I came into nonprofit marketing and communications with a knack for writing and a devotion to supporting minority communities. 

A career match made in heaven, right?

I was quickly tasked with projects I had no experience and little expertise in. I had to plan and implement strategies across numerous ever-changing platforms, create stunning content without a design-bone in my body, track and interpret mind-spinning data, and manage huge long-term projects with staff across the organization. 

I didn't know what "benchmarks" were, or what "KPIs" meant. It took me eight months to write my first marketing strategy, which I think was 14 pages long. I did just about everything the long way, like spending an entire day calculating a month's worth of Facebook reach and engagement data post by post. 

I often felt overwhelmed and in way over my head. I had so much to learn to become a successful nonprofit marketer. 

In turn, I spent those first few years taking advantage of every nonprofit marketing webinar, conference, workshop, and training I could get my hands on. I asked lots of questions. I brought my work with and requested the experts to give me feedback.

It all paid off. 

Over ten years later, I have built both an expertise and passion for nonprofit digital marketing. 

To this day, I still rely on online resources to stay on top of the latest trends in this industry. There are so many free online resources that will help you sharpen your skills in all areas of marketing. Here are my go-to sites.

Five Online Resources to Up Your Nonprofit Marketing Game

Nonprofit Ready

Nonprofit Ready is a site that exists solely to support nonprofit professionals and organizations with free sector-specific learning (meaning: they aren't selling anything). They provide over 500 free nonprofit learning resources, including courses, videos, and downloadable guides, to help the most common jobs in the sector. When you become a member, you'll have access to resources in areas including fundraising, grant writing, leadership, governance, accounting and finance, operations, marketing and communications, volunteer engagement, and program management.

Charityhowto.com

Charity How To is one of the most popular nonprofit online learning spaces. They provide free and affordable webinars and courses on topics including social media, grant writing, board management, fundraising, online fundraising. Their style is simple and actionable step-by-step learning taught by experts working in the nonprofit trenches. 

Check out: How To Set Your Nonprofit Up for Social Media Fundraising Success

HubSpot Academy

HubSpot is a leading marketing and sales software and thought leader in the digital marketing industry. They are committed to providing free digital marketing training through its HubSpot Academy. If you're looking to boost your resume, you can earn free certifications in areas including content marketing, social media, email marketing, and growth-driven design.

Check out: Learn What Content Marketing is and How to Do It

Wild Apricot Academy

Wild Apricot are huge advocates of nonprofit marketers. They provide free nonprofit marketing webinars, blog posts, and articles, many of which are straight from expert voices. They cover topics ranging from nonprofit leadership, membership growth, running events, recruiting volunteers, marketing, database management, fundraising, and web and technology. 

Check out: 10 Online Tools to Skyrocket Your Nonprofit's Marketing in 2020 (hosted by me!)

TechSoup

TechSoup's mission is to equips changemakers with transformative technology solutions and skills needed to improve lives globally and locally. One way they do so is by offering free nonprofit digital marketing webinars from industry leaders across the nation. 

Check out: Capital Campaigning in a Digital Era

Take some time for these learning resources, and let me know your favorites.

And remember this—if you chose nonprofit marketing, you did so because you believe that stories have the power to change minds and lives. You play a crucial role in your organization's impact. On those days when all those hats feel very heavy, remember that there is a vast community out there that will support you to flourish.