As mobile phones are getting more popular and user
friendly, it seems like more apps are being created to include
everything from music streaming to e-mail access to complex game
playing. Cell phones are no longer just used as a form of verbal
communication or a handy little answering machine, but now these
miniature computers are continually making the world a smaller place. As
technology advances, many non-profits are refusing to be left behind
and are creating mobile apps to their organization’s advantage.
Jacob Payne and James Brown have explained some great tips for creating apps for charities in
The Guardian.
In the UK, these two entrepreneurs help charities create apps for
their donors to use based on the fact that, “Smartphones now make up 30%
of the three billion mobile devices worldwide, and users spend over
half the time on their phone apps.” With such a large audience attached
to their phones, it would be a shame to neglect this tool that is
rapidly gaining popularity.
Here are the five mistakes that non-profits make according to Payne and Brown when creating apps for their organization:
1) Forgetting your website – Non-profits need to optimize their
website for mobile users. “Information-provision and awareness are often
top charity goals, and unless you hit PR gold with a truly exceptional
app, then your main website is still the best place to reach
supporters,” comments Payne and Brown.
2) Missing out on exclusive features – “Is your app
location-aware? Are you considering the touch interface? What can it do
offline, or in the background while it’s sitting quietly in a pocket?
Can you make use of the device’s orientation?”
3) Ignoring your users – Talk to people who are using your app to
see if it works well and suits what information they are looking for.
“Your users can help you sense-check ideas, decide on the little
details, test at every stage, and share the message after launch. If you
involve them closely, and listen carefully, then they can become your
biggest advocates.”
4) Hiring the wrong people – You’ll need an iPhone developer and a
web master to collaborate to make sure everything syncs together.
5) Taking a short-term view – “Just over a quarter of all apps
are only used once, so it’s important to think about ways your app can
encourage repeat use. Just as with your other services and marketing
campaigns, this ought to be a long-term exercise that fits in with your
broader strategic goals. Regularly examine your analytics, app store
reviews and user feedback.”
Now, I’m not saying that every non-profit needs to jump on the app
bandwagon, I just wanted to share with you yet another piece of
technology that is becoming available to non-profits in the realm of
fundraising.
Of course what method you use depends on the demographics of the
majority of your donor base, but with technology the possibilities for
donor connection seems endless. The staff at Fundly would love to
partner with you to see how technology can help you reach your
fundraising potential.
