Ep 307 | Converting High Net Worth People Into Donors with Ellen Christine Ruiters
Release Date: 06/24/2025
Ep 288 - Replay | Encouraging Curiosity with Donors and Your Community with Emily Aborn
Digital Marketing Therapy
If we aren't curious, we aren't learning. Curiosity breeds energy and creativity in your organization and within your team. In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of curiosity marketing with the brilliant Emily Aborn. Emily shares her insights on how we can use curiosity to better connect with our audiences, both online and offline. Whether you're a nonprofit, small business, or just someone who wants to have more engaging conversations, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies you won't want to miss. What you'll learn: → What curiosity marketing is and how it...
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Ep 321 | The Most Common Mistake I See on Websites
Digital Marketing Therapy
Is your website failing to convert visitors into donors, volunteers, or supporters? In this solo episode, I share the single most critical mistake I see nonprofits making on their websites – and it's costing them valuable connections with potential supporters. After reviewing countless nonprofit websites, I've noticed the same pattern emerging: organizations are missing clear, compelling calls to action that guide visitors toward meaningful engagement. The Power of Clear Direction Drawing from fundraising best practices, I explore: - Why your website should function like an in-person donor...
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Ep 320 | Using AI to Increase Website Clarity with Aaron Husak
Digital Marketing Therapy
Are you struggling to create website content that truly connects with your audience? In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Husack, a business owner who grew his company from one employee to 130 while earning Inc. 5000 recognition four years running. We explore how artificial intelligence can help you shift from writing content that makes sense to you, to creating content that resonates with your readers and drives them to take action. Moving Beyond Your Own Perspective Aaron shares valuable insights on: - Why thinking like your audience is more important than analytics when you're starting...
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Ep 319 | Step by Step Campaign Messaging Creation using AI with Russell Van Broklen
Digital Marketing Therapy
Are you spending weeks creating fundraising campaigns that could be done in hours? In this episode, I sit down with Russell Van Broecklen, a New York State Senate-funded dyslexia researcher and founder of dyslexiaclasses.com, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your campaign development process. We discuss practical strategies for using AI tools to create compelling, authentic messaging that connects with your donors and community. Finding Your Campaign's Universal Theme - Identifying the core message that drives your entire campaign - Using AI to refine broad concepts...
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Creating Video Testimonals to Build Trust with Jonathan Schuessler | Ep 318
Digital Marketing Therapy
Are you struggling to build trust with your donors and community members? In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Schuessler, a marketing strategist and videographer who has reached over 1.4 million users through authentic testimonial content. We explore how video testimonials can transform your nonprofit's credibility and help you connect more deeply with potential supporters. Overcoming the Fear of Asking Jonathan shares insights on: Why three out of four people say yes when asked for testimonials How requesting reviews actually increases referrals and word-of-mouth marketing Breaking...
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Ep 317 | Welcome to 2026 and Your Best Year Ever
Digital Marketing Therapy
Are you feeling scattered by all the digital marketing advice out there? In this solo episode, I'm sharing some honest reflections on burnout, overextension, and why we took a break from the podcast. After 317 episodes, I've learned that sometimes stepping back is the best way to move forward with clarity and purpose. Finding Focus When Everything Feels Overwhelming I open up about: - Why I overcommitted and how it led to podcast burnout - The importance of choosing projects that align with your core mission - How small teams can stay nimble while maintaining quality service A New Way to...
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Ep 316 | How to Use AI to Repurpose your Content with TJ Robertson
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...
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Ep 315 | Mindset Reset
Digital 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...
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Ep 314 | Connecting with Your Website Visitors with Abby James
Digital 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...
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Ep 313 | Setting a Strong Search Engine Strategy for Long Term Growth with Steven Schneider
Digital 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_outlineAre 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 explore:
- Why today's donors want to be heard, understood, and involved in problem-solving
- The power of engagement design in creating meaningful donor experiences
- How to balance donor input with maintaining your organization's mission and direction
Practical Strategies for Cultivating Major Gifts
Discover actionable advice for nurturing relationships with potential major donors:
- How to identify and engage with donors who are ready to increase their giving
- The art of asking thoughtful questions and truly listening to donor motivations
- Creating personalized stewardship plans that respect donors' preferences
Leveraging Donor Insights for Organizational Growth
Ellen shares a brilliant strategy for involving donors in your nonprofit's development:
- How to conduct donor interviews that provide valuable feedback and insights
- Using donor input to shape your organization's growth strategy
- Turning engaged supporters into potential board members and major gift donors
Whether you're new to major gift fundraising or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you build stronger, more authentic relationships with your top supporters.
Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
06:28 Crafting Effective Donor Conversations Learn how to ask the right questions and truly listen to donor motivations, creating a foundation for meaningful partnerships.
19:38 Personalizing Donor Engagement Discover strategies for tailoring your approach to each donor's preferences and communication style.
30:47 Turning Donor Feedback into Action Explore Ellen's powerful technique for using donor insights to shape your organization's growth strategy and cultivate deeper commitment.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to major gift fundraising and create lasting partnerships with your most impactful supporters.
Resources
One:One and Team coaching. Join my MasterMind Group. Listeners can have FREE access to my course. The Thriving Nonprofit Leader: https://theideallife.com/the-thriving-nonprofit-leader/
Ellen Christine Ruiters
Ellen Christine understands the challenges of nonprofit leadership because she’s been there. A nonprofit founder turned leadership and fundraising consultant, she has helped great causes raise over $1 billion globally.
Through culture-building, high-net-worth donor strategies, and impactful storytelling, Ellen empowers nonprofits and their leaders to thrive.
Her program, The Thriving Nonprofit Leader, helps organizations and their teams rediscover joy in their work while attracting more high-impact donors.
Learn more at TheThrivingNonprofitLeader.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-christine-ruiters/
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