Top 5 Nonprofit Marketing and Branding Books and Why
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Nonprofit leaders know the importance of effective communication in achieving their missions. This article highlights five of the best books that offer insights into nonprofit marketing and branding. Each of these books has its unique perspective and value, providing leaders with actionable strategies and practical advice.1. Do More Good: Moving Nonprofits from Good to Growth by Bill McKendry
“Do More Good” dives deep into the intricacies of effective nonprofit communication. With more than 35 years of experience assisting nonprofit organizations, author Bill McKendry provides a blueprint for maximizing your brand’s impact. This book is not only about doing good work but also about making a significant difference in the world.
Why this book?
McKendry’s book is a treasure trove of insights and tips. It emphasizes effective communication as the fuel that advances and grows your mission. By infusing your organization with a communication strategy that resonates with your audience, you enhance your potential to do even more good.
2. Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
“Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller is a game-changer. Using the power of storytelling, Miller teaches readers how to connect with customers (or in the case of nonprofits, donors, and supporters) in a profound way. This book offers the ultimate competitive advantage by revealing the secrets to compelling brand messaging.
Why this book?
Miller’s StoryBrand process is a revolutionary method for improving the way you talk about your organization. By simplifying your brand message and aligning it with the seven universal story points all humans respond to, you increase the chance of people understanding, remembering, and acting on your message.
3. The Nonprofit Imagineers: Infuse Disney-Inspired Creativity Into Your Organization by Ben Vorspan
“The Nonprofit Imagineers” by Ben Vorspan is a unique resource that uses Disney-inspired creativity to transform nonprofit organizations. This book is all about innovation and “Imagineering” your way to success. It covers a wide range of topics, including fundraising, marketing, and leadership.
Why this book?
Vorspan’s book challenges you to rethink how you approach your nonprofit. By incorporating Imagineering principles, you can elevate every aspect of your organization, from your communications strategy to your leadership style.
4. Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money Through Smart Communications by Sarah Durham
Sarah Durham’s “Brandraising” is an invaluable tool for nonprofits seeking to raise their visibility. This book focuses on creating mission-driven communications that result in effective fundraising. It provides strategies for differentiating your organization and making it stand out from the crowd.
Why this book?
“Brandraising” is a great resource if you’re looking to improve your nonprofit’s identity and reputation. Durham’s approach ensures your communications align with your mission and resonate with your audience, ultimately driving successful fundraising efforts.
5. The Nonprofit Marketing Guide: High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Build Support for Your Good Cause by Kivi Leroux Miller
Kivi Leroux Miller’s “The Nonprofit Marketing Guide” is a must-have for nonprofits looking to build support without breaking the bank. This guide is particularly useful for small and medium-sized organizations, offering reader-friendly advice on day-to-day marketing functions and big-picture planning.
Why this book?
Miller’s guide is full of practical tips and strategies for developing an effective marketing program. It offers cost-effective ways to build support for your good cause, making it a valuable resource for organizations of all sizes.
Broadening the Perspective
While these books primarily focus on nonprofit marketing and branding, their principles and strategies can be beneficial to nonprofit leaders in positions outside of marketing and branding teams.
Take, for instance, the leadership principles in “The Nonprofit Imagineers.” The book emphasizes the importance of innovation and creativity in the nonprofit setting, which can be valuable for leaders in all departments, not just marketing. Similarly, the emphasis on storytelling in “Building a StoryBrand” can be applied to a wide range of communication contexts, such as grant writing, donor relations, and staff communication.
The principles found in “Do More Good” and “Brandraising” also highlight the importance of mission-driven communication, which is relevant for everyone in an organization, not just those in marketing. Every interaction with a donor, a volunteer, or even a team member is an opportunity to communicate the mission and values of the organization.
Finally, “The Nonprofit Marketing Guide” can serve as a practical tool for any leader looking to communicate more effectively, whether that’s internally with their team or externally with the community they serve.
By reading and applying the lessons from these books, all nonprofit leaders, regardless of their specific roles, can gain a deeper understanding of effective communication strategies. This broader perspective can lead to more unified teams, better engagement with stakeholders, and ultimately, a greater impact.
Wrapping Up
Effective marketing and branding are crucial for any nonprofit organization’s success. These books provide a wealth of knowledge and strategies to help you stand out, connect with your audience, and amplify your mission. Whether you’re a marketing expert or a leader in another department, these resources can offer you valuable insights and inspiration. Happy reading!
