Segmenting email messages is an important communication tool. If your organization can adjust content to be more specific to an audience you’ll be able to increase your open and action rates. Developing a plan for segmented messages begins before you write your email communication – it starts with your data management tool.
When developing segmented messages, it is critical that your data matches potential segments. Do you want to send an email to supporters that work in a particular industry? Are you accurately tracking that industry in your data management system? If not, how can you make adjustments before the communication plan begins?
Building accurate segments is important to constituent relationship management. Supporters can become frustrated if you segment poorly. If someone has signed up for an event, they may react poorly if they receive a message encouraging them to sign up.
Developing a plan for segments should also involve a cost-benefit analysis. If you don’t have the data for segments readily available, how much time will it take to develop them? Is the staff time worth with the potential benefit from the segment? These are questions to consider as you begin developing your communication plan.
Below are a few links from the week. For further fun, check out our Tumblr.
- Social Media Explorer shares how to make in-stream twitter images stand out.
- Andrea Kihlstedt discusses how the donor pyramid is changing and being energized.
- How important is it to optimize and socialize your online content? Content Marketing Institute addresses the importance and provides tips.
- NTEN and GrantCraft launched new websites this week. NTEN provides an interview on their website relaunch.
- Emily Yu from the Case Foundation discusses the way that millennials change the workplace.
- Need to brush up on your nonprofit terms? Robert Slate captures over 175 phrases and words used in nonprofit communication.
Justin (he, him) is a Principal and Co-Founder of Social Change Consulting. He has over fifteen years of nonprofit experience, with expertise in online fundraising, digital communications, and data management. Justin helps organizations connect their communication strategy to their income development needs. When he’s not on the clock, Justin is exploring Berlin, running, listening to too many podcasts, and drinking too much coffee.