With tightening budgets and rising costs for direct mail, email, and other fundraising channels, many organizations are asking the same question: Is donor acquisition really worth the investment?

...

There's a quiet pattern in the most effective marketing programs we run.

When the moment really matters, direct mail still leads.

Not because digital is broken. Digital is essential. But there are...

Think about the last piece of mail you actually stopped to look at.

Odds are, it had your name on it. Maybe it referenced your alma mater, your zip code, or a service you’d been thinking about.

It...

You spent months getting them to click. A donor researching where to give before year-end. A hospital marketing director comparing patient outreach vendors. A development director sizing up a new...

Before any organization asks families, alumni, patients, or community members to give, there’s an important question to answer internally: Do the people who work here believe in the mission enough to...

Four Methods That Close the Gap Between Mailbox and Measurable Results 

For a long time, direct mail had a perception problem.  You could track when it dropped. You could estimate when it arrived. But...

Omnichannel Isn’t Optional Anymore

Omnichannel marketing isn’t about being everywhere — it’s about being connected everywhere. Today’s consumers move fluidly between physical and digital touchpoints,...

Case Studies from Real Nonprofit Accounts

Many nonprofit organizations struggle with limited online visibility paired with tight budgets that make growth difficult. With national fundraising...

We’ve all heard the new trend: more dollars, fewer donors. Across the nonprofit sector, organizations are seeing a growing amount of dollars raised come from a shrinking pool of supporters. It’s an...

If you’re a registered nonprofit organization looking to drive extra traffic to your website, you’d be missing out if you weren’t already utilizing Google’s Ad Grant program. Google’s Ad Grant...

Here's a question that keeps many nonprofit marketers up at night: "Everyone's talking about AI and predictive analytics—are we falling behind if we're still using basic descriptive segmentation and...

What is Giving Tuesday?  Except for December 31st, Giving Tuesday is the most charitable day of the year.

Picture this: It's Tuesday evening, and Sarah is streaming her favorite show on Roku. Between episodes, she sees a compelling 30-second video about a local food bank's urgent winter donation needs....

Let's be honest... if you're a nonprofit marketer today, you're probably juggling more than you'd like with less than you need. Sound familiar? You're not alone. That's exactly why audience...

Struggling to find ways to make your product testing efficient and effective?

Project managers know the pressure of launching product trials on time, and recruiting highly-quality participants for...

In today's on-demand world, personalization isn't just a buzzword, it's a patient expectation. From customized playlists to tailored shopping experiences, people are used to interactions that...

Direct mail is far from a relic of the past, especially in the healthcare industry. In an era dominated by digital ads and online ads, which often overwhelm consumers, direct mail stands out by...

In the realm of health care, trust is everything. It is difficult to earn and quick to lose. As skepticism among healthcare consumers grows, marketers must find meaningful ways to connect with their...

Changing trends in healthcare marketing, such as the rise of digital strategies and evolving patient expectations, are driving the adoption of direct response marketing.

What Is Direct Response...

Google’s continuous innovation in search has taken a leap forward with the rollout of AI Overviews. This newer feature, known as Google's AI Overviews, summarizes search results using generative AI,...

In today’s digital-first world, a strong online presence isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. Whether you’re a nonprofit, business, or healthcare organization, your website and online channels...

As we look toward 2025, one direct mail trend is coming into sharper focus: fully embracing omnichannel marketing strategies and a comprehensive omnichannel marketing strategy. While these approaches...

Your list isn’t just important in direct mail—it’s everything. No matter how compelling your creative or offer is, if your mail doesn’t reach the right audience, it won’t perform. Managing multiple...

In today's world, social impact is no longer an afterthought – it's a driving force. Millennials and especially Gen Z, known for their activism and social consciousness, are leading the charge. A...

Appeal letters are vital for nonprofits, charities, and other organizations to mobilize support and funding. Crafting a compelling message is essential to capturing the attention and generosity of...

Building Brand Awareness Through the Mailbox

The upcoming postage rate changes on July 14th, 2024 might have you reaching for a calculator, but hold on! While postage rates are increasing, there's good news for businesses leveraging cost...

Monthly giving programs offer a reliable and steady income stream, empowering nonprofits to plan, invest in long-term projects, and expand their impact. From aiding humanitarian efforts to supporting...

As we conclude our exploration of donor engagement strategies, we spotlight Generation X, a group poised to shape the future of philanthropy through their commitment to community and hands-on...

As we continue our exploration of donor engagement strategies, we turn our attention to Millennials, a generation driven by a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to impact society...

In our ever-evolving landscape of charitable giving, one demographic stands out as a beacon of hope for nonprofits seeking sustained support: Generation Z. Born between 1996 and 2010, Gen Z...

In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit fundraising, staying ahead often means leveraging cutting-edge tools and strategies. Predictive modeling emerges as a game-changer, allowing nonprofits to...

Personal data has become a valuable commodity in today's interconnected world, often collected, used, and sometimes exploited without individuals' consent. To address these concerns, various laws and...

In today's digital age, email marketing has become a staple for businesses looking to reach their audience effectively. However, amidst the convenience and efficiency, there are legal frameworks to...

We've highlighted other promotions & incentive programs that USPS® is running this year, and the next one starting September 1, 2023 is the Retargeting Mail Promotion.

AI and ChatGPT, in particular, have been causing quite a bit of commotion in the nonprofit space recently.

ChatGPT has been creating ripples since it was launched in November 2022, taking workplaces by surprise and triggering discussions and debates.

Reuters calls it the “fastest-growing consumer...

With so many direct mail fundraising trends, we thought hearing directly from non profit organizations, religious organizations, and private foundations would be beneficial to learn more about...

We're continuing with our series on nonprofit digital marketing best practices, and this post will discuss how to excel on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We've highlighted other promotions & incentive programs that USPS® is running this year, and the next one starting July 1, 2023 is the Reply Mail IMbA Promotion.

As you know, there are different types of donors—each requiring a unique and tailored message that nurtures your long term relationships with them.

Since its effective date on May 25, 2018, the European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has affected individuals and businesses around the world.

USPS^® has proposed rate increases; if approved, the updates will go into effect on July 9th.  

Previously, we covered Four U.S. Data Privacy Laws You Need To Know. In that post, we learned that data privacy laws exist to protect our personally identifiable information (PII) from malicious use,...

Digital marketing is necessary for nonprofit marketing and pretty much everything nowadays.

Every direct mail marketer aspires to effectively and affordably contact their target demographic at the ideal moment and with the ideal message.

Your sales team is driven, resourceful, and creative. That’s what makes them such an asset to your company. But those same qualities can lead to one of a marketer’s worst nightmares: the salesperson...

Some may think printing is dead but boy, are they wrong.

You work hard: we get it. And half the battle is finding ways to reach out to potential donors.

As a marketer, you must stay on top of trends and have strategies to keep current. Marketing teams must adapt to evolving marketing data privacy requirements and address consumer concerns about how...

Even the most loyal supporters can lose interest. Gamification is a great way to keep donors engaged and rewarded.

Email marketing is a key step for any business when it comes to engaging with customers, so it is vital we get it right.

Except for December 31st, Giving Tuesday is the most charitable day of the year.

Data privacy laws exist to protect individuals' personally identifiable information (PII) from mishandling, abuse, and malicious use.

Did you know that American businesses, on average, spend $20 billion a year on promotional products?

When recruiting new donors or even impressing sustainers, having an annual report that grabs and keeps their attention is an essential tool for your marketing strategy.

Managing vulnerabilities and patches are vital components of your company's IT and security game plan. How can you help safeguard your infrastructure from cyber threats and critical vulnerabilities?...

You've decided you want to purchase some promo items for your business — now what?

Marketing is a huge part of doing business everywhere. From retail to business-to-business (B2B) business, a company must do well in its marketing.

When you order something online from consumer retailers, you know EXACTLY when your item will arrive at your door with email or app notifications.

With six months of 2022 under our belts, it's an excellent time to see what has been working for nonprofits this year and things to be aware of in the months ahead.

We've all heard the news. It seems a major new one comes out every month or two. They have creative and memorable names like "Eternal Blue," "Heartbleed," and "Shellshock." And when paired with...

Customer testimonials are some of the most powerful proof you have when it comes to showing potential leads that you're the best service to buy from.

At Streamworks, we pride ourselves on offering solutions.  Below are some key takeaways regarding the state of the printing industry today as it affects the nonprofit industry.

In a previous post, we shared how to start protecting your sensitive data.

Many people want to ensure we're taking better care of ourselves and our loved ones, whether that means being more health-conscious or more physically active. This is a guiding principle for many...

Creating a multi-channel marketing strategy that combines traditional and digital tactics is essential for reaching your business goals. Postal retargeting allows you to recapture the attention of...

Modern growth marketing requires companies to adopt a multi-channel marketing approach.

Many people say that a donor isn’t a donor until they’ve made their second gift.

In a previous article, we discussed how to start protecting sensitive data. We defined sensitive data (hint: it's any private and confidential information that you must safeguard from all...

Lets be honest—how many of us have kept that cool pen we used at the bank, or still use the letter opener that we received from our financial advisor?

There are so many different marketing strategies online right now, as online social media and marketing channels diversify, that you've got to try and find the right one that works for you.

There is nothing worse than having to call customer service for a problem.

When you order something online from consumer retailers, you know EXACTLY when your item will arrive at your door with email or app notifications.

Let's start with a definition.

Sensitive data is any private and confidential information that you must safeguard from all unauthorized users.

With online shopping still a booming industry, how do you reach your customers where they are so they think of you first?

A picture is worth a thousand words, but compelling copy is just as important.

Today, online fundraising platforms offer a convenience that appeals to many donors.

When a business collides with a disaster head-on, a few sobering statistics emerge:

• The United States experienced 20 disastrous weather events in 2021, each exceeding $1 billion in losses.

• FEMA ...

A great stewardship program starts with making donors feel valued.

According to Bloomerang, the average retention rate is a measly 30% for first-time donors. 

Imagine this scene: little Billy is cruising along on his bike when he comes across an anthill. He screeches to a stop, pulls over, and with the fury of a miniature tornado, kicks over the hill.

Brick and mortar furniture stores are starting to see a resurgence in foot traffic as the COVID pandemic starts to wane.

Did you know that your letter-size mailpiece won't qualify for automated rates unless it meets the aspect ratio This is just one aspect of a mail piece to keep in mind.

Bridge the gap between online and offline marketing with Postal Remarketing.

In the first article of this series, we defined encryption, introduced encryption types and algorithms, and described how Steamworks uses encryption to protect your data.

When it comes to shaking off the winter blues, many turn to healthy habits to prepare us for spring.

Give your guests the tools they need to attend your event and feel welcome with an engaging direct mail format that does it all.

Planning events is stressful enough without worrying about getting people to show up. 

During the quest to find the best direct mail vendor for your needs, you'll undoubtedly look at the services offered.

We live in an age where working from home has become the new normal, which means it's not always easy to get your brand out there.

You see them everywhere — on pens, tote bags, t-shirts, coffee mugs — you name it.

Did you know that promotional products are one of the oldest forms of advertising? It's true!

Look around your office right now. Open your desk drawers. Check out your cubicle walls.

Generating unique campaigns for different segments of your direct program is a great way to increase your ROI, but how can you be sure they're as effective as you want them to be?

According to the Direct Marketing Association,  the average direct mail response rate is between 5% and 9%, making direct mail more effective than other promotion methods.

Direct mail is still the tried and true way to engage with your customers.

Encourage offer redemption with the Scratch-off Mailer.

It's no secret that personalization is one of the most effective ways to engage with your consumers.

Customizing your next direct mail campaign is easier when you have a hands-on resource to help.

Websites have been experiencing a tremendous surge in traffic as consumers turn to digital platforms.

Regarding direct mail, the phrase "variable data" gets thrown out quite a bit. But what does it mean?

Many direct marketers believe an envelope with a stamp will get noticed more often and portray a personal touch to a direct mail campaign.

Boost response rates by incorporating cards into your mailer with the Max Gifter.

Holding fundraising events is one of the best ways to engage and interact with your supporters and increase donations.

What would you say if we told you that over 20 million consumers have signed up for Informed Delivery^®? Not only that, but on average, Informed Delivery^® campaigns have seen a 75.4% six-month open...

Boost response rates by incorporating cards into your mailer with the Max Gifter.

We have some exciting news to share. On January 4, 2021, Streamworks acquired Mail Source Inc., a company specializing in high volume, high-speed bindery, personalization, and mail finishing services...

Personalization on the outside of an envelope is a proven way to boost open rates, and using the postage area is a unique way to stand out in the mailbox.

Leave a big impact in a compact format: the Zipper Mailer.

The only way to sustain your business and retain your customers is to communicate effectively with them.

In an age where we're still recovering from the uncertainty of the pandemics' effects on the economy, businesses need to shift their selling model to meet the current needs of their customers.

In Part One of this series, we went over content ideas for January-June, as well as rules of thumb to consider as you plan out your year.

Email marketing is one of the most common digital outreach campaigns focused on building and cementing relationships with potential customers.

Increase your response rate with a special gift for your direct mail recipients with new response boosters from Launch Room!

A welcome email is your chance to make the right first impression on potential clients. It might seem like people do not bother to check their emails.

There is a fear in the nonprofit sector about too much communication turning off your donors.

Continuing with our Direct Mail Cost Reduction series, this week's topic is focuses on how to reduce direct mail expenses using selective inserting.

Continuing with our Direct Mail Cost Reduction series, this week's topic is focuses on how to reduce direct mail expenses by testing the "Match Effect."

If you're a nonprofit, chances are you've heard of GivingTuesday.

We've covered a variety of mediums that you can use to get your message in front of your donors.

This week's topic focuses on how to reduce direct mail expenses by considering alternative envelopes.

Looking to revamp your nonprofit direct mail marketing efforts? Look no further than Launch Room!

This week's topic focuses on how to reduce direct mail expenses when using design templates.

This week's topic is focused on how to reduce direct mail expenses by selecting the right postage service. 

In Part One of this series, we discussed the variety of ways that digital marketing can drive donations to your organization. 

Choosing the right paper for your direct mail campaign involves several factors, and cost comparison should be one of them.

There can be worthwhile postage discounts for drop-shipping your marketing mail for mailings that are geographically concentrated.

We are continuing our series on cost reduction strategies with a tip about mail production. Each week's tip will help you develop direct mail campaigns with built-in savings.

We are continuing our series on cost reduction strategies with a tip about print production.

The most common question we get asked is, how can I reduce my direct mail cost?

When it comes to your digital marketing efforts, four key areas hold the highest importance: your website, social media, email, and digital advertising.

In today's world of constant engagement, social media is a marketing must. The numbers don't lie: if you want to reach a broad audience of potential donors, you'll need social to be part of your...

According to the USPS, 40% of direct marketing success depends on the customer list you use.

These days you need a website, no matter what you're selling. A website works for you 24/7, so you want to make sure it leaves a lasting impression.

Fundraising is an integral part of the nonprofit sector, and a necessary aspect of any marketing initiative.

Direct mail is going to be one of the essential tools in your arsenal as a nonprofit.

When it comes to marketing your nonprofit organization, you don't need to worry about being everywhere and having everything to get your message out there. 

If you're looking to increase your direct mail response rates, there are a few things you should consider.

If you don't know who you're marketing to, how do you even begin to craft your messaging? It's essential to know the interests, lifestyle, and motivations of your target audience.

Are you familiar with this phrase: "where are all the leads?"

Having the most attractive and responsive website in the world doesn't mean much if people can't find it.

Your brand is the first touchpoint potential donors have with your mission and organization. That doesn't just mean your logo—branding reflects everything in your marketing efforts, from your website...

Even in the digital age, direct mail continues to be one of the most effective marketing tactics for both new customer acquisition and retention.

Increase donations with our newest format: the Traditional Appeal Letter Package.

According to Blue Corona, each month, consumers in the U.S. search more than 5 million times for insurance.

In Part 1, we looked at a brief HIPAA history, defined PHI and ePHI, and compared covered entities to business associates. We also touched on the main HIPAA rules, including the Privacy Rule, the...

Make a powerful impact with our newest format: the Legitimate Letter Package.

Lead generation is a crucial part of any business, and knowing how people are finding you is an excellent indication of what marketing methods are working.

In Part 1 of this HIPAA Compliance Basics series, we looked at HIPAA history, and we defined Protected Health Information (PHI) and electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). 

Capture their attention with our newest format: the Eye-Catching Invitation Package.

When's the last time you opened an email from a company and felt like it was crafted just for you?

Marketing, especially in the digital realm, is a whole different beast when it comes to the financial industry.

HIPAA compliance is a daunting topic, but when broken down into smaller parts, it's much easier to understand.

Make a memorable impact with our newest format: the Be Our Guest Self-Mailer.

When designing your print collateral — how do you effectively use text and colors to attract your audience?

When it comes to your business, choosing a print partner that you trust is one of the most important decisions you can make.

Wow recipients with our newest format: the Supersized Self-Mailer.

Did you know that according to a recent study, consumers prefer to receive direct mail vs. an email?

In a previous blog post, we introduced SOC 2 compliance and its Five Trust Services Criteria (formerly "Principles").

When you get to work and open your inbox, what's the first thing you do?

Boost your response rate by giving customers multiple ways to respond to your offer with our newest format: the Rapid Response Self-Mailer.

Everyone wants their direct mail format to attract attention and result in sales.

At Streamworks, we use 2D barcode technology in many of our processes.

Get maximum efficiency with tear & use coupons with our newest format: the Tear-off Postcard.

On June 6, 2019, Streamworks held an all company Spring Barbecue that included a Spring-Cleaning sale on branded and non-branded company apparel.

Generating brand loyalty isn't a new concept: several companies, from grocery stores to high-end retailers, have a form of loyalty program to reinforce this practice.

Learn how the Stair Mailer gives you maximum real estate to present offers and information in an organized and engaging way.

We live in a time of near constant digital engagement: so how do you make sure your messaging stands out?

Get the look and appeal of an envelope without the extra cost with our new Look-Alike Self-Mailer.

Data is one of your organizations most valuable assets, which is why it is vital to take your data security seriously and ensure that necessary precautions are taken to protect it.