In the fast-paced world of nonprofit fundraising, text messaging has emerged as a powerful and innovative tool to directly engage with supporters. Texting, also known as text fundraising or text-to-give, offers a reliable and efficient way to connect with constituents.
With an industry-leading texting provider like Tatango, it’s possible to send millions of text messages, track performance, and optimize your messaging strategy. However, text-only messages have a 160-character maximum, which limits how much you can include in a message. When you want to send a longer message and include eye-catching visual elements, MMS (multimedia messages) are the answer. MMS are simply messages that allow other elements than a text-only message. MMS messages allows up to 5,000 characters, plus embedded images, video clips, GIFs, and other media.
Adding compelling imagery and graphics to text messages and emails is an effective way to get your subscribers’ attention, strengthen their connection to your organization or cause, and motivate them to continue their support. There’s no denying messages with embedded images tend to resonate more deeply. Unfortunately, it’s too easy to quickly add a stock image without checking where it came from, which can negatively impact your message.
Authentic imagery plays a crucial role in capturing your subscribers’ attention, fostering a deeper connection with your organization or cause, and inspiring continued support. By utilizing text messages with authentic images and videos, you can convey your message more effectively and create a lasting impact on your audience.
The Pitfalls of Generic Stock Images
While stock images are readily available and may seem like an easy option to enhance your messages, they don’t always serve your purpose. Picking the wrong stock image can unintentionally undermine your message. For instance, an education nonprofit running a “pack the bus campaign” might choose a stunning photo of their school, aligning not only with the brand but also with the campaign’s desired look and vibe. However, if the image does not depict a school bus, it could lead to confusion and disconnect with your audience.
Consider a campaign for a conservation-focused nonprofit. If their nonprofit’s mission is to clean up and protect the beaches, an image that shows a pristine beach or even trash on a dune would be a good fit for their campaign. Without the right context, on the other hand, an image of a turtle or piece of coral may not be the right choice.
Whatever image you choose for your nonprofit text fundraising campaigns, ensure that it is authentic and aligns with your brand and mission.
Embrace Authenticity
At Tatango, we understand the importance of authentic imagery for nonprofits. That’s why we offer the Tatango Design Studio, a valuable resource for often resource-limited nonprofits at no additional cost. Once you find the perfect photo for your text campaign, our design experts can design images with the elements you need to make it on brand. Whether it be sizing, adding logos or more, your constituents will be able to recognize your brand every time you send them a text with an image. Additionally, by leveraging our extensive asset libraries, you can enhance your text marketing campaign and create a stronger emotional connection with your supporters.
Types of Authentic Images Your Nonprofit Organization Can Send
If you want your text campaign to be engaging to your constituents and want to stay on brand, consider incorporating various types of authentic and compelling imagery in your messages to engage your audience effectively. These types of imagery can include:
- Behind the Scenes:
- Your supporters love seeing how your nonprofit works on a day-to-day basis. Behind-the-scenes imagery doesn’t have to be boring. Share candid shots of your team, volunteers, and beneficiaries at work. A day in the life is always an interesting campaign to share with your constituents, as it gives them a peek into the inner workings of how the nonprofit can advance their mission. On the other hand, a quote from the Executive Director, or a photo gallery introducing the board members could also be unique and interesting image ideas. Whatever you choose to send in your text campaign, behind-the-scenes images give your supporters a glimpse into the impact of their contributions, fostering a sense of transparency and trust.
- Success Stories: Your constituents value the transparency of what you share with them. Your nonprofit is doing important work to advance their mission and impact their mission. Whether you share a thank you text highlighting the benefactor of your donations, or Showcase real success stories and the positive change your nonprofit has made. People resonate with authentic experiences and are more likely to engage when they witness the tangible results of their support.
- User-Generated Content: Many nonprofits share user-generated content on their social media channels. Consider sharing these in your text messages because these types of photos can also resonate with your constituents on that channel. For example, you could share a text with an image from your run/walk/ride event that participants had tagged your organization in on social media. Or Encourage your supporters to submit their images and videos related to your cause. User-generated content adds a personal touch and empowers your community to be active participants in your mission.
Conclusion
Incorporating authentic imagery in your text messages can significantly enhance your nonprofit’s communication and fundraising efforts. It helps to build a genuine connection with your supporters, increases engagement, and motivates continued support. By partnering with Tatango and utilizing our Tatango Design Studio, you can ensure that your visual elements align seamlessly with your message, leaving a lasting and positive impact on your audience. So, embrace authenticity and leverage the power of imagery to make a meaningful difference in your nonprofit’s mission. Contact Tatango today to explore the possibilities of text marketing and fundraising with authentic visuals.
