Good fundraising design (the kind that motivates the most giving) is typically corny, old-fashioned, and not terribly pretty. I say that with confidence because I've seen it again and again, for years and years. I'm comfortable spreading this word, because I know anyone who takes my advice on this will be happy with their results.
But a funny thing happens when people hear me or anyone else say that about fundraising design. They think we're saying fundraising design should be bad design -- that bad design works better than good design.
Heck, no!
Bad design doesn't work well anywhere. Please, don't ever do bad design, if you can help it!
Unfortunately, what a lot of people think of when they think "good design" is slick, modern, and pretty. That's where things get sticky, because that is not the definition of good design.
Let's define good design. It is:
- Readable
- Functional
- Emotionally resonant with the message
- Appropriate for its audience
Take note of that last one. That's the reason good fundraising design is usually corny, old-fashioned, and not terribly pretty. That's what reaches most donors.
In fundraising, corny, old-fashioned, not terribly pretty design can be good or bad, depending on how well it conforms with the characteristics above.
But slick, modern, pretty can only be bad. It may nail the other characteristics, but it misses #4: It's not right for its audience. (There are exceptions, but not many of them.)
Design, like writing, is all about knowing your audience and reaching out to them in the look and language that stirs their hearts. It's not about conforming to your own preferences.
(This post first appeared on January 11, 2013)
from Future Fundraising Now http://ift.tt/2xFlFpi
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