Do Only Lazy Fundraisers Avoid Chat Tools?

You may or may not have noticed that we have a chat tool on the bottom right corner of our website here at MarketSmart. It’s blue. If you click it, you can chat with one of my staff — usually a Solutionist.
Granted, we’re not always right next to our computers, so sometimes we set the tool to say, “We’re not available.”  But most of the time, we’re monitoring it and we win new business because of it.  Adding a simple chat tool to our website to generate new business and/or engage with current clients was a no-brainer for us and should be for you too.
 
I wondered if any nonprofits were using chat tools.  So I began a look around and only after an exhaustive search was I able to finally find one on Volunteer Uganda’s website.
 
According to LiveChat, Inc’s CEO Mariusz Cieply, the real value of web chat technology for fundraisers is as follows:

“Chat benefits non-profit organizations in a similar way to how it helps classic businesses. Firstly, the chat can be used to replace phone or email communication with real-time conversations and instant answers directly on the website. Secondly, live chat provides the ability to target potential donors who are browsing the website and to address them by name with tailored messages. Providing the ability to start a chat with a real person validates the entire experience and improves credibility of the organization. It’s important to utilize all chances for contact as each and every person browsing the website can be a potential donor.”

 
So what gives?  Why don’t you have one? I worry that some fundraisers are just plain lazy and don’t want to respond to donor questions and concerns in real-time even though:

• It’s easy to set up
• The cost is probably $0
• Smaller organizations than yours are using them (like mine)
• Chat tools give you the ability to engage with donors, supporters, and volunteers in real-time
• It’s a great way to deliver the hi-value, hi-touch experience your constituents deserve

 
Let’s not let laziness get in the way of engagement fundraising.  Get a chat tool on your site today.
 
LIKE THIS BLOG POST? PLEASE SHARE IT AND/OR SUBSCRIBE