How to Craft Clear Nonprofit Messaging That Converts with Jordana Merkin

SummaryIn this episode of the Inbox to Impact podcast, Katelyn Baughan welcomes Jordana Merkin from Voice for Good to discuss the critical importance of clear messaging for nonprofits. Jordana shares her 15+ year journey in nonprofit marketing and communications, explaining how she helps small to mid-size organizations clarify their messaging to attract and engage the right audiences. The conversation explores practical strategies for creating consistent messaging across all channels, the importance of values-based communication, and how to craft emails that truly resonate with donors. They discuss the power of human-centered communication, storytelling techniques, and the common mistakes nonprofits make in their messaging efforts.TakeawaysThe golden rule of communication is "show me you know me" - messaging should focus on the audience, not the organization.Clear messaging requires a written guide that everyone in the organization can access and understand.Values-based messaging attracts the right people and repels the wrong ones - and that's okay.Emails should come from real individuals within the organization, not generic organizational addresses.Organizations need to explain both the problem and the solution, not assume everyone understands.Use "you" more frequently in communications to create connection and show value to the reader.Connect through universal emotions even if readers haven't experienced the specific problem you solve.Every organization needs a consistent voice and personality that sounds human across all channels.Messaging guides are internal documents that fuel external growth by ensuring consistency.Stories of transformation help donors understand both your why and your impact.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 Jordana's Background and Voice for Good03:06 The Foundation of Clear Communication06:16 Creating a Messaging Guide08:27 Implementing Messaging Across Channels12:17 Voice and Tone in Nonprofit Communications14:23 Common Email Marketing Mistakes and SolutionsResources from showVoice for GoodElevator pitch freebieConnect with KatelynLinkedin: Katelyn Baughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-baughan/Join my email list: http://eepurl.com/gr-QRvInstagram: @kb_digitalWebsite: katelynbaughan.com