I have been writing quite a bit about the principles and concepts of CRM for Nonprofits lately. Why? It’s simple. Almost every client I visit with today seeking a donor database or membership system seems to desire the basic tenants of CRM which seem to be nonexistent in many of the traditional tools on the market today. Certainly, you can check out our prior posts on CRM software for nonprofits. But, in this brief article, I outline 4 of the best tips to reap the value of Customer Relationship Management Software.
The 4 Best CRM Software for Nonprofits Tips in 2015
First Tip
Can we agree that we are all inundated with electronic-generated information? CRM can help you and your organization stand apart from the crowd by doing something different from your peers vying for their attention. How? Simply create and distribute your appeals, newsletters, and acknowledgments of donations off-line. Certainly, you will need a good list with integrity and one that is easily produced. That’s one aspect of CRM. If your donor list isn’t too large, write a hand-written letter of thanks to your donors. Or, pen hand-written notes on the acknowledgment letters for the top donors. Always call your first-time donors to thank them for their gifts. Make them see how special they are. Integrate all communications. In addition to producing the list in CRM, track your activity, and set up a To Do follow-up to check in. Easy stuff can make a big impact.
Second Tip
For almost all organizations and especially nonprofits, your website is the on-line connection between you and your members (donors, customers etc.) throughout the year. CRM software and your database should be integrated so that you do not lose that important activity history. Update content weekly. Make visitors want to stay on the site and return soon. If integrated with an email marketing solution, use email lists stored in your CRM database. CRM should integrate all communication touch points (snail mail and electronic).
Third Tip
Here is the third tip. Your record keeping is your lifeline and the key to meeting the funding mission of your organization. Yep, you guessed it. CRM Software is valuable there too. If you have to spend a little more money to get a CRM software that works like the programmer designed it especially for your organization, do it. The CRM database houses the current contact information, donation information, and creates reports that allow you to see retention rates and donation rates from year to year. And, by all means train everyone in your organization to use the database software — and the information it provides. I realize that this is a basic tip but unfortunately isn’t always done.
Fourth Tip
Remember, interactions between you and your donors are key. CRM Software now allows you to keep pictures on your constituents. So, when you talk to them or see them at that next event, you can easily put a name with a face. I must admit that I struggle with remembering names. CRM Software does and can help folks like me to remember faces and names and greet them as friends whenever you see them at functions. With CRM, I believe that my clients can make their members or donors feel more special with this one little added bonus of CRM Software at your nonprofit.
Ok, I have shared with you four quick tips of mine. How about you? If you use a CRM Software at your Nonprofit let me know others I may be missing.
And, if you are looking for a CRM Software platform for your Nonprofit, we can help you find the software that best suits your needs. To talk more about this, or anything else, please contact us.
Until next time, keep SmartThoughts in mind.
