Thanks for Your Help -- Nonprofit Tagline Survey Report Due July 2008

Update, February 26, 2008

It's in the bag.

Thanks to all of you who helped who participated in the tagline survey and helped spread the word.I'm thrilled with the depth and breadth of response (over 1,870 responses; with more than 1,100 taglines), and can't wait to parse it all.

Here's the plan:
I'm already combing over results and will release a free report including all taglines submitted in July.  Meanwhile, I'll keep you posted.

Best,
Nancy
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Update --- February 21, 2008 Now more than 1,850 of your colleague nonprofit marketers have responded to to the nonprofit tagline survey, but I want to hear from you.

The more responses, the more valid the data, the bigger the first-ever nonprofit tagline directory, and the better the guidance I'll give to your org on shaping the most powerful tagline possible.

Please share your organization's tagline data and perspective today. The survey won't take you more than three minutes, max.

Remember, only those who respond to the survey will get the full report -- complete with best practices, tips and case studies -- at no charge.
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In today's competitive marketing environment, is your  nonprofit's tagline strong enough to get attention and provoke questions?

Does your organization's tagline complement your org's name, convey the unique value you deliver your community, and differentiate you from the competition? (Americorps' "Getting Things Done" is a great example of a tagline that works on all three fronts.)

Or is your org's tagline vague, ambiguous, over-reaching, too abstract or simply non-existent?

Your tagline is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. That's why I'm making a special effort in 2008 to help nonprofits like yours craft better taglines.

Please help me launch this research project by taking less than 3 minutes of your time to complete this short survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=zjXNjEU9fh1wCcHCZelFYQ_3d_3d

In return for your valuable time, you'll get guidance on best practices and tips for improving your tagline when the Getting Attention Tagline Report is published in July.

I'd like to send you a copy of the report. If you're interested, please provide your email where requested.

Thanks much.

P.S. Read these articles to strengthen your tagline today:

1. Why Nonprofits Need Strong Taglines
2. Seven Dos and Don'ts for Strong Nonprofit Taglines

Missing out on the Getting Attention e-newsletter? Subscribe now for in-depth articles and case studies on nonprofit marketing.You'll get first access to research like this, plus other coverage to ensure marketing impact.

3 Quick Ways to Hook the Survey Responses Your Organization Needs

Yep, you heard me right. Needs. Because your organization needs the ongoing feedback from your audiences, each and every one of them, not once but often.

Online surveys are a quick and dirty way to get it, but the problem is that everyone's caught on. And your audiences are probably suffering the same "oh, not another survey request" ennui that you are.

I knew I was diving into this dilemma when I asked Getting Attention readers to respond to our latest survey of nonprofit marketers (findings here). So made sure to hook folks by:

• Making the survey short, and telling prospective participants how long it would take them to answer; and
• Clearly articulating the benefit that they'd get from responding (their challenges and agendas would be more directly addressed in coming Getting Attention coverage.)

And there's one more approach recommended by Marketing Sherpa -- and relevant to every organization and foundation in the advocacy policy arena -- tell prospective participants that survey results will be used to help change, or reinforce, legislation.

Put these tactics to use to ensure you get as many survey responses as possible, this round and in the future.

Get the Getting Attention e-news? Subscribe now for key articles and case studies on nonprofit communications.

Nonprofits Fail to Track Marketing Impact, Getting Attention Survey Shows

More than 55% of nonprofits are frustrated by lack of resources and leadership support for marketing, but only 37% do the tracking that generates increased budgets and confidence.

Full press release on findings here (PDF file); please forward to your colleagues. 

These just-released results provide a snapshot of key trends and benchmarks for nonprofit marketing and communications, drawn from communicators working in or with nearly 350 nonprofit organizations and foundations.  The 2007 Nonprofit Marketing Survey provides an across-the-board look at how well leading nonprofit marketing initiatives are performing.       

Some key findings:    

• Only 37% of Nonprofits Track Marketing Impact, but without that Data You're Driving Blind -- implement a marketing evaluation plan today
• Most 2007 Marketing Agendas Focus on 2 or more of 5 Key Opportunities --Over 50% of nonprofit communicators are placing their bets on these strategies
• 2006 Marketing Successes Many and Varied -- from surpassing fundraising goals and gaining leadership buy-in to consistent, pithy Messaging
• Nonprofit Marketers Want to Hurdle these "Big 3" Barriers Faced in 2006 -- Over 55% of your colleagues cite lack of resources and/or leadership support as their major challenge. 

More on Survey Respondents                     

• Survey respondents work in a variety of positions:
  • 47% -- Marketing and Communications
  • 15% -- Leadership
  • 15% -- Fundraising
  •   6% -- Board Members
  • 17% -- Other
• And in a broad range of organizations:
  • 29% -- Human Services
  • 25% -- Education
  • 20% -- Civil Society (civil rights, community, advocacy, philanthropy)
  • 17% -- Arts & Culture
  • 9%  -- Other (international, spiritual, service

Take a look at the complete survey results now for a better understanding of ways to punch up your nonprofit marketing, and some inspiration from colleagues in the field.

Get the Getting Attention e-news? Subscribe now for key articles and case studies on nonprofit communications.

Seek 120 More Survey Responses for Valid Survey Sample Size -- Want to Know Your Biggest Challenges, Successes and Frustrations

Update -- February 16, 2007

Thanks to all of you, and I mean the more than 1,000 of you, who have already responded to my survey. Now I'm looking for 100 folks to ensure I have a valid sample size.

I'd really appreciate your help in finishing this project. It'll get you some great tips from peers, and some revealing insights into the world of nonprofit communciations outside of your own organization.

So don't stop at go. Please take 5 minutes now to respond to the survey.

Thanks so much,
Nancy

Nancy E. Schwartz

Publisher, Getting Attention Blog and E-Newsletter

P.S. If the link doesn't work, please cut-and-paste this link into your Web browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=711542996299

______________________

As you may know, I'm conducting a survey of nonprofit and foundation communicators.   

Let me tell you why I'm doing this, and how you can help.

Since 2002, I've published more than 60 Getting Attention e-news articles on a wide range of nonprofit and foundation communication strategy and tactical issues. Plus more than 200 blog posts in the last year.

Every one of them is aimed at helping you do a better job carrying out positive change in your community and chosen field of service.

You can read these articles--a library covering such topics as Branding and Messages, Blogging, Cause Marketing, Copywriting, Email and E-Newsletters, Graphic Design, Media and Press Relations, Planning and Evaluation, and Strategy--here.

I couldn't have written these features without your help. And I'm extremely grateful for all of the constructive feedback, comments and support you have offered over the years.

By the way, you are now a part of a growing community of more than 3,200 nonprofit professionals who rely on Getting Attention content to do their jobs even better.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Yes, this is a heart-felt request for your participation in audience research.

I need your help to keep Getting Attention going and getting better.

Your answers to my survey questions are crucial because they shape content and strengthen the utility of your Getting Attention e-news and blog.

The survey will take you no more than five minutes. 

I will reward your effort with improved, how-to case studies and articles that you'll be  able to put to use quickly and easily in your own organization.

I hope you think it's a fair trade for your time.

So, please take the survey now.

And I'd be grateful if you would forward this request to friends and colleagues in the field as I'm striving for a reliable survey sample size for most accurate results.

Get the Getting Attention e-news? Subscribe now for key articles and case studies on nonprofit communications.

 

What are Your Marketing Challenges and Goals for 2007? -- 7 Questions (and an Invite) for '07

Just In -- Monday, January 22

I've received hundreds of useful responses to this survey but am still waiting to hear from you.

Please take a few minutes to answer the survey today. It's short.

Thanks so much,

Nancy

P.S. If the link doesn't work (lots of Survey Monkey glitches lately), please cut-and-paste this link into your Web browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=711542996299

____________________________________________________________________________________

I know that you, like me, are probably crazed tackling your to-do list for the coming year.

But please, give me 7 minutes of your time today to answer this survey on your 2007 communications challenges and goals.

One thing that remains constant year round is the need for timely info and insights on trends and best practices in marketing and communications, nonprofit and beyond.

My report back on survey responses will highlight these crucial changes and models, so you can sharpen your communications to be more effective than ever.

That survey link again.

Thanks, in advance, for your time and effort.

Warmly,
Nancy

P.S. If the link doesn't work (lots of Survey Monkey glitches lately), please cut-and-paste this link into your Web browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=711542996299

Online Survey Case Studies Showcase Value and Best Practices for Nonprofits

I was tickeled to see a recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, crowing about the value of online surveys for nonprofits. I, and many other nonprofit communicators, have been using and promoting online surveys as an efficient, affordable and effective audience research tool for over five years now.
I guess that's validation when the "mainstream media" catches up.

Anyway, reporter Marilyn Dickey cited some useful nonprofit case studies:

• The Association of Fundraising Professionals has for a few years now used an online survey for their annual research on fundraisers' salaries and benefits:
  
  • The old way, a hard copy survey mailed to 4,000 fundraisers, took months for printing, mailing and waiting for replies
  • With the online approach, most responses are received within 48 hours of distribution.
  • Since results can be downloaded into database or spreadsheet software, no keying is required
  • Annual survey costs are now $5,000, instead of $30,000.
• San Francisco's Family Caregiver Alliance(FCA) uses online surveys to get feedback from its consituencies.
  • FCA could never have afforded "traditional" audience research
  • Use Zoomerange to create and deliver online surveys on customer satisfaction
  • Good response rate as audience members seem motivated to answer then review results (that's usually an option, FCA says that their audience is interested in what their peers think too)
  • Challenge in that some audience members
    • Don't have online access (especially seniors)
    • Have disabilities
  • Critical to choose an online survey tool carefully, and to review how its accessible to those with disabilities.

Thanks Marilyn for these instructive lessons learned. Go to the article for more.

More information on how to choose an online survey tool here.

Great Example of Online Survey on Communications Impact

I received an email request yesterday from the Communications Initiative (CI), asking me to take 15 minutes (way longer than I recommend, keep it to five minutes if possible, ten at most) to complete their online survey.

CI produces a fabulous website compiling information, links, discussion boards, case studies and more content on development communications worldwide. Its a great resource, and clearly a significant investment in time and money (if only to cover the human resource). So it makes sense for the CI team to ask readers what they need and what could be done better on the CI site.

Although the survey is long (too long, if you ask me, which will deter recipients from answering it), the team has done a great job of asking the right questions. Take a look at this model of effective audience research. You'll get some great ideas for your next survey.