How to Nail Your Annual or Impact Report – Yearly

Bored of your nonprofit’s “call-to-actions?” In this blog post, we’ll show you some of the best CTAs for nonprofits and how you can nail them in your next digital report.

What is a CTA?

A CTA is a “call to action.” Usually, CTAs are on an organization’s website, social media, or other marketing materials. This call to action encourages the audience to do something. In the case of nonprofit marketing, CTAs also appear on the organization’s website, and on their social media. They also appear within their impact and annual reports.

Why are CTAs important for nonprofits?

For nonprofits, CTAs can help them achieve their goals, whatever they are. CTAs that encourage donations help nonprofits reach their fundraising goals. Calls to action that encourage volunteer sign-ups aid in volunteer recruitment. CTAs that encourage newsletter sign-ups or social media follows help build community engagement.

Best practices for writing CTAs in your next nonprofit annual or impact report

One of the best places that nonprofits can use great CTAs is in their annual report. Annual reports involve emotional storytelling and help connect readers to the cause. That’s why it’s crucial to provide an action item for readers.

In each category of CTA, it’s important to keep a few best practices in mind.

Keep the CTA clear and succinct. Use as few words as possible.

Make it eye-catching. Focus on creativity so the CTA stands out to the reader. 

Focus on urgency. The CTA should communicate the importance of the reader’s action.

Use action words. Ensure that the CTA includes something that readers can immediately act upon.

Spark emotion. In the nonprofit industry, it’s important that your CTA makes the reader feels something. If you’re successful, your readers are more likely to take the desired action.

Now that we’ve covered best practices, it’s time to determine which CTAs you need.

When writing your annual or impact report, consider what kind of action you want your audience to take.

Annual reporting. In an annual report, it’s important to include CTA’s that inspire volunteer sign-ups and donations. Once you show readers an entire year’s worth of impact, you’ll want to give them the opportunity to take part. They can do this by donating their time or money—or both!

Impact reporting. In an impact report, it’s important to include CTAs that encourage donations and newsletter sign-ups/social media followers. Impact reports are not only a great place for fundraising. They’re also a great place to inspire readers to keep up to date on your progress. When they sign up for your newsletter or follow you on social media, they’ll be able to see your impact in real time.

Of course, it’s crucial to place these CTAs strategically in your reporting. With the right CTAs and the right placement, you’ll get action-oriented readers in no time.

Fundraising:

• Join the movement
• Make a difference
• Shown your support
• Take action
• Give x$

Newsletter signups or social media follows

•  Stay connected
• Get updated
• Follow us
• Join our community

Volunteer recruitment

• Find an event near you
• browse volunteer jobs
• Partner with us
• Join the cause
• Give Back
• Be the Change