The marketing tools you use can play a huge role in the success of your marketing and communications strategy. It may seem overwhelming and like there are always new tools popping up or that you have to fork over a ton of cash to have access to the latest and greatest. Working with nonprofits I’ve uncovered a lot of free or inexpensive tools that can help them elevate their marketing and make their organization look more legit. From creating high-quality graphics to establishing email marketing campaigns, there are resources available to launch your marketing campaigns to the next level. I’ve rounded up a few of my go-to resources below and included a special bonus at the end!
Canva
Canva is an excellent tool to help you curate social media content. If you can’t afford a graphic designer to help you with program flyers and other print collateral, they even have templates you can use. While the free version of Canva is powerful on its own, nonprofits can receive access to Canva Premium for free, giving you access to stock photos and more layouts. To learn more about Canva’s nonprofit discount click here.
Grammarly
Spelling errors and poor grammar are sure-fire ways to lose legitimacy with your audience. Grammarly automatically detects errors and offers suggested edits. Like, how maybe I should hyphenate the words sure-fire in this paragraph. You can download a plugin compatible with your web browser or a desktop version is available as well. If you are doing a lot of blogging and content writing the premium version is worth the splurge, but for regular day-to-day work, the free version will work just fine.
Buffer
Planning your social media ahead of time can save you a lot of trouble and allow you to be more strategic with your content. Buffer is an excellent tool to schedule out your content and view basic analytics. The free version will work for most, but if you want to be able to schedule out a month or more in advance or have a lot of accounts, the premium version is 50% off for nonprofits. Click here to learn more about their nonprofit discount.
Google Ad Grants
Through Google Ad Grants you can receive free Google Advertising. This allows people searching for your services to find your organization easier. Google Ads provides excellent support and will even help you set up a campaign that will be most effective for your organization.
Mailchimp
Communicating with donors, clients and volunteers regularly is necessary. Email marketing is an inexpensive way to stay in touch and update your audience on agency happenings. Mailchimp has free templates and is fairly user-friendly and free as long as you have less than 1,000 contacts in your account.
But wait, there’s more
Want access to FIVE more of my go-to marketing tools as well as other great tips and tricks? Download my free marketing guide here!
