It was tiny and well-loved. Being small and immensely popular, it was usually overcrowded.

The brilliant team at the museum set out to find a bigger space and ran a successful capital campaign to expand to a much larger location.

The new space was phenomenal—from outdoor climbing and obstacle courses, interactive exhibits that spanned life-size light-up games, to aeronautics with flying balls, to roller coaster physics, to water play with sound bowls.

Adults had as much fun as the children. The development director recruited members to become donors at invitation-only ‘after-hours’ events, where the adults roamed the museum, slid down slides, and tinkered and played at every exhibit to their hearts’ content. Like the set of the movie Night at the Museum, these guests had the whole museum to themselves.

There was just one problem. Despite the museum’s much-expanded footprint, it still had massive overcrowding.

Aside from giving to the capital campaign or a traveling exhibit, most of the museum’s fundraising asks were to give to their open-door policy that provided free entry for families without the financial resources to pay for admission.

Admirable goal. But hard to sell when the space was packed to the gills with hordes of families and a madhouse of children trying to play at each exhibit.

A lot of members—especially those lucky enough to go to the after-hours events—wanted a museum experience that didn’t involve fighting crowds.

Members asked staff whether they might add a fee or an exclusive member benefit at a higher member level for the special perk of ‘free range playtime’ before the museum opened to the public, after-hours or overnight events, but the staff wasn’t interested.

If you’re a museum, arts, or culture organization, you may be in this same dilemma. On the surface, it may look like space is the issue. It isn’t. It’s understanding donor motivations.

Most fundraising is helping ‘other people.’ But when you’re fundraising for arts or cultural organizations, donations don’t *just* help other people. They also benefit the donor. Yes, other people do indeed get something out of it, but donors generally give to enrich their lives.

A big reason why members choose to become donors is to enhance their own experience. It’s critical for the fundraising staff who handle membership to understand what motivates these donors.

Here are four different donor motivations and how you can use them in your fundraising to raise more gifts from members for your museum, cultural, or arts organization:

1. Donor benefits

Benefits are anything donors receive that enhances their experience. They can be practical, like premium parking, early access to sell-out tickets, access to lounges or the museum before or after regular operating hours, access to private events or exclusive events, or discounts for the gift shop or merchandise. Consider offering more aesthetic benefits like meet-the-artist events, backstage passes, tickets to dress rehearsals, and more.

2. Sustaining the museum (or art form)

Donors realize that it costs more to run a museum than their membership fees and that donations fill the gap. Their passion for your museum—or art form, preservation, or conservation efforts—drives them to give, ensuring these cherished spaces remain open and thriving. Engage these donors by reminding them of the emotions and experiences your museum evokes, using compelling storytelling to deepen their connection and inspire continued support.

Here’s an example of that in a monthly giving appeal targeting donors to a preservation organization:

Dear %Firstname%,

Your generosity and kindness protect the trails and forests of the beautiful Blue Hills.

I imagine that each time you come to the Blue Hills, you feel like I do.

Calmer. Happier. Rejuvenated.

When I visit the Blue Hills, I leave happier. If I’m with my family, we feel closer. After I bike or hike alone, I feel more connected to myself. Peaceful and grateful.

The walks I take each week remind me that the Blue Hills is a sacred space, first cared for by indigenous peoples. And now, it’s my turn to do my part.

That’s why I joined a dedicated group of supporters by becoming a Best Friend of the Blue Hills with a $50 monthly donation.

Because of your love for our beautiful Blue Hills, I’m sending you this special invitation today to join our monthly giving club, Best Friends of the Blue Hills.

When you become a Best Friend of the Blue Hills, you provide a steady and reliable source of income to ensure the preservation of the forest and trails you love.

%Firstname%, it’s only with your monthly gift that we can preserve these trails and native plant species.

Your generous monthly gift of:

$10 = Buys supplies to cut branches that block the trails.

$15 = Sends an ecologist to train volunteers to remove invasives at Fowl Meadow

$20 = Sends a trail maintenance expert to train volunteers to reduce soil erosion

If you sign up before March 3rd, you can raise an extra $5,000 through a generous donor match!

%Firstname%, when you become a Best Friend today, you’ll make sure the Blue Hills will be there for all of us to enjoy tomorrow.

Please, will you be our best friend?

Thank you for your love and support of the Blue Hills!

For the Blue Hills,

John Doe

P.S. Donate before March 3 to ensure an additional $5,000 is given to the Blue Hills!

3. Recognition

Donors who give to the arts like the recognition that comes with their gift. Hence, lots of naming opportunities—from the seats to the bricks outside, to programs, to endowed chairs. Here’s a great example of how the National WWII Museum does that:

“Take a moment to reflect on your personal connection to World War II. Maybe your father or grandfather served in the Pacific or fought across the plains of Europe. Or perhaps your mother or grandmother supported the war effort by powering the “arsenal of democracy” here at home. Whatever their involvement, it deserves permanent recognition on the Honor Roll at America’s National WWII Museum. Become a member today and ensure that your family’s legacy is never forgotten.”

4. Community pride

Many philanthropists and corporate sponsors support museums and arts organizations to boost the quality of life in the cities they hold dear. To magnify these feelings in your donors, speak with them directly about the role your museum (or art form) plays in the community.

Take the Brooklyn Museum, for example:

“The Brooklyn Museum is one of the world’s most welcoming and contemporary encyclopedic museums and is every bit Brooklyn: creative, relevant, diverse, and trailblazing. When you join as a Member, you celebrate the great art, big ideas, and courageous conversations that can only be found here.”

So, what’s the secret to turning members into passionate donors? It’s all about understanding what drives them. When you tap into their motivations—whether it’s enhancing their experience, sustaining the museum, receiving recognition, or boosting community pride—you create a deeper connection. These aren’t just one-time gifts; they’re investments in a shared love for the arts and culture. Keep your finger on the pulse of what matters most to your members, and you’ll find your fundraising efforts meet and exceed expectations.

Was your museum or arts organization able to raise more gifts from members? Drop your strategy it in the chat!  

The post Raise More Gifts From Members By Understanding Their Motivations appeared first on Bloomerang.

Culture, arts, and environmental organizations live and breathe memberships. Advocacy and professional associations thrive on them. Lots of household nonprofit brands, like the AARP, ACLU, Girl Scouts, Human Rights Campaign, and the YMCA, use a membership model.

What is a membership model?

A membership is a type of business plan where individuals pay a recurring fee—dues—to access the value an organization creates.

Who could you target as a member?

Your nonprofit’s natural constituency is the community you work in every day.

Your constituents are the people you serve, advocate for, or organize—and who directly benefit from your work. Schools have students and alums. Hospitals have patients, often referred to as “grateful patients.”

If you lack a natural constituency, think about who your ideal constituent might be by asking yourself:

• Who’s interested in our work?
• What’s their primary motivation for becoming involved with our organization?
• How can or do we add value to their lives?
• What are their demographic attributes?

Strategies to attract and recruit new members

I promised you 19 tips to supercharge your membership strategy, and here they are, neatly packaged into five strategic approaches. Each approach targets an essential aspect of membership recruitment and engagement, offering a clear roadmap to expand your nonprofit’s base. From mobilizing your current members to maximizing digital tools, these strategies will help you amplify your reach and forge a more connected and committed community.

Engage current members to recruit new members

Your current members aren’t just part of your community; they’re your best advocates for drawing in new members. Harnessing their credibility, trust, and intimate knowledge of your organization’s mission can supercharge your recruitment efforts. Plus, involving them deepens their own sense of connection and camaraderie, turning your community into a welcoming family that keeps growing.

1. Solicit your current members for their recruitment ideas.
2. Ask them to list their membership in their professional bios on LinkedIn.
3. Help members craft an “elevator pitch” about their membership so they’re ready to recruit.
4. Give your members ‘business cards’ to hand out to prospective members when they meet them.
5. Extend a recurring “bring a friend” plus one invite for your events.
6. Hold a recruitment contest with special perks for current members and recognition for when they recruit new members.
7. Make it easy by crafting an invitation email template your members can use.
8. Give members a button or pin and encourage them to wear it.
9. Invite current members to a call-back campaign to win back lapsed members.

Embrace social media and digital marketing

Mastering social media and digital marketing is non-negotiable in today’s connected world. Use these dynamic platforms to cast a wide net and connect with potential members by showcasing what makes your nonprofit unique. This strategy doesn’t just boost your visibility; it’s your direct line to engage with a diverse audience and start meaningful conversations.

10. Use your social platforms to run targeted ads that reach prospective members based on their interests, location, and demographics.
11. Create engaging and shareable content like videos, testimonials, and graphics highlighting the unique benefits of membership.
12. Run email marketing campaigns that offer special promotions or highlight exclusive benefits for new members.

Ignite interest with limited-time promotions

Nothing spices up an offer like the magic words: “limited time.” Use this approach to inject excitement and urgency into your membership drive. Dangling enticing membership perks for a brief period may help nudge those on the fence to leap into action.

13. Create a sense of urgency with special, limited-time perks.
14. To encourage current members to refer friends and family, offer a special perk to both the referrer and the new member.
15. Combine these promotions with compelling testimonials, and watch prospect interest transform into loyal commitment.

Create connections through special events and open houses

Why not invite potential members to step into your world? Let them meet your vibrant community and witness the impact of your efforts firsthand. These experiences are not just informative; they’re transformational, often tipping the scales for attendees to join your cause.

16. Host “member for a day” open house events where potential members can experience the benefits of membership firsthand. These events can feature exclusive tours or free classes. Consider getting a corporate sponsor to invite their contacts and underwrite the event.
17. Offer special perks to those who sign up for a membership on the spot at your public community events.

Expand your horizons with partnerships and collaborations

Why go it alone when you can join forces? Collaborating with local businesses and other nonprofits can supercharge your membership offers. Whether with bundled memberships or exclusive discounts, these partnerships do more than just widen your pool of prospects—they enrich your membership, making it irresistibly appealing.

18. Develop partnerships with local businesses that can offer discounts or special deals to your members and, in return, promote your membership program to their customers.
19. Collaborate with other nonprofits to cross-promote membership programs; for example, an art museum could partner with a local theater to offer joint memberships or discounts.

There you have it—19 ways to supercharge your nonprofit membership base!

Remember, a vibrant membership community is built over time. It takes a mix of creativity, consistency, and genuine connection. By engaging your current members, working social media, offering special promotions, hosting memorable events, and building strategic partnerships, you’ll create a compelling membership experience that keeps people coming back for more. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to watch your membership soar. Your community is waiting to be a part of something amazing—it’s time to invite them in and show them the difference they can make. Happy recruiting!

Are you actively trying to recruit new members? Let us know in the comments.

The post 19 Tips To Recruit New Members For Your Nonprofit appeared first on Bloomerang.

In short, a membership program offers members exclusive benefits and perks for a recurring fee. While anyone can engage with you, members pay dues to get additional value.

A well-designed membership program has compelling perks that clearly show why people should join. If you’re brainstorming how to create or enhance your membership perks, here’s a blueprint to help you get started.

Step one: Get feedback on the benefits they value most

Do you know which perks your members value most? Which do they value the least? Are there benefits they want that you don’t currently offer? Member surveys are a great tool to solicit feedback.

A few short sample questions are:

1. What inspired you to join [Organization Name]?
2. Would you like to share ideas for new member benefits, activities, or events?
3. How can [Organization name] improve or add to the membership experience?
4. Is anything making it difficult for you to use your membership benefits fully?
5. Do you have any additional feedback for us? We’re all ears!

Consider asking members to rate the importance of the following benefits:

• Members-only events or publications
• Early or private access or special pricing to events, workshops, classes, or activities
• Exclusive discounts on products or services
• Members-only merchandise
• Networking opportunities with other members
• Recognition

When conducting a survey, avoid making all questions mandatory. Invite members to take the survey several times and offer a compelling mission-related perk or incentive for their participation. At the end of the survey, always ask if they’d like to share anything. If you ask their name, be sure to do so at the end of the survey. Consider making that field optional in case a member wants to vent in confidence.

Step two: Offer value

Once you know what your members value the most, you can enhance your membership benefits. Reserve exclusive benefits to encourage people to opt for higher tiers.

Consider letting your members select their own benefits and pay for the perks they choose. For example, if you were a children’s museum, you could offer a ‘night at the museum’ benefit for a premium.

Step three: Steward your members

Look for ways to make members feel appreciated and recognized at every level. Solicit their feedback regularly, thank them publicly during events, and give them exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences.

Make sure every member gets a welcome kit at each membership level with branded content that reinforces your mission. Simple items like branded goodies, stickers, bookmarks, a map of your museum, park, or trails, coupons for vendors your members might frequent, or free entry tickets to your event(s) can surprise and delight your members.

Cultivating a thriving membership community

A thriving membership program is about understanding and meeting your members’ needs. By regularly gathering feedback, offering benefits they genuinely value, and consistently showing your appreciation, you can create a community that members love. If they love it, you can bet it’ll make recruiting new members easy, ensuring your nonprofit’s sustainability and growth. The secret sauce? Keep innovating and engaging with your members, making them feel vital to your mission. Happy members are the foundation of a successful nonprofit!

What are your favorite membership perks? Drop them in the comment box below! 

The post Affordable Ways To Delight Members If Your Nonprofit Has A Membership Model appeared first on Bloomerang.

Now that we’ve pinpointed the emotional roots that drive your members to step up as donors, let’s explore the specific emotional catalysts that can spark this shift and supercharge your fundraising efforts.

Unlocking donor potential: The power of emotional engagement

Unlocking the emotional triggers that inspire members to evolve into donors is key to amplifying the impact of any nonprofit. Here’s a straightforward look at what stirs the heart and opens the wallet.

Mastering the art of storytelling: Connecting heart to cause

Let’s talk about storytelling—it’s more than a buzzword. It’s about making your members feel something. Compelling storytelling does just that by transporting your supporters into the lives affected by their donations. When members hear about a specific person who overcame adversity because of their help, it paints a vivid picture of the impact and value of their contribution. This emotional journey can profoundly influence their decision to donate, as they see a direct link between their support and positive change.

Celebrating contributions: How recognition fuels donor retention

Recognition matters. When members donate, they’re not just giving away money but aligning with something larger than themselves. Acknowledging their contributions can boost their self-esteem and solidify their identity as supporters of a noble cause. It’s simple: when people feel good about themselves for doing something, they’ll likely do it again. So, a well-placed thank you or a shout-out can make all the difference in converting members to repeat donors.

Leveraging community Influence: Social proof in fundraising

Never underestimate the power of the crowd. Social proof is a formidable force in philanthropy. When members see their peers engaging in donations, they often follow suit. This isn’t just following the crowd—it’s becoming part of a community that champions a cause. Highlighting stories of other donors, primarily through events or social media, can effectively motivate members to join in and contribute, driven by a desire to be part of a successful communal effort.

Empowering donors: Creating impact with every contribution

Members convert into donors when they realize their power to effect change. Transparency about donation use and the specific differences they make empowers members. It’s about showing them they’re not just contributing financially; they’re helping to solve problems and bring about change. This sense of empowerment is crucial—it transforms the act of giving from a passive donation to an active contribution to a cause they care about.

Enhancing emotional connections with an all-in-one platform

Modern platforms like Bloomerang are not just tools; they’re catalysts for emotional engagement. By integrating everything—CRM, marketing automation, and advanced analytics—they ensure every message you send resonates deeply with what your members care about. This all-in-one giving platform seamlessly connects every step, from someone first hearing about your cause to making that crucial donation, using data-driven insights to shape interactions that tap into the emotions of each member that lead to donations.

Personalized engagement: Explore each member’s preferences with a nonprofit CRM like Bloomerang. The platform excels in parsing through data to offer actionable insights, enabling you to track everything from participation patterns in events to eventual donation trends. This isn’t just about collecting data about your donors; it’s about really getting to know them and crafting communications that make every interaction with members personal and meaningful, setting the stage for them to become donors.

Research supports the effectiveness of personalized engagement in nonprofit donations. One study found that over 40% of respondents are more likely to donate if they receive a personalized experience. Of these, a quarter would donate at least 25% more, and nearly 10% would increase their donations by more than 50%. The key to personalization, according to two-thirds of respondents, is regular updates on the impact of their donations. Other studies show that personalized calls to action can improve conversion rates by more than 200%.

Strategic event management: Solutions like Bloomerang can help you transform every event from a simple gathering to a robust relationship-building exercise. It’s about ensuring you know who’s coming, what they care about, and following up in a way that transforms a one-time attendee into a lifelong supporter. This platform guarantees that no detail is overlooked, from capturing essential contact info to tailoring post-event communications that strike a chord.

Segmentation and targeted communication: Bloomerang advanced segmentation helps you refine your communications to better align with each donor’s interests and history with your organization. By customizing messages based on specific donor data, you enhance the relevance of each interaction. This targeted communication strategy helps increase donor engagement and supports ongoing relationships, thereby improving the likelihood of continued support.

Legacy and planned giving: Encourage members to think beyond the immediate future. Bloomerang simplifies the process of securing legacy gifts. By efficiently managing donor data and highlighting the potential impacts of these gifts, the platform makes it easier for you to demonstrate the enduring value of such contributions to your supporters. This approach not only clarifies the significance of legacy gifts but also assists you in effectively communicating how these gifts can provide long-term support for your cause.

Donor stewardship: Immediate gratitude is just the beginning. Using Bloomerang, you can automate those crucial first thank-yous and schedule follow-up calls that make donors feel genuinely valued. Keep the momentum going with regular updates on how their gift is making a difference and invitations to get involved in new ways.

Automating processes and insights: The ability to automate processes that previously required manual effort is a major strategic advantage. This automation frees up valuable resources, enabling your staff to focus more on strategy and relationship building. For example, automatic updates and reminders can keep members engaged without constant staff intervention, making them feel continuously connected to your cause.

Advanced reporting and analytics: Use sophisticated reporting and analytics tools like those found in Bloomerang to understand donation trends and member behavior. These insights are crucial for refining fundraising strategies and tailoring appeals to the interests and motivations of different member segments. Moreover, nonprofits that leverage technology to streamline their operations and enhance donor communications often see significant improvements in donor retention rates, sometimes by as much as 90%.

Using the Bloomerang all-in-one giving platform doesn’t just streamline your operations—it transforms the way you connect with your community. It’s about more than acquiring donors; it’s about creating passionate advocates for your cause. And that’s how you not only meet your fundraising goals but exceed them.

By embracing this technology, you’re not just keeping up; you’re staying ahead, making every member feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

The last word

As nonprofits continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, adopting comprehensive, integrated giving platforms like those offered by Bloomerang will become more crucial. These platforms not only simplify the technical aspects of managing a nonprofit but also enhance the members’ psychological engagement by providing the tools necessary to foster meaningful, lasting relationships. This, then, leads to higher conversion rates from members to donors, sustaining the nonprofit’s mission and expanding its impact.

Embracing these tools and understanding the psychological underpinnings of giving are key steps toward building a future where every member sees the value in becoming a donor, motivated by both the emotional connection to the cause and the seamless experience advanced technology delivers.

The post Motivating Members to Become Donors appeared first on Bloomerang.

Streamlining operations for optimal efficiency

One of the primary challenges facing nonprofits is managing donor and membership data. Manual processes, disparate databases, and Excel spreadsheets often lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. However, integrated platforms offer a solution.

Imagine having all donor and membership information centralized in one secure system. With an integrated platform, organizations can efficiently track donations, manage memberships, and analyze trends—all in real time. This streamlined approach frees up valuable time and resources, allowing nonprofits to focus on their core mission.

Enhancing engagement through personalization

Effective engagement is essential for nonprofit success. Today’s donors and members expect personalized interactions that demonstrate the organization’s appreciation for their support. Integrated platforms enable nonprofits to deliver precisely that.

Consider a scenario where a donor receives a personalized thank-you email moments after making a contribution. This email not only expresses gratitude but also provides a detailed breakdown of how their donation will be utilized. Similarly, a member receives a customized newsletter highlighting upcoming events and volunteer opportunities tailored to their interests. These personalized communications foster a sense of connection and loyalty among supporters.

Amplifying outcomes through data-driven insights

Data is a powerful tool for nonprofits, providing insights into donor behavior, engagement trends, and fundraising effectiveness. Integrated platforms consolidate donor and membership data, allowing organizations to harness their full potential.

With robust reporting and analytics tools, nonprofits can identify patterns, forecast trends, and refine their strategies accordingly. For instance, they can determine which fundraising campaigns resonate most with donors or which membership perks are most valued by members. By leveraging data-driven insights, organizations can optimize their efforts and maximize their impact.

Overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities

Implementing an integrated donor and membership management platform comes with its challenges, from initial setup to staff training. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term obstacles. By investing in the right technology and fostering a culture of innovation, nonprofits can future-proof their operations and stay ahead of the curve.

Moreover, integrated platforms offer nonprofits unlimited opportunities for nonprofits to expand their reach and deepen their impact. From targeted fundraising campaigns to seamless event management, the possibilities are endless. By fully leveraging these platforms, nonprofits can drive positive change in their communities.

The last word: unleashing potential through integration

The importance of an integrated donor and membership management platform cannot be overstated. By streamlining operations, enhancing engagement, and leveraging data-driven insights, these platforms serve as catalysts for nonprofit success. It’s time for organizations to embrace integration, unlock their full potential, and make a meaningful difference in the world. Together, we can drive positive change, one donation, one membership, and one interaction at a time.

The post Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Nonprofit with Unified Donor and Membership Management appeared first on Bloomerang.

In today’s Connection Economy, how does a membership program survive and thrive when there is so much competition for time and attention? The answer lies in the caring, generous humans who join causes and organizations that say something about themselves.

In this discussion, we’ll look a how membership programs can create a loyal community, give people a sense of belonging, provide predictable revenue, and foster deeper engagement with your supporters. Learn from real-world examples and expert insights on structuring membership tiers, offering exclusive benefits, and utilizing technology for seamless management of your membership program.

Learning Objectives:

• List the key elements of a membership program and how they foster engagement and community with supporters
• Develop a basic plan tailored to their organization’s needs and experiences that maximize membership engagement
• Analyze the effectiveness of their program and apply key performance indicators of success and involvement

Check out the slides from this webinar here

The post Identity, Affinity, and Access: The Makings of Membership appeared first on Bloomerang.

Each of these recruitment benefits ultimately makes future recruitment easier and increases member retention. No matter where you are in your membership recruitment journey, you can implement an array of strategies to expand your membership base. 

Let’s dive into the details of each approach to help you optimize your membership recruitment campaign.

1. Enhance and promote your membership benefits.

People want to join membership programs that will be worth the fees. For nonprofit organizations, they may be willing to pay a bit more in dues than they would to a for-profit organization, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on the benefits. 

Offering a variety of membership benefits helps with recruitment in two ways:

1. Member-driven promotion. Individuals who feel they gain a lot of value by being a member of your organization are more likely to recommend your nonprofit or association to friends and family. This is word-of-mouth marketing, and it’s one of the most effective but difficult-to-control marketing channels. Ultimately, current and former members will share their opinions on their experience with your membership program, and you can boost the odds they have positive things to say by creating a positive experience. 
2. Clear value-add. Why should a prospective member sign up with your nonprofit or association over a program offered by a similar organization? The answer to this question is your value-add, and it should be clear in nearly all of your marketing. For instance, a museum might offer members discount annual passes, an arts organization might have exclusive members-only classes, and a professional development program might offer access to an extensive network of professionals.

Before starting any membership recruitment campaign, revisit your current membership benefits. Ask yourself what benefits you provide, what needs your target audience has that those benefits fulfill, and how those benefits are unique from competitors. 

Identify areas where you can grow your membership benefits. For example, add a mentorship program or improve your continuing education offerings. Make sure to review member survey results. They can reveal where current members have made suggestions for improvement.

2. Attract your target audience through search. 

Prospective members need to be aware of your membership program before they can join. You can spread the word about your program in a number of ways, including social media ads, email newsletters, local events, and newspaper ads. 

Rather than a short ad burst, invest in the long-term health of your recruitment efforts with search engine optimization (SEO). Optimizing your website for search engines increases the chances that prospective members using platforms like Google will find your organization when searching relevant keywords.

Essentially, SEO amplifies your web presence and turns your website into a more reliable revenue-generating channel. By investing in SEO, you can source new leads to power your recruitment efforts indefinitely. 

To get started with SEO, follow these steps:

• Perform keyword research. When a prospective member wants to join an organization like yours, what types of words and phrases are they entering into search engines? These keywords might be related to your organization type like “professional associations for engineers,” or benefits you offer like “art classes for adults.” As part of your keyword research, try entering terms you think prospective members would search for into Google yourself and check out the results pages. If you see membership programs like yours, you might have identified strong potential keywords. 

• Assess your website’s technical performance. SEO is partially based on user experience, and users tend to have a positive experience on pages that load quickly, have no broken links, and are mobile-responsive. 

• Create keyword-optimized content. To rank highly for your chosen keywords, create high-quality, original content focused on those topics. Google considers web pages that demonstrate expertise, are well-researched, and align with users’ needs to be high-quality. 

If you feel your organization lacks the time, resources, or knowledge to complete any of these tasks, consider turning to an SEO marketing agency. These agencies can help nonprofits and associations promote their products, services, and membership programs by creating content, improving their websites for search, and connecting them with other organizations in their field.  

3. Host a membership drive.

Similar to how a nonprofit builds momentum and excitement for donors to be involved in year-end giving, you can also host a membership drive or campaign. A membership campaign generates excitement and interest in your work and puts your organization in front of more prospective members.

Your membership drive might involve:

• Member referral incentives. Offer current members a membership discount, free event registration, or gift cards when they refer a new member. Referrals can bring like-minded people into your organization.
• Prospective member events. Organize happy hours, lunch-and-learn sessions, or other opportunities for potential members to mingle and get a feel for your organization.
• Social media giveaways. Encourage online engagement and user-generated content by running contests for new and current members. Anyone who shares information about your campaigns will be entered to win prizes, such as branded swag or discounted membership.

Some membership initiatives can be ongoing programs, such as offering your referral incentives all year round, whereas others, like an event or giveaway, should have a clear deadline. 

Be strategic about when to create a sense of urgency. Doing so can quickly boost membership over a short period of time, but hosting too many “urgent” campaigns may make prospective members doubt just how exclusive various benefits are. 

4. Offer a volunteer opportunity.

Volunteering is a great way to bring people together. Invite your members to volunteer and your volunteers to join your membership program! For example, if you’re a culinary arts organization, you could organize a day to cook meals at a local homeless shelter and promote joining your culinary training program to volunteers. 

This lets prospective members casually network with current members and get more information about your organization. It also serves as a bonding experience as everyone dedicates their time to a good cause.

Follow up after the event to thank prospective members for volunteering their time. Let them know who they can contact if they have questions about your organization or want to join future events.

5. Open your major events to everyone.

You put time and effort into major events to ensure they reflect your organization’s values, benefit members, and create a memorable experience members will share with others. Rather than keeping these events exclusive, open up your annual events, such as your yearly conference, to everyone.

Some of the benefits of doing so include:

• Greater reach: An open-door approach to recruitment provides prospective members with a demo of what being a member is like. By opening your events to the broader public, you give them a glance into what your organization stands for and the benefits they could receive by being a member. 
• More networking: Your current members are one of your best marketing resources, and making them available to prospective members shows off and expands your network. Encourage current members to invite their non-member friends and family to attend open events or as plus ones to exclusive events. 
• Increased interest: If prospective members enjoy your annual event, they’ll become curious about what else your program offers. Use the opportunity to showcase other member benefits, like your networking events, regular member activities, and career development opportunities. 

Outside of events, you can continue this open-door approach by offering a free membership tier. This tier only has access to select parts of your membership program but continually advertises the additional benefits free members could receive if they decide to upgrade. 

6. Use a strategic social media approach.

Social media has an extensive reach and can be a creative way to recruit new members throughout the year. You can use your social media pages to:

• Spotlight current members
• Create behind-the-scenes videos
• Launch targeted ad campaigns
• Run membership giveaways

Social media marketing relies heavily on users sharing and engaging with your content. As such, make your content member-centric and get your current members involved in your promotion efforts. Tag them in membership spotlights, enter individuals who share your promotional posts into giveaways, and respond to current and prospective members’ comments on your posts. 

To encourage your current members to follow your social media accounts and interact with your content, promote your pages and make following them part of your welcome series. Then, in newsletters and other announcements, explain that your social media channels are the go-to platforms for getting updates on what’s happening at your nonprofit or association, even if you plan to continue using your website and email for promotion. 

Take Creative, Strategic Steps to Recruit More Members

Membership recruitment is a critical, ongoing process for your nonprofit or association’s health and future. Strategic membership recruitment ideas demonstrate the value of your organization to prospective members, helping you make a strong case for them to join.

As you plan a membership recruitment campaign, assess and improve the benefits you currently offer, open your events to the general public, and leverage your social media and other marketing channels to attract your target audience.

The post 6 Effective Membership Recruitment Ideas appeared first on Bloomerang.