons learned from pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sustaining Passion and Preventing Burnout
- The value of taking sabbaticals and delegating responsibilities
- Creating a culture that encourages innovation and accepts failure
- Balancing entrepreneurial vision with practical implementation

Looking Ahead to 2025
- Exciting developments in team leadership and virtual training programs
- The joy of seeing team members flourish in their roles
- Expanding reach through initiatives like the Family Journey show

Kristin's insights offer valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders, founders, and anyone passionate about making a difference. Her emphasis on building a strong team culture, embracing flexibility, and maintaining a sense of purpose provides a roadmap for sustainable impact.

Whether you're considering starting a nonprofit, facing burnout in your current role, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation with Kristin Orphan will rejuvenate your spirit and remind you of the profound impact one person's vision can have on countless lives.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
14:38 Building a Nonprofit Organization There are many surprises and challenges of starting a nonprofit, including the slower-than-expected process of building bridges with churches and other organizations. The importance of patience and staying true to the mission while remaining flexible in methods is crucial.
22:39 Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Passion Avoiding burnout can include things like taking sabbaticals, delegating responsibilities, and surrounding oneself with skilled team members. Don't think of yourself of being the center of the organization and allow others to lead and grow.
28:53 Future Plans and Team Development Finally Home's future is bright, particularly in developing team leadership and expanding virtual training programs. Fostering a culture that encourages creativity, allows for failure, and promotes open communication among team members is critical.
34:09 Encouragement for Nonprofit Leaders The importance of faith, obedience, and remembering that you are not alone in their work goes a long way. Take regular breaks and maintain perspective on you role in the larger mission.

Kristin Orphan
Kristin Orphan holds a Master’s of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Family Dynamics and is. aCertified Family Life Educator. She is also an Adjunct University Professor in Psychology. Kristin is also the managing partner of Family Wellness Associates, and a Family Wellness Master Trainer. She is a worship leader and keynote speaker for special events and retreats nationwide. In her down time, Kristin enjoys writing as well as performing as a vocal artist.

Learn more at https://finallyhome.net/
https://www.facebook.com/FinallyHome.net

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 uncertain about your nonprofit's digital marketing strategy? Wondering if you should stick with your current plan or pivot to something new? You're not alone. In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, it's crucial to strike a balance between consistency and adaptability.

What you'll learn:
→ The importance of documenting your marketing plan and sharing it with your team
→ How to balance long-term strategies (like SEO) with more nimble approaches (such as Google Ads)
→ Leveraging the $10,000 monthly Google Ad grant for nonprofits
→ Creating content that can be repurposed across multiple channels
→ The value of focusing on quality over quantity in your marketing efforts

Evaluating Your Marketing Efforts
Corey shares his insights on how often you should review your marketing activities:

For ongoing campaigns: Evaluate at least quarterly, potentially monthly for high-volume efforts
For specific events or initiatives: Conduct a retrospective after each occurrence
Consider setting aside 5-10% of your budget for testing new ideas

“It's not about doing three blog posts a month and seven social media posts a week just because somebody said you should. It's about doing things with conviction and purpose.” – Corey Morris

This episode provides practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to refine their digital marketing approach. You'll learn how to make data-driven decisions, adapt to changes in your organization and industry, and ensure your marketing efforts align with your overall goals.

Ready to take your nonprofit's digital marketing to the next level? Listen to the full episode for more valuable insights and strategies you can implement today.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
05:46 Evaluating Marketing Strategies and Balancing Channels Having data behind your marketing strategies helps you understand what you keep doing and where you pivot. Creating a balance between long-term and more agile strategies can help you balance what you need now while working towards longer term projects.

13:27 Leveraging Google Ad Grants and Content Strategy When utilizing Google Ad Grants, create versatile content that can be used across multiple channels. Understand where your audience is and focus on quality over quantity in marketing efforts.

22:01 Adapting Marketing Strategies to Organizational Changes Adapt marketing strategies to align with changing organizational goals. The START framework emphasizes the need for strategy before tactics. Don't forget about the importance of connecting marketing efforts to organizational outcomes and preparing for unexpected “trigger events.”

30:07 Evaluating Marketing Efforts and Frequency of Review Review your marketing activities quarterly at a minimum, with more frequent reviews for high-volume campaigns. Balance consistent strategies with the flexibility to adapt to new opportunities or challenges.

Corey Morris
Corey is an experienced industry speaker, best-selling author, and the owner/leader of VOLTAGE digital marketing agency.

His new book, The Digital Marketing Success Plan (available on Amazon), published in July 2024 and details why companies need a documented, objective, and accountable digital marketing plan in today's era of unprecedented change in the digital marketing industry. He provides the context for why having a plan is important, real stories, and “how to” content for creating and implementing a plan leveraging his five-step START Planning process.

Learn more at https://voltage.digital/corey-video-mtg
https://www.facebook.com/voltagekc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreymorris/

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