Hello, Changemaker!

Karen Nilsen

Hi I’m Karen. I want to share with you the tactics I’ve used to build digital power and engage a supporter base of millions. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

6 Things That Stop People Opening Emails

I know what you’re thinking. “Subject lines”. And you’d be right. Subject lines are hailed as the ‘be all and end all’ of email open rates—understandably. But they don’t act alone. To maximize the...

3 minute read

I know what you’re thinking. “Subject lines”. And you’d be right. Subject lines are hailed as the ‘be all and...

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Show. Don’t Tell.

Your reader trusts their own mind way more than they trust yours. No offense but it’s true. Knowing this, try to avoid ‘telling’ people what to think. That includes making assertions that some things are cruel,...

2 minute read

Your reader trusts their own mind way more than they trust yours. No offense but it’s true. Knowing this, try to avoid...

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14 Long-Term Engagement Strategies That Work

I’m so glad you’re here. While it’s far from the most exciting, retention is arguably the most important factor in the success of a long-term digital strategy. Think of these strategies as investments. Relationships take time. Don’t...

5 minute read

I’m so glad you’re here. While it’s far from the most exciting, retention is arguably the most important factor in the success of...

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What You Need to Know about ‘Deliverability’

Not every email you send will find its way into an inbox. Optimal deliverability is needed to give your emails a fighting chance of being opened. Poor deliverability will send many of your messages into spam...

6 minute read

Not every email you send will find its way into an inbox. Optimal deliverability is needed to give your emails a fighting...

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Can You Name Your Headline’s ‘Value Proposition’?

Okay, back up—what’s a ‘value proposition’? Think of your value proposition as the reason your reader should care about investing their time in your page. Importantly, think about this from your reader’s perspective (not...

2 minute read

Okay, back up—what’s a ‘value proposition’? Think of your value proposition as the reason your reader should care about investing...

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How ‘Why’ Is the Most Important Question You Need to Answer

What draws people to your cause? What motivated your supporters to take their first action? What did they feel when they first donated? Why do you exist? The answer to all these questions is the same. And...

4 minute read

What draws people to your cause? What motivated your supporters to take their first action? What did they feel when they first donated?...

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