Ep 305 | Repurposing your Press Releases with Aquila Mendez
Release Date: 06/10/2025
Digital Marketing Therapy
Are you making the most of your nonprofit's content? In this episode, I sit down with TJ Robertson, founder of TJ Digital, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your content repurposing strategy. We discuss innovative ways to leverage AI tools that can help you connect with donors, save time, and stretch your budget. Harnessing AI for Efficient Content Repurposing TJ shares insights on: - Creating a comprehensive brand guide using AI assistance - Developing a “brand ambassador” AI to maintain consistency across teams - Turning one piece of content into multiple formats...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you feeling overwhelmed as you gear up for the busy season? In this solo episode, I'm here to offer a much-needed pep talk and share some powerful mindset shifts to help you navigate the challenges ahead. As we transition from summer mode to year-end campaigns, it's crucial to approach our work with renewed focus and energy. Embracing Imperfection in Your Nonprofit's Communications Let's talk about the paralyzing effects of perfectionism and how it can hinder your progress. I share: - Why minor mistakes in emails or social media posts aren't the end of the world - How to turn communication...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you making the most of your website visitors? In this episode, I sit down with Abby James from Nonprofit Megaphone to explore innovative ways to connect with people who've shown interest in your organization. We discuss how to leverage website visitor data ethically and effectively to grow your supporter base and enhance your fundraising efforts. Overcoming the “Creepy Factor” Abby shares insights on: - Why collecting visitor information isn't as invasive as you might think - How to approach outreach in a way that feels authentic and valuable - Balancing personalization with privacy...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you struggling to attract more visitors to your nonprofit's website? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO, to explore the power of search engine optimization (SEO) for mission-driven organizations. We discuss why SEO is a crucial long-term strategy for increasing your online visibility and connecting with potential donors and supporters. Building a Foundation for Sustainable Growth Steven shares insights on: - Why SEO is like investing in your retirement account for your nonprofit - The importance of patience and consistency in your SEO efforts...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your nonprofit's workload? In this episode, I sit down with Karen King, founder of Gold Star Pro, to explore how automation can revolutionize your organization's productivity and give you back precious time to focus on your mission. Embracing Automation Without Losing the Human Touch Karen shares valuable insights on: - Why automation doesn't mean depersonalization - How to create personalized experiences at scale - Balancing efficiency with authenticity in your communications Streamlining Your Nonprofit's Processes Discover practical strategies for: -...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you struggling to create engaging video content for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with John Gargiulo, founder and CEO of Air Post, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your video production process. We discuss innovative ways to leverage AI tools that can help you connect with donors, save time, and stretch your budget. Harnessing AI for Impactful Video Creation John shares insights on: - Using AI to generate realistic video content from text prompts - Repurposing existing footage with AI-powered editing tools - Creating personalized video messages at...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you looking to boost your nonprofit's fundraising efforts and connect with more donors? In this episode, I sit down with Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, to explore the power of event fundraising in 2025 and beyond. Roger shares his wealth of experience in helping organizations create successful fundraising events, from galas to golf tournaments. We discuss why events are becoming increasingly important for nonprofits of all sizes, especially in an uncertain funding landscape. Crafting Events That Resonate Discover practical strategies for: - Tailoring your event to your...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the buzz around AI and wondering how it fits into your nonprofit's digital strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Arti Anand, an AI automation expert, to demystify the role of artificial intelligence in personalizing donor engagement and streamlining operations. Embracing AI Without Losing the Human Touch - How AI can enhance, not replace, genuine connections with donors - Strategies for maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation - The importance of transparency when implementing AI tools Practical Applications for Nonprofits - Using AI for...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you looking for innovative ways to boost your nonprofit's revenue and expand your reach? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked strategy of affiliate marketing and how it can benefit mission-driven organizations. I sit down with Aya Hesham, CEO of Vivian Agency, to uncover the potential of strategic partnerships that align with your cause and resonate with your audience. Demystifying Affiliate Marketing for Nonprofits Aya breaks down the concept of affiliate marketing and explains why it's a powerful tool for nonprofits: - Creating mutually beneficial partnerships with aligned...
info_outlineDigital Marketing Therapy
Are you struggling to connect with major donors and secure those game-changing gifts for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with Ellen Christine Ruiters, a nonprofit leadership and fundraising consultant who has helped great causes raise over a billion dollars globally. Ellen shares her insights on building authentic relationships with high-net-worth donors and creating a strategic approach to major gift fundraising. Shifting the Mindset: From Asking to Partnering Ellen emphasizes the importance of viewing major donors as strategic partners rather than simply sources of funding. We...
info_outlineAre you making the most of your nonprofit's public relations efforts? In this episode, I sit down with Aquila Mendez, founder of Haute in Texas PR and marketing agency, to explore how organizations can maximize their PR strategies and create lasting impact.
The Evolution of Public Relations
- How PR has become more integrated with marketing
- The importance of building relationships with media outlets
- Strategies for crafting compelling, newsworthy stories
Maximizing Your PR Efforts
- Repurposing press releases across multiple channels
- Creating a crisis communication plan before you need it
- Leveraging thought leadership to build credibility
Crafting Effective Pitches
- Focusing on superlatives and data points
- Using clear, jargon-free language
- Highlighting the true impact on your community
Building Strong Agency Partnerships
- What to look for when hiring a PR agency
- Questions to ask potential partners
- The importance of trust and alignment in agency relationships
Whether you're just starting to explore PR or looking to refine your existing strategy, this episode provides valuable insights to help your nonprofit amplify its message and reach new audiences.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert and take your organization's storytelling to the next level. Tune in now and discover how to harness the power of public relations for your cause.
Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Key Takeaways:
04:09 The Changing Landscape of PR Public relations has evolved to work more closely with marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and relationship-building.
11:49 Crafting Effective Press Releases Learn strategies for creating press releases that resonate with media outlets, including the importance of being prepared with supporting materials.
19:38 Pitching Media Successfully Discover the key elements of an effective media pitch, including focusing on superlatives, data points, and clear, jargon-free language.
28:25 Choosing the Right PR Partner What to look for when hiring a PR agency, including understanding their philosophy and approach to measuring ROI.
Aquila Mendez Valdez
Aquila is the Founder of Haute in Texas, an award-winning PR and Marketing agency. She’s been asked to speak to audiences across the US, Europe and Asia, and has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek and The Telegraph, in addition to numerous TV appearances and podcasts. Her blog collaborations and client roster feature some of the world’s biggest brands, including Vogue, Prada, Lincoln, Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott, Orangetheory. She is also the founder of Haute in Network Agencies, a franchise model to help other women own their own agencies, and was named a San Antonio Biz Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.
Learn more at hitpr.com
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