Andrew Laws, the founder of yeseo.io, an SEO agency. Andrew is a total pro when it comes to all things digital marketing, and he's here to share his expertise on leveraging the Google Ad Grant to promote your nonprofit. Whether you're brand new to the Google Ad Grant or you've been using it for a while, Andrew has tons of practical tips and strategies to help you make the most of this incredible resource. We're talking keyword research, ad copywriting, conversion tracking, and so much more.

What you'll learn: → The key benefits of the Google Ad Grant for nonprofits → How to identify the right keywords and language to reach your target audience → Strategies for creating high-performing ad variations → Tools and resources to supercharge your Google Ads campaigns → Common mistakes to avoid when running Google Ads

[9:38] Treat the Google Ad Grant like a commercial campaign, not just “free money.” Even though you aren't paying for the ads, you want them to be successful and generate income for your organization. [15:02] Focus on driving traffic to functional parts of your website, like landing pages. Have a clear CTA but don't have them go straight to a donation page necessarily. [33:37] Use long-tail keywords to target specific audiences and avoid broad, expensive terms. This helps with getting the right people to click on your ads and have better quality visitors that are going to be interested in the work you do. [35:02] Maintain a list of negative keywords to exclude from your campaigns. This will ensure you aren't accidentally targeting people that aren't the right fit for you. [39:10] Leverage free tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Facebook ad transparency. This can help you figure out what keywords to utilize to reach your goals.

Resources: Google Ads Keyword Planner: https://ads.google.com/intl/en_us/home/tools/keyword-planner/ SEMrush: https://www.semrush.com/

Andrew Laws Andrew Laws founded the yeseo.io SEO Agency and has been battling SEO for over 25 years. When he's not in the office helping clients grow, he can be found in the studio or on stage, making very loud noises. Andrew loves to talk about mindset, personal growth, business development, neurodiversity and odd music.

Learn more at https://yeseo.io/ Get a few website audit by visiting https://yeseo.io/audit/ https://www.youtube.com/@yeseo-agency

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Patrick Kirby has been a guest multiple times on the Digital Marketing Therapy podcast and has partnered with The First Click on many different projects and programs. Now, Sami is excited to be joining his program, Do Good YOUniversity. This bonus episode talks about the power of community and how you can get unique access to Sami and Patrick each week to get your questions answered.

→ The importance of building a supportive community as a consultant or solopreneur → How to overcome the “scarcity complex” that can plague the nonprofit sector → The key features and benefits of Do Good YOUniversity, Patrick's comprehensive training program → Strategies for continuously improving your skills and pushing your organization to new heights → Why collaboration, not competition, is the key to success in the nonprofit world

07:11 The power of reaching out to other consultants and experts for advice and support when starting your own business. 11:00 Addressing the burnout challenge in nonprofit work and the need for a collaborative community. 15:47 How the weekly “Ask Me Anything” sessions in Do Good University provide personalized, actionable support. 25:03 A overview of the robust training library inside Do Good University, covering fundraising, marketing, events, and more. 33:02 The incredible value and affordability of Do Good University, with a monthly fee of just $50.

Two Weeks FREE of Do Good YOUniversity EP 94 | Starting Conversations with Patrick Kirby EP 123 | Giving Tuesday with Patrick Kirby EP 200 | How to Increase the Annual Value of Monthly Donors with Patrick Kirby

Founder, Do Good YOUniversity

Patrick Kirby is the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, author of the Amazon best seller Fundraise Awesomer! A Practical Guide to Staying Sane While Doing Good, host of The Official Do Good Better Podcast, and a believer that “we’ve always done it this way” is the most dangerous phrase in the English language.

Patrick has spent nearly 2 decades working as a fundraiser in the nonprofit industry, for organizations of all shapes and sizes, most notably as the Senior Director of Development at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Minneapolis, MN and the Chief Development Officer at the Anne Carlsen Center, based in Jamestown, ND.

He earned his B.A. in “B.S.” (politics) at Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and is hopelessly addicted to super nerdy Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels and old school Nintendo games. Patrick lives in West Fargo, ND with his wife Shannon, three ridiculously adorable children named Spencer, Preston and Willow, a chubby beagle named Calvin.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Let's dive deep into the power of LinkedIn for nonprofits with the help of Alex Thoric, a digital marketing expert. Alex shares his insights on building a personal brand on LinkedIn, engaging with your audience, and leveraging the platform to connect with key prospects and partners. Whether you're a LinkedIn pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you maximize your nonprofit's presence on the platform.

→ Why LinkedIn is a must-have for nonprofits with a B2B focus → How to build a personal brand on LinkedIn and use it to your advantage → Strategies for creating and repurposing content to engage your audience → Effective ways to use direct messaging and multiple touchpoints to build relationships → The benefits of using LinkedIn Sales Navigator and the “Dream 100” approach

03:15 Should you even be on LinkedIn? YES! LinkedIn is a powerful platform for nonprofits, with 80% of B2B sales happening through the platform. 07:02 Understand the power of a personal brand. Building a personal brand on LinkedIn is about being relatable and connecting with people on a deeper level, not just selling yourself. It also happens through your personal page. 14:29 Creating content for your page doesn't have to be overwhelming. Batch content creation and repurposing existing content can be a game-changer for your LinkedIn strategy. 19:59 You don't even have to create posts to make an impact on LinkedIn. Using direct messaging and multiple touchpoints, like email, is crucial for building authentic relationships on LinkedIn. 26:59 There is a lot of power in the filtering opportunities to find the right people. Investing in LinkedIn Sales Navigator can provide a significant ROI for your nonprofit, allowing you to connect with key decision-makers.

Resources: The Ultimate Sales Machine Book by Chet Holmes: https://www.chetholmes.com/new-edition-ultimate-sales-machine/ LinkedIn Sales Navigator: https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/sales-navigator

Alex Thoric Alex Thoric is the founder of a marketing agency and Co-Founder of a marketing consulting company Building Income on Demand. A digital marketer who has great experience working with different industries such as spas, gyms, coaches, consultants, real estate, and restaurants. He loves working out, playing soccer, and guitar.

Learn more at https://www.buildingincomeondemand.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alexthoric https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-thoric/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

If we aren't curious, we aren't learning. Curiosity breeds energy and creativity in your organization and within your team. In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of curiosity marketing with the brilliant Emily Aborn. Emily shares her insights on how we can use curiosity to better connect with our audiences, both online and offline. Whether you're a nonprofit, small business, or just someone who wants to have more engaging conversations, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies you won't want to miss.

What you'll learn: → What curiosity marketing is and how it can benefit your organization → The four different types of curiosity and how to tailor your approach for each → Practical ways to incorporate curiosity into your marketing and team culture → How to build trust and encourage more meaningful conversations → Tips for refreshing and revamping your existing content and resources

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:34] Curiosity marketing is about opening a gap between what someone knows now and what they want to know. It is an opportunity to dive deeper into a topic, learn and figure out things you didn't even know you needed to know. [08:34] There are four main types of curiosity: problem solver, fascinated, empathizer, and hard to reach. Understanding your audience's curiosity type can help you connect with them more effectively. [15:01] Tapping into the curiosity of your audience and potential audience can lead to higher conversions. Using questions, stories, and everyday language can help create curiosity and engagement, rather than just pushing information at your audience. [22:06] It's important to stand up for relevant issues and not try to be everything to everyone. This can help build deeper relationships with the right people. [27:25] Curiosity also has a place in the workplace. Fostering a culture of curiosity within your team, by asking different types of questions, can lead to better collaboration and understanding.

Emily Aborn Want to know a secret about today's guest? Want to know a little secret? Emily Aborn writes for a living and even she sometimes struggles to write for herself or about herself. As a Copywriter, Podcaster, and Content Marketing Consultant, Emily helps small business owners overcome the blinking cursor of doom by taking writing website copy, blogs, emails, and other marketing materials off their plate entirely. An entrepreneur for over a decade, Emily's had experience in over 110 industries and has guided thousands of nonprofits and businesses to find their voice, make their impact, and connect with those who need them most. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Jason, and their dog Clyde and enjoys game nights, hiking, and a stack of emotional support books on her night stand. http://facebook.com/Emily.CatherineGrace http://instagram.com/EmilyAborn http://linkedin.com/in/EmilyAborn

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Navigating the world of government grants can be stressful. But funding isn't just in the grants you apply for. Guest Matthew Lesko has been helping individuals and nonprofits access little-known government resources for over 30 years, and he's here to share his wealth of knowledge.

What you'll learn: → Why Matthew is so passionate about government grants and funding → Strategies for finding and securing government grants, even if you're a small nonprofit → Creative ways to generate revenue beyond just grants → How to build relationships with elected officials to unlock funding opportunities → Resources and tools to help you navigate the complex world of government assistance

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:[05:34] Get intentional with the sources you use to find government grants. Avoid using Google to search for government grants – it's a “death trap” full of people trying to take your money. You don't need to hire someone to help you execute. [05:34] Utilize the SBA's local assistance database to find free, nonprofit organizations that can help with various aspects of your organization. There are loans available to help you with your team, as well as learning opportunities. [12:42] Don't just ask for money from government offices – ask for help in discovering the resources available to you. There are consultants that are connected to government projects that can provide services to supoprt you. [26:24] Follow your heart and focus on being genuine in your relationships with grantors and elected officials. Yes you will need to build relationships, but make sure it is the right opportunity for your needs.

Resources SBA's local assistance database: https://sba.gov/local-assistance Career one stop center: https://careeronestop.org/ Common Cause website: https://commoncause.org/ Apex Accelerators website: https://apexaccelerators.us/ YouFindHelp.org: http://youfindhelp.org/ GoHelp.com: http://gohelp.com/

Matthew Lesko Hi, I’m Matthew Lesko, known as the “Question Mark Guy” for my eccentric suits and passion for helping people find government grants and financial assistance programs. For over 30 years, I’ve authored bestselling books, appeared on major TV shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, and built online communities to educate individuals and businesses on accessing little-known resources. My mission is to simplify complex government systems, empowering everyone to unlock opportunities they didn’t know existed.

Learn more at https://www.free.lesko.com. https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeskoHelp https://www.youtube.com/user/matthewlesko

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of leadership and personal growth with the one and only Alan Lazaros. As the CEO and CFO of Next Level University, Alan has an incredible story to share about how he turned his own personal tragedies and challenges into a mission to help others reach their full potential. From losing his father at a young age to a near-fatal car accident that sparked a major life shift, Alan's journey is both inspiring and insightful.

There are so many different types of leaders. Understanding who you are and how you work are critical to becoming the best leader. Take it to the next level by bringing in team members that can balance out your skill set. This is when you become a powerhouse leadership team!

→ Alan's background and how he found his passion for self-improvement → The importance of self-belief and self-worth in leadership → Strategies for building a culture of authenticity and belonging on your team → How to navigate the fears and doubts that can hold leaders back → Practical tips for taking personal responsibility and being your own hero

[03:26] Leadership isn't always easy. Having honest conversations about what you need and who you care is so important. Without it you can't be the best version of yourself and make the most of your best skillsets.  [13:18] Challenges are constant. Choosing to respond positively to adversity, rather than falling into depression or despair is important. You can't control what happens to you, only what you chose to do when adversity happens. [19:40] Core values are so important. They help you know how to lead and communicate with your team.  [31:54] As leaders, we all have fears. Different people have different fears so it's important to understand where you line up. Do you identify with the fear of not being enough vs. the fear of being too much? [31:54] When we are true to ourselves we can fear that we are going to lose. Embrace your unique strengths and gifts, even if they make you “not normal” in the eyes of others.

Resources Bronnie Ware's book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying”: https://bronnieware.com/blog/regrets-of-the-dying/

Alan Lazaros At age 2, my father passed away in a car accident. At age 26, after getting into a nearly fatal car accident myself, I questioned everything I was doing in life. I questioned who I was and the choices I was making. I was at an all-time low. Filled with regret, I searched for answers and found two of the brightest lights I had ever seen. The first bright light was a book by Bronnie Ware entitled, “The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying,” and the second was a Ted Talk by Tony Robbins. Both of these resources helped me find my way and guided me to make the choice of going ALL IN on self-improvement to design a life of meaning and purpose. On this self-improvement journey, I have learned I believe in a heart-driven but NO BS approach to inspiring, motivating, and educating others on what it REALLY takes to get to the Next Level. Today, I am proud to say it is my mission to help others design fulfilling lives, maximize their own unique potential, and build aligned businesses they love on their own terms. I have a powerful combination of technical expertise and business acumen specializing in Peak Performance, Productivity, Organizational Design, and Individual, Team, and Business Optimization. I lead a global team at NLU, have given hundreds of trainings all over the world, and have happily completed thousands of one-on-one coaching calls with clients. It would be my honor to help you get to the Next Level of your life, love, health, and wealth.

Learn more at https://www.nextleveluniverse.com. www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros www.instagram.com/alazaros88 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Celebration sounds good in theory, but who has time for it! There is always something else that is around the corner, another thing to add to the to-do list, another board meeting. Making time to celebrate your wins and your teams wins, sometimes feels like a waste of time. But it is so important!!

Creating a plan for your celebrations, just like you do your goals, can go. along way in making sure you take time to relish in those wins. It goes such a long way to bring your team together and avoid burnout.

→ The importance of celebrating wins, big and small → How to set milestones and pre-plan celebrations to keep your team motivated → Strategies for incorporating personal goal-setting and celebrations → Ways to get your board involved in the celebration process → Tips for maintaining momentum and avoiding burnout

[05:25] Pre-plan milestones and celebrations to keep your team motivated. This will make it so much easier to track when its time to whoop it up and know there is already something lined up to do. [06:54] Consider having a “Celebration Chair” on your board to help execute the planned celebrations. Their job is to keep you posted when you're close to your goal and be your cheerleader. Then, they can help execute the already planned celebration. [08:00] Implement a personal goal-setting and celebration strategy to stay motivated on your own tasks. Figure out what your mini milestones are and give yourself a treat when you accomplish it.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Do you struggle with making the ask? You don't need to struggle anymore. Change your mindset and go for the nos instead of worrying about the nos. When we use data to our advantage we can set ourselves, and our team, up for success. Remove the pressure and give yourselve the power to create strategies that will help you close those deals and raise the funds you need.

What you'll learn: → The importance of mindset when it comes to fundraising → How to use conversion rates and data to inform your goals and activities → Strategies for following up with donors who initially say “no” → Tips for tracking new vs. returning donors → Ways to build a comprehensive fundraising plan

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:42] How many conversations are you having? Understanding your conversion rates and how many conversations you need to have to reach your fundraising goals will help you plan your day. This way you can plan your time accordingly. [07:07] Your conversion rate with new vs. returning donors will be different. Track data to inform your outreach strategies. [10:03] Nos are not right now. Have a list of follow-up options ready to keep donors engaged, even if they can't give right now. [11:41] You probably have a lot of different types of donors. Start with one fundraising activity, work it, and then move on to the next segment.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Social media is a team effort. Getting people on your team to join in on social media is easier said than done. Having their help will give you better content to share and be more on message. To get people to support your social media strategy, it requires being specific, having a goal in mind, and ensuring the team feels comfortable. This episode will help you break down how to encourage your team to join in and get excited about social media.

→ How to build a collaborative team approach to social media planning → Strategies for defining your social media goals and aligning them with your 2025 objectives → Tips for creating a content calendar and video strategy to keep your social channels fresh → Ways to foster a culture of content creation across your organization → How to support your marketing team and get the most out of your social media efforts

[03:44] Start with your plan of attack. Be intentional about your social media goals and how they fit into your overall 2025 plan. It's not just about being on social media to be on social media. [05:43] Build a calendar. Leverage a content calendar and video strategy to streamline your social media planning. It helps you come with ideas so people know what you're creating. [08:17] Lead by example. Create a culture where everyone contributes to social media content creation. They don't need to build the strategy they just need to support it. [10:07] You're in the field, you see what's going on. Support your marketing team by sharing stories, wins, and questions from the field.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click

Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

In this episode of the Digital Marketing Therapy podcast, we're diving deep into LinkedIn strategies – both for your personal profile and your organization's business page. Sami Bedell-Mulhern shares her insights on how to leverage this powerful platform to build real connections, repurpose your content, and fill that all-important pipeline of potential donors.

What you'll learn: → The key differences between personal and business LinkedIn pages → How to create a social media policy to guide employee use of LinkedIn → Strategies for repurposing content across your personal and business pages → Tips for sharing and engaging with content from other thought leaders in your space → Ways to utilize LinkedIn's features, like live audio and video, to connect with your audience

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [06:55] When you have. astrong strategy for LinkedIn you don't have to worry about individuals making the connections. Embrace the personal nature of LinkedIn connections, and let go of the fear of employees managing relationships. [12:10] You don't have to come up with brand new content. Repurpose your existing content, like email newsletters and blog posts, to build trust and engagement on LinkedIn. [14:33] Help build trust for your cause with other people's content! Share relevant posts from industry experts and thought leaders to strengthen your position as a trusted resource. [14:40] Make personal connections through live events. Explore LinkedIn's live audio and video features to connect with your audience in a more interactive way. [14:53] Take the conversations offline quickly. Use LinkedIn strategically to fill your pipeline of potential donors and build meaningful connections.

Resources Ep 187 | Getting Started with LinkedIn with Jen Corcoran: https://thefirstclick.net/187

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours