Episode Summary:

Welcome back to the Elevate Your Event podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the power of text messaging for fundraising with special guest James Martin from RallyCorp. If you’ve ever struggled with low email open rates or declining donor engagement, you’ll want to hear how SMS can transform the way you connect with supporters.

James shares his journey from building a content management company to founding RallyCorp, a platform dedicated to human-centered texting for nonprofits. He explains why text messaging outperforms email, how to navigate compliance challenges, and why a 15% click rate should be your new benchmark for engagement.

James also shares some great insights on where text messaging is headed, including new technologies like RCS (Rich Communication Services), personalized tracking links, and two-way engagement strategies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Text Messaging is a Game-Changer – With 90% read rates, it’s one of the most effective communication tools available.
• The 15% Click Rate Guarantee – RallyCorp backs its results by guaranteeing engagement.
• Shortcodes vs. 10-Digit Numbers – Understanding the differences and when each is the right fit for your organization.
• Text-to-Give: Then vs. Now – How modern SMS fundraising works compared to the old carrier billing model.
• Real-Time Fundraising Impact – How nonprofits are using video messaging and SMS to bring donors into the story at the moment it’s happening.
• Compliance & Deliverability – Why many CRMs fail at SMS and how to ensure your messages actually get delivered.
• Data, Analytics, & AI – How advanced tracking can help optimize your messaging and fundraising strategy.

Key Takeaway:

• If you’re still relying only on email or direct mail, it’s time to rethink your donor engagement strategy. Text messaging is here to stay, and when used correctly, it can dramatically increase event attendance, donor participation, and overall fundraising success.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about RallyCorp: rallycorp.com
• Get in touch with James directly: Text “JAMES” to 24365
• Looking to integrate SMS with Handbid? Stay tuned—more details coming soon.

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

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