Have you ever stopped to think about how much technology has changed in the past 20 years? Smaller computers. Online video and music streaming. Faster, smarter, and wireless phones. A world of information at our fingertips with Google. It’s certainly a digital age we live in!
For nonprofits, it’s especially important to stay on top of digital trends to remain relevant in this age of change. In this blog, we’ll share how to be “tech wise.” That includes how to have a tech wise mindset, trends to be aware of, and resources that your organization may find helpful to stay tech-savvy.
For even more in-depth information, watch the recap of our webinar covering 2019 Digital Trends! Our CEO, Chad Williams, gives an exclusive look at how current tech trends offer exciting marketing and communication opportunities for nonprofits.
Without further ado, let’s jump in!
Tech Wise Mindset
There are 5 marks of a healthy digital mindset.
1. Outreach – Not just channel.
Think of technology as an outreach. Not just fundraising. Not just marketing. But being able to use the digital space to have a real impact for the audience you serve.
2. Relationship – Conversation, not a proclamation.
It’s not just about sending out emails; it’s about listening and engaging. Do you reply to people on social media? Are you building a relationship with your audience?
3. Personalized – Not generic.
Think about Amazon… Everything is tailored to you.
Now think about your organization’s website… Does the content change based on who’s visiting it?
4. Integrated – And ubiquitous.
Technology today touches everything. Is the technology you use integrated to make everyone’s life easier? Or are there too many systems that don’t fit well together?
5. Dynamic – Not static.
Technology is constantly changing. Remember that what’s working today may not be what’s working tomorrow. Allow your organization to be flexible when technological changes surface.
Tech Trends for Nonprofits
Security and Privacy
Just this month, DoorDash announced that they had a data breach that compromised the information of 4.9 million people. It’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of security breaches, but there are certain things your organization can do to reduce the risk.
- Make sure you are using a modern CRM, like VirtuousCRM for example. Outdated CRM systems have many more potential security holes.
- Update your website plugins – especially if you’re using a website framework that lots of people are using, like WordPress.
- Follow GDPR guidelines if you do any work overseas. The EU announced GDPR (or Global Data Protection Regulations) last May, but we predict that similar regulations will make their way to the U.S. in the next year or so.
Helpful Resource: Our free GDPR Guide covers everything nonprofits need to know about these new guidelines and their implications for your website. Download it here!
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Imagine using virtual reality to show potential donors exactly what your organization is doing overseas. They could see working conditions, people’s needs, and the joy your work is bringing to those you serve. Talk about compelling story-telling!
We recommend investing early if this sounds feasible for your organization, especially if you want to share captivating stories with major donor prospects in a unique way.
Voice User Interface
Think about Amazon’s Alexa, or Google Home, and the ways these VUI devices can control all areas of the house. Voice User Interface systems have quickly started taking the world by storm.
In the U.S., 26.2% of people own a smart speaker! That’s a massive audience that your organization could be reaching. Here at Five Q we believe that VUI will become huge for nonprofits in a few years, so why not jump on this hot trend?
Does your organization have a podcast? Is it available on Alexa? It really should be.
Speaking of podcasts, if your organization is considering creating a podcast but you aren’t sure if it fits your mission, we’ve got some resources to help below.
Helpful Resources:
- Last month’s popular webinar: Why Podcasting Might Be Your Game-Changing Strategy
- Our podcasting blog post: Podcasting for Nonprofits
Personalization
Have you ever visited a website, seen a popup to join their email newsletter, and joined the email list? How about the worst part: every time you visit the website months later you STILL get the exact same popup. Kind of annoying right?
This example shows the importance of personalization on a website. No one wants to have a website that annoys users instead of engaging them. Personalization tools help you show a specific message to people depending on where they are in your marketing cycle.
Nonprofits care about personalization because it helps to build a deeper relationship with people who have a heart for their mission and might even donate in the future.
Revive Our Hearts was able to increase their monthly donors by 48% using personalization! You can do the same.
Helpful Resource: Our personalization tool, Journity, was created specifically for nonprofits to capture, connect, and convert people already on your website so you can reach a higher ROI on marketing initiatives and ultimately increase impact. Download and install the software here for free!
Hopefully, after reading this you feel more tech wise! Don’t forget to check out all of the free resources attached, they can make a big difference for your organization’s digital future. And as always, feel free to reach out with questions. Our team is excited to serve you!