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6 Tips for Building an Effective Nonprofit Video for Your Brand

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It doesn’t matter if you’re running a nonprofit to help blind clients match up with service dogs or repair tongue ties on newborn babies. You need video content. Over 87% of all marketers feel that video has a direct, positive impact on sales. While your nonprofit organization may not be selling a physical product, you are promoting a service.

When you build a nonprofit, you are tugging on the heartstrings of a specific audience segment. You are reaching into the homes of people in need and showing them you can help. What better way to boost this message than through professional video production services?

Our team at KHARI Creative works with leading organizations from all over Alabama and beyond. We understand the unique storytelling and CTAs your nonprofit impact video needs to get results. Here is some advice on getting the most out of our work together.

The Power of a Nonprofit Impact Video

When creating a video to support your unique mission, you’re not just repeating some facts and figures. You are crafting a story that involves powerful emotions in your audience. It goes beyond the “4th Wall” by motivating viewers to engage with your brand and take action for your shared cause.

Around 57% of people who view a nonprofit impact video will end up donating, volunteering time, or engaging in the services provided. All you need to do is figure out how to put a human face on your nonprofit and connect with your audience on a deep level that turns passive supporters into lifelong donors – we can help!

Tips for Maximizing Your Video’s Effectiveness

1 – Start with a Budget

Most nonprofits have a restricted operating budget based on the funding they receive from government organizations, private donations, and public outreach. Beyond keeping the lights on, you need to pay for employees, marketing, and the critical services you supply. Over 70% of all staff at international nonprofits are paid workers, while 29% are volunteers. This is because there are limited funds for the resources you want.

Start your impact video journey with a set budget in mind. Look into how much does a videographer cost by first reaching out to teams like ours at KHARI Creative. There will be some wiggle room to help you find the type of impact video you need to succeed.

2 – Set a Desired Outcome

Begin with the end in mind. Set a strong goal for what you want your nonprofit impact video to return. Are you looking for more followers on social media to broaden your brand recognition? Are you levying a campaign to increase the number of clients you service so you can get public funding?

You want a solid goal that you can tell a team like ours. We can help with the creative storytelling once we understand who you are, what you want to achieve, and the type of audience you are targeting.

3 – Leverage an Emotional Story

There are over 1.8 million nonprofit organizations registered in the United States. That doesn’t include the ones operating outside the 501(c)(3) designation, as well as internationally based nonprofits. On average, Americans only give around 2.1% of their disposable income to charities (including faith-based organizations). To say you have competition is an understatement.

People relate to and remember the powerful stories you tell. They want to feel an emotional connection with your nonprofit brand (and yes, you should have a brand). Do your best to highlight personal stories, testimonials, or journeys through your services that showcase the direct impact of your work, and you’ll see more engagement with your videos.

4 – Focus on Your Cause

It is a little easy to get lost in the art of storytelling. Don’t worry. Our team can help keep your messaging funneling toward the root cause of your organization. We want to ensure your mission and values are always at the forefront of your nonprofit impact video.

Part of our professional video production services includes building authenticity for your brand that resonates deeply with your intended audience. Keeping the content always aligned with your cause helps breed trust and authenticity in your brand because it makes it clear what you do and who you do it for.

5 – Music is Important

Our response to music is chemical. The reason we get goosebumps when we hear a sad song perfectly played or exhilarated at the start of a football game, as loud, fast music plays while watching the team rush out of the tunnel, is because of the music. The same limbic system involved in processing emotions and controlling memory lights up when our ears perceive music.

The trick here is to align that music with your goals, cause, branding, and messaging. There’s a reason Sarah McLachlan’s In the Arms of an Angel has been used for decades with animal rights organizations. It is emotionally potent, conveys sadness and need, and drives fundraising and volunteers to act on behalf of sad animals through stunning visuals.

6 – Direct Viewers to Act

Finally, always end your nonprofit impact video with a clear and compelling call to action. This could be something as minor as “Donate Now” to an invitation to your annual fundraising gala. You want a clear pathway for your intended viewers to follow up on the emotional journey they have just taken.

Make a quality video by leveraging our team. Have it pluck at heartstrings with solid visuals and music. Then, convert viewers with clear CTAs.

Always Plan Ahead to Get the Most Impact

Creating an impactful video requires more than just good storytelling. As your nonprofit begins contemplating how to make these kinds of videos, how much does a videographer cost, and reaching out to our local Alabama team, keep in mind:

  • Think about inspiring visuals that can evoke emotions.
  • Ensure clean audio that complements your narrative.
  • Incorporate inspiring quotes that align with your message.
  • Don’t forget to break the outcome video down into digestible pieces suitable for omnichannel digital marketing (social media, press kits, email campaigns, etc.)

These smaller clips can be shared across social media platforms, ensuring a broader reach and more extended engagement.

Crafting a compelling nonprofit video is an art—a blend of storytelling, technical prowess, and a deep understanding of the cause. With the right approach and by leveraging professional video production services, nonprofits can inspire change and mobilize support like never before.

Reach out to us at KHARI Creative today, and let’s begin crafting your inspiring visual story. We have spent years cultivating incredible videos for all kinds of brands and want to be a part of the wonderful services your team provides to the world.

FAQs

How long should a nonprofit video be?

The ideal length varies based on the online or physical platform and the intended target audience. A good rule of thumb is to keep it between 2 to 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes if you need a long-form video for investment or funding purposes.

How much does a nonprofit video cost?

Costs can and will vary based on various factors like location, complexity, and the length of the video you desire. Investing in professional video production services ensures a high-quality result that aligns with your objectives. While we want your business, we do encourage you to ask for quotes from different providers. This way, you get a solid idea of what is available for your needs.

What is an impact video for a non-profit?

An impact video for a nonprofit is a short film or video that highlights your organization's successes, stories, and results. It aims to inspire viewers and encourage support with clear CTAs at the end.