NTEN Conference 2014: An X Recap

Every year, nonprofit tech enthusiasts gather for the Nonprofit Technology Network’s annual conference. It’s a frenzied weekend of networking, exhibitions, and break-out sessions on different topics. It’s an awesome couple of days, but if you missed out this year, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best fundraising gems tweeted by conference-goers:

1.  “You should never have to go four steps deep to find anything on a web site.” #14ntc #14ntcpersonas — Cody Switzer (@clswitzer) March 13, 2014

Your website should never be complicated. If someone has to click and click and click to get to your donation page, you’re going to lose your donors’ interest. Period. Instead of making them click through a bunch of pages to get to the right giving campaign or event page, try setting up restrictions on your form and letting your donors choose from there!

2.  “All nonprofits are tech nonprofits. Whatever you are doing, some of it can be done better with technology.” #14ntc — Maddie Grant (@maddiegrant) March 13, 2014

If you don’t think your nonprofit needs up-to-date technology, think again! Having updated tools that are more efficient than, say, humongous Excel spreadsheets will save your employees’ time and sanity.

3.  “Change is a threat when done to me. An oppty when done by me.” #14NTCchange (@RosabethKanter) #14ntc pic.twitter.com/FWZ1ynr59Q @amydemaria — Amanda P. (@LivingUnited) March 13, 2014

Change can be threatening! Take the bull by the horns and turn that threat into an opportunity.

4.  “Facebook is for the heart, X is for the brain.” #14NTCacbigdata #14NTC — Mark Hrywna (@mhrywna) March 13, 2014

Knowing how to target your content to different groups on social media is critical to a successful social campaign. Facebook is best for tugging at audiences’ heartstrings, and X is the best for sharing hard facts and knowledge.

5.  “You can’t win a campaign w/#socialmedia, but you will lose without it” #14ntcglobal #14ntc — Joleen Ong (@joleendearest) March 13, 2014

Fundraising isn’t as easy as getting a couple thousand “likes” on Facebook. A good social strategy alone won’t accomplish your fundraising goal, but NOT having a good strategy can break you.

6.  “If you don’t think technology is part of everyone’s job, then try getting things done without it.” #14ntc — Steve MacLaughlin (@SMacLaughlin) March 14, 2014

From the board president to the summer intern, technology is a critical part of every team member’s job. Make sure they have the tools they need to make your nonprofit a success.

7.  “Don’t treat donors all the same, analyze where your spending marketing $$. @CardinalPath ‘Not all donors provide same value'” #14ntc — Raymund Flandez (@raymundf23) March 14, 2014

If you’re spending the same amount of marketing effort on small events as you are on, say, your major gifts procurement, you probably need to reevaluate your strategy. Be deliberate and careful about your spending to get the best returns on your investment.

8.  “Always was, always will be // Your brand now is more than your logo, more than your copy and your fonts.” #14NTCux #14NTC — Jereme Bivins (@jcbivins) March 14, 2014

Your brand is more than the color scheme on your website. Your brand is who you are, what you do, and how you do it. Basically, your brand is what people think of when they hear your name. Your job isn’t over when you finally choose what sans-serif font you want in your e-mails; there’s more to it than that!

9.  “Yes! Jason Wilson from @nokidhungry says: ‘The general public is not your audience. Get specific.'” #14NTCWinIt #14ntc — Leah Stern (@leahmstern) March 14, 2014

Successful nonprofit marketing should be segmented and specific. Learn about the different types of donors that support you and tailor your messages to fit them.

10.  “Don’t broadcast your message with the expectation that millennials will reply. Have a conversation.” #14NTCgeny #14NTC — Shubhagata Sengupta (@shubsengupta) March 14, 2014

Nobody, especially not millennials, are sitting around on their computers waiting for your newest update. Stay at the forefront of your audience’s minds by engaging with them and listening to what they have to say.