Frontier Marketing Co.

View Original

Two-Year Anniversary and Sabbath, Ep #46

Ben Johnson
See this content in the original post

Episode 46

With Benjamin Johnson and Matt Hussey

It’s time to celebrate the two-year anniversary of Frontier FM! On this episode, Matt and Ben look back on two years of podcasting and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. They also dive into the need for a corporate Sabbath, current marketing trends, and the power of good design in fundraising.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • Client visits, current trends, and saturation in rented lists [2:36]

  • Reflections on two years of Frontier FM [13:01]

  • Frontier’s match test outcome and the power of good design [18:09]

  • What has and hasn’t changed in email over the last decade [25:25]

  • Why taking a corporate Sabbath could be the culture move you need [27:40]

  • Junk mail, Gen X, and embracing the lost generation [36:04]

  • Future guests and final thoughts [47:50]

Don’t overlook good design

Does design matter in your marketing if you have brilliant copy? Yes. A million times yes! Copywriting is seen as the end all be all for fundraising marketing, but words are often more formulaic than design. Good design work can turn a decent campaign into a successful one. Unfortunately, there’s a misunderstanding of how design can be useful. So much intentionality goes into all the little things that nudge people one way or another. From a well-placed graphic, to how a form is laid out, down to which words are in bold print. Organizations who place value on quality design teams usually see the results in higher engagement and increased donations.

Take a break

In the corporate world, having a culture of rest goes against the grain, to say the least. Ironically, it’s just as hard to promote rest in the charity world as well. Somehow, burning out became a badge of honor and martyrs became more desirable than margin. However, Ben wants Frontier to be a release valve from that culture and get the money anyway. They are so results-oriented as an organization that taking time to take care of themselves won’t impact the bottom line. When you create a communal sense of time off you create corporate memories too. It’s as if you’re separately taking a retreat, together. Also, taking a Sabbath isn’t just about having a week off for Frontier. It represents the seasonality of where they are at. The challenge is to come back rested and restored because it’s on the Frontier team to ensure their clients have the best fundraising year yet.

Three cheers to two years

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since the first episode of Frontier FM. What started as a simple idea is now one of the top fundraising podcasts in Canada! However, the podcast was never supposed to serve as a Fundraising 101 course. Ben designed Frontier FM to focus on the strategic principles behind fundraising and tackle global trends that also impact the charity world. Get ready for an incredible third year as Matt and Ben prepare to bring you their professional insight on the world of fundraising, marketing, and digital trends impacting the future. Listen to this episode for a look at the road ahead!

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect With Frontier

Follow Frontier.FM on
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts