Messaging that moves people
Maybe you’re putting together a monthly newsletter.
Or drafting copy for your appeal.
Or updating your giving page.
Or pulling together a brochure to attract new volunteers..
And you know it really needs to have an impact.
Gulp.
Where do you even start? What’s the secret sauce?
The good news: it’s not as complicated as it might feel.
At its core, effective messaging comes down to:
→ crafting a thoughtful message
→ sticking to it
What does this look like in practice? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started:
Start with Your Audience
Who are you really trying to reach? Existing supporters? New ones? Volunteers? First-time donors? Long-time champions? The more specific you can be, the easier it is to shape a message that resonates.
Choose the Right Story
What moment, experience, or need helps bring your work to life? Not every good story is the right story. Focus on the one that supports your message and connects with your audience.
Make the Value Clear
If someone reads or watches what you’ve created, what will they understand about why your work matters? Whether it’s your unique impact, community, or solving a specific problem, help people see what their support makes possible.
Be Clear About What Comes Next
What do you want people to do? Donate. Volunteer. Attend. Learn more. Share your message. Be clear and make it easy with a call to action.
Bring It to Life
Photos, simple graphics, or a meaningful data point can go a long way in helping people connect with your work.
Keep It Simple
Plain language wins every time. Skip the jargon and acronyms.
Show Gratitude
Your audience includes people who already believe in your work. Let them know their support has mattered.
Now if you’re thinking, “This all makes sense, but I’m not quite sure how to pull it all together…” You’re not alone.
This is exactly the kind of work Anna leads at Hedgehog + Fox.
If you’d like a thought partner –– or someone to help shape your messaging from the ground up –– we’d be delighted to help.