Get a free digital strategy tip of the week:
Unsubscribe any time. We respect your data. View the privacy policy.
Call it what you will. It’s the idea that when we work together, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. If achieving
Here’s an important piece of digital communication that you’ve probably never read: Few of us pay attention to stuff like
Your organization and its communication style is unique. Defining it will consolidate expertise, build confidence, and help you and your co-communicators hone an
Your reader trusts their own mind way more than they trust yours. No offense but it’s true. Knowing this, try to avoid
Imagine you’re seeing a 25% open rate on your emails. That means whenever you send a broadcast, 3 in every 4 recipients will
We have Homer Simpson to thank for the term that perfectly describes a communication model that turbocharges action requests with urgency. Because
Let’s be honest, this stuff is hard. Never in human history has there been a communication medium more competitive than the Internet.
Of all the ‘rules’ out there for writing page headlines, this is the most transformative. If your headline sits on a petition
Whether your call to action (CTA) is a button or a link, don’t get too clever. Speak directly to your supporter and tell
To steal a mantra from our friends in journalism: don’t bury the lede. The idea might have started in newspaper offices
Most of us have a hard time keeping on top of emails from people we do know, to let alone give a second
When it comes to targeting the best supporters for specific activities, many of us are using (or have used) the sub-list model.
It’s not hard to preach to the choir. Or to mount an argument so agreeable that it won’t offend or challenge anyone.
Whatever you do—don’t just imagine your headline on your page itself. Consider how your headline performs without the rest of your page to
There are plenty of reasons people struggle to complete online actions. Poor page layouts, confusing language, onerous forms, and too many (or too
Take your time.
In the pursuit of saying more with less, I’ll admit—not every big idea can be reduced to a snappy soundbite. Sometimes there really is a lot to say. Still, there are better options than trying to say everything in one interaction. Readers will find it hard to retain dense information. And rarely do we need to place this much pressure on ourselves.
Pace yourself
Whether you’re communicating through your email list or your social media feed, remember that you’re in an ongoing relationship with your audience. You don’t just get one shot at this. When there’s a lot to say, try saying it over a series of linked emails, web pages, or social media posts. Break up your content into bite-sized ideas and deliver them over time to deepen impact. This will reach more people and give each idea its own time and space to resonate.
Think of digital communications like conversations, not lectures. Be the conversation partner that your supporter wants to come back to.
Was this tip useful?
Don’t let these ‘cognitive biases’ hurt your conversion rates 
One email. ONE ASK. 
14 long-term engagement strategies that work 
Dominate Social Media 
Hi there! I’m Karen. I’m on a mission to reach my former self. Had I known 10 years ago what I know today, I could have achieved more good, made fewer mistakes, and had more weekends. Every time we share what works, we win faster. Let’s create digital experiences that move people — that grow our base and fuel our movements. Are you with me? Please share this with someone you know who wants to up their digital game!
Like this tip? Share it!
