Artificial intelligence (AI) is the topic of conversation in all aspects of digital marketing, especially in email here at the end of 2024. Anyone paying attention has seen an explosion of different possible tools to use in a variety of expertise areas. So, how should your organization be considering its use?
First, and most importantly, remember that any AI tool is only as good as the information fed into it. If there is any form of bias (and there always will be as we humans are not perfect!), be sure to look for inaccurate information as you consider the most common uses below.
How AI is Changing Email Marketing for Non-Profits
Email marketing is a fantastic way for non-profits to connect with supporters, but let’s face it—juggling everything with a small team and tight budget isn’t easy. That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in! AI can supercharge your email campaigns, helping you save time, raise more funds, and make deeper connections with your community. Here’s a friendly guide on how AI is making email marketing easier and more effective for non-profits like yours.
1. Making Emails Feel Personal
We all like getting emails that feel like they were written just for us. AI makes that happen!
- Imagine sending donors a thank-you email that mentions their specific contributions or interests.
- For new supporters, AI can craft welcome emails that feel warm and inviting.
Why it’s awesome: When people feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to stay connected and support your cause.
2. Helping You Predict the Future
Wouldn’t it be great if you knew the perfect time to ask for donations or send out updates? AI can analyze patterns in your donor data and give you those answers.
- For instance, it can tell you when someone is most likely to open your email or contribute to a campaign.
Why it’s awesome: You’ll spend less time guessing and more time getting results.
3. Writing Emails That Work
Struggling to come up with the right words or subject lines? AI tools can do the heavy lifting!
- They suggest catchy subject lines, engaging content, and even layouts that will grab attention.
Why it’s awesome: Better emails mean more clicks, more engagement, and more support for your mission.
4. Saving Time with Automation
Non-profits are always busy, and AI can handle repetitive tasks so you don’t have to.
- It can automatically send reminders for upcoming events, thank donors right after a contribution, or even re-engage supporters who haven’t been active for a while.
Why it’s awesome: You get to focus on the big picture while AI takes care of the details.
5. Giving You Smarter Insights
AI doesn’t just send emails; it tells you how they’re doing and how to improve.
- It can show you which emails people are opening, what links they’re clicking, and how much money you’re raising from each campaign.
Why it’s awesome: You’ll know what’s working and can tweak what isn’t, so every campaign gets better.
6. Making Your Emails More Inclusive
Accessibility matters, and AI can help make sure your emails work for everyone.
- It checks if your messages are readable on mobile devices or screen readers and suggests more inclusive language.
Why it’s awesome: You’ll create emails that resonate with a wider audience and make everyone feel included.
7. Doing More with Less
AI is like having an extra team member who works around the clock (but doesn’t need coffee breaks).
- Instead of hiring extra staff, you can use AI tools to handle tasks like creating campaigns or analyzing data.
Why it’s awesome: You save money and resources, which means more funds go toward your mission.
Let AI Help You Shine
AI is here to make email marketing easier, smarter, and more effective for non-profits. Whether you’re sending updates, raising funds, or recruiting volunteers, these tools can help you create emails that inspire action and build lasting relationships.
Ready to give it a try? Platforms like Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and others have AI features built-in already to get you started. With AI in your toolkit, you can focus on what matters most: making a difference.
Let’s talk about a plan to integrate AI into your teams campaign development process!