Why Mobile Won’t Work Magic

I attended a webinar recently where the presenter attempted to demystify mobile magic by explaining that it is more like Houdini magic than Disney magic – that is real and it is something you can learn.

First, let’s call that Harry Potter magic just because I like the balance of Harry/Harry.

Now, I’m going to completely disagree.

Mobile isn’t magic—not even learn-able, slight-of-hand magic. There are no tricks and there are no secrets. Sure there are similarities to theatrical magic; getting mobile right takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and admittedly, a bit of showmanship never hurts!

The truth is mobile is not a magic panacea for all that ails your organization’s lackluster fundraising results. You do not add a mobile website or donation form and – poof – watch those donations roll in. However, mobile can be used as a valid tactic for expanding your reach and reinforcing your message, thereby increasing your level of engagement with your constituents.

Rather than thinking of mobile as a magic trick, I prefer to think of implementing mobile tactics in terms of a learning a new style of dance. You already know how to elegantly waltz your way through a direct mailer. Your sophisticated email strategy is as alluring to your donors as a sultry tango. Adding mobile-enabled elements to your existing communications is like throwing in a little Texas swing. You already know how to dance with your donors, mobile is just about doing to a slightly different beat.

By finding ways to leverage your message into mobile channels, such as text messages or mobile-optimized webpages, you augment the repertoire and relationships you have already built. Identify where mobile can supplement and reinforce your existing efforts. Rather than considering mobile tactics as a separate campaign, look for creative ways mobile can enhance current, already agreed-upon goals. Mobile isn’t a new trick; it’s just another way to dance.

Bottom line? Don’t try to use mobile to pull a rabbit out of your hat. You will fail. Instead, focus on how you are already interacting with your donors and begin integrating a few new mobile steps into your choreography.

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