New technology trends beneficial to nonprofits

As Master’s students in Entertainment Business, we hear the phrase “technology is ever-changing and rapidly advancing,” on a frequent basis. The former phrase is so true it’s astonishing. From player pianos and sheet music originating in the 19th century, to motion pictures, radio, television, CD’s, and digital music launched throughout the 20th century, and finally, to the Internet, digital music, and the use of the cell phone in the 21st century,   new entertainment media delivery methods each present consumers with new opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations must keep up with new trends in technology just as well as for profit businesses. To start, nonprofits must be engaging with all of their supporters. Things like “subscribe to our Blog,” “follow us on Twitter,” “join our LinkedIn Group,” “become a fan on Facebook,” and “subscribe to our Podcast,” are great and inexpensive ways to advocate your nonprofits cause. All of the former social platforms can help develop personal relationships with followers of the nonprofit.

The EBMS program has prepared me to excel in many areas involving technology, but the one area I find most useful to today’s generation is mobile technology. Nonprofits using email marketing, social media, mobile websites, and Smartphone apps have a great advantage when it comes to engaging their followers because the mobile audience is growing exponentially. Mobile marketing enables supporters to donate to the cause, be notified about upcoming events, RSVP to events, be connected to the nonprofits social media pages, provide feedback, and take action, all from their mobile device.

A remarkable new way to raise money through a mobile device is mobile giving or “text-to-give.” A fundraising study indicated that more than $50 million had been raised via mobile text in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti (Kats, 2011). Mobile giving allows nonprofits to stay engaged and connected with donors.

Technology will continue to evolve. Nonprofits must do whatever they can to fundraise and increase donor engagement. Nonprofits will reap benefits by integrating their marketing strategies through innovative devices.

References:

Kats, Rimma (2011). Mobile Web users increase to 69.9M: Study. Mobile Marketer. Retrieved August 26, 2011 from http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/research/5721.html.

Nielsen Wire (2010). What Americans Do Online: Social Media and Games Dominate Activity. Retrieved August 26, 2011 from http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/what-americans-do-online-social-media-and-games-dominate-activity/.