The Power of a Simple Message: How Nonprofits Can Boost Engagement and Impact
How many times have you gotten lost in a maze of jargon only to lose interest? Nonprofits often face the challenge of communicating their mission, values, and impact to diverse audiences. In a world full of noise, here’s why simple, clear messaging will help your nonprofit stand out.
Why messaging matters
Gone are the days of undivided attention. We live in a time of information overload and multitasking. Simple, clear messaging makes it easier for your audience to connect emotionally to your cause, understand your mission, and decide to take action. It also builds credibility by demonstrating your organization is straightforward and transparent.
What makes a message simple?
There are three key elements of a simple message:
Conciseness: Keep it brief. Someone should be able to decipher the meaning of your message in just a few seconds.
Focus: Stay focused on the most essential aspect of your nonprofit’s work. Think of the majority of your communications like a 30-second elevator pitch.
A singular Call to Action (CTA): Include one CTA per communication that encourages immediate action.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Here are some key do’s and don’ts to help you steer clear of the most common pitfalls in nonprofit messaging.
Do assume your audience has a short attention span.
Do share an authentic message that is both personal and honest.
Do edit your message to focus on the one thing you want your audience to walk away with.
Don’t ask your audience to take multiple actions or scroll to get to the main point.
Don’t overcomplicate your message with technical terms, jargon, or salesperson language.
Don’t try to communicate too much at once.
The takeaway
Nonprofits need to be able to communicate in ways that inspire action. The simplest message is the one that sticks with a reader after they’ve closed their email. Review your messaging to see how you can simplify, clarify and get to the heart of your mission straight away.