Visual cues help people understand and relate to what they see. In fact, the human brain can process images in as little as 13 milliseconds.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In your fundraising and marketing communications, visuals are crucial for helping cement an idea or a narrative into the mind of your audience. Statistics alone may make for a convincing argument, but visual narratives establish emotional connections that incite people to take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, we\u2019ll discuss more on why storytelling is critical for nonprofits. We\u2019ll also highlight six visual storytelling techniques your nonprofit can employ to improve its fundraising metrics\u2014including an example of each strategy in action from real nonprofits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Visual Teaching Alliance, 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual, with images processed 60,000 times faster than text.\u00b2 Given the ease with which people absorb visual media, nonprofits can benefit from the power of visual storytelling greatly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use visual storytelling to turn your messages\u2014even those that might seem nonvisual in nature, like numerical data\u2014into narratives that engage and compel supporters to act. When forming your nonprofit\u2019s content marketing strategy, remember that storytelling is the catalyst to conversions and strong donor retention<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a comprehensive product suite like Classy helps keep storytelling at the forefront of your digital marketing. You can embed imagery into your donation websites<\/a>, email marketing, and virtual fundraising events<\/a> easily to help drive donations and foster lasting relationships with your supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To inspire your visual storytelling, we\u2019ve rounded up six examples of visual storytelling from real-world nonprofits. Each demonstrates a powerful way to use storytelling techniques to forge connections with your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using real-time national events can capture your audience\u2019s attention since people are likely tuned in to what\u2019s happening. Philly PAWS<\/a>, a nonprofit saving homeless and at-risk pets in the Philadelphia area, employs this storytelling strategy during Super Bowl Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The nonprofit shares photos and videos of its animals on Instagram and through tweets to tell their stories and encourage supporters to donate or adopt a pet in need. Using a timely event like the Super Bowl helps advance the visual messaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During Super Bowl season, Philly PAWS highlights perfect \u201cgame day buddies,\u201d like a series of senior dogs currently at its shelter. This approach gives an adorable image to its brand story, helping donors envision tangible ways they can help while reaping some cute benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t6 Tips for Impactful Visual Storytelling (With Examples)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Center Your Visual Stories Around Timely Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n