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!

Why We Need to Stop Thinking about Email as a ‘Broadcast’ Medium

Think of a radio tower. Broadcast signals beaming far and wide. Most people think about email broadcasts this way. Please don’t think about email broadcasts this way. Broadcast communication is, by default, impersonal. Because...

2 minute read

Think of a radio tower. Broadcast signals beaming far and wide. Most people think about email broadcasts this way. Please don’t think...

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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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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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Articulate Your ‘Theory of Change’

You might know definitively that your call-to-action (CTA) is the single-most strategic thing your supporters can do today to help your cause. But don’t expect anyone to take your word for it. Make the effort to...

4 minute read

You might know definitively that your call-to-action (CTA) is the single-most strategic thing your supporters can do today to help your cause...

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Engage Your Reader’s Emotional Brain

Inboxes aren’t often exciting places. Neither are the majority of web pages, if we’re honest. This can work to your advantage. Your content will stand out when you can reach your supporter’s emotional brain. This is...

6 minute read

Inboxes aren’t often exciting places. Neither are the majority of web pages, if we’re honest. This can work to your advantage. Your...

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7 Traits of a Clear Writing Style

The education system taught many of us that long words and complex sentence structures are signs of sophistication. Un-learn this as fast as you can! Convoluted language won’t win you any friends in the real world...

10 minute read

The education system taught many of us that long words and complex sentence structures are signs of sophistication. Un-learn this as fast...

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