Welcome back to another insightful episode of The A100 podcast! Today, we’re joined by Amber Worthen, Founder and CEO of Email Maven. With years of experience in communication strategy, project management and email marketing, Amber shares her expertise in revolutionizing email marketing for associations.

Key Highlights:

Addressing Common Email Challenges: Amber identifies key issues such as inconsistent email design and email fatigue. She emphasizes the importance of applying best practices in email design and segmenting audiences to enhance engagement and avoid overwhelming members.

Optimizing Open Rates and Engagement: Practical tips on segmenting email audiences and implementing drip campaigns to ensure targeted and relevant communication, resulting in higher open and click rates.

Choosing the Right Email Platform: Amber advises associations to select email platforms that integrate seamlessly with their data systems to save time and improve efficiency. She underscores the importance of conducting thorough audits to identify the best fit for current and future needs.

Leveraging Data for Better Decision Making: Emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions, Amber highlights key metrics such as open rates, click rates, conversion rates and unsubscribe rates. She encourages associations to stay curious and continually analyze data to refine their email strategies.

Emerging Trends and Practical AI Tips: Amber shares insights into emerging trends like AI, offering practical AI tips for creating alternative subject lines and preheaders. She also emphasizes the importance of continuously testing and optimizing friendly from names, subject lines and preheaders to enhance engagement.

Best Practices for Effective Email Marketing: Tips on sending emails at the right times based on the audience's lifestyle and behaviors, and using web tracking campaigns to target members who show interest in specific content.

Join us as Amber Worthen provides practical tips and deep insights for association professionals looking to enhance their email marketing strategies and engage their members more effectively.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes packed with insights to help your association thrive!

Welcome back to another episode of The A100 podcast! Today we’re thrilled to have Ben H. Rome, Director of Communications for the American Bus Association (ABA), joining us. With nearly 30 years in storytelling and strategic communications, Ben shares his insights on the evolving role of storytelling in the association world and how ABA is tackling sustainability.

Key Highlights:

The Power of Storytelling:

• Ben discusses how storytelling in associations has evolved from simple slogans and stats to creating resonant narratives that engage members on a personal level.

• He emphasizes the importance of making stories compelling and memorable, ensuring they resonate long past the initial campaign.

Authenticity in Communication:

• Authenticity is crucial in storytelling. Ben highlights the risks of inauthentic messaging and the power of genuine engagement to build trust and loyalty among members.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• ABA's research shows that motor coaches are the most eco-friendly form of group transportation. Ben explains how they used compelling infographics and social media to highlight this on Earth Day, resulting in high engagement and positive media coverage.

• He also touches on the challenges and advocacy efforts related to the rapid push for electric vehicles and the need for proper infrastructure to support this transition.

Choosing the Right Channels:

• Ben shares his approach to identifying the best communication channels for different segments of ABA’s audience, emphasizing the importance of tailored messaging and engagement.

AI and Technology in Communications:

• The role of AI in enhancing efficiency in content creation, analytics and member engagement is explored. Ben offers a balanced view on using AI responsibly to support, not replace, human creativity and judgment.

Join us as Ben H. Rome delves into these critical areas, offering practical tips and deep insights for association professionals looking to enhance their communication strategies.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes packed with insights to help your association thrive!

Welcome back to another episode of The A100 Podcast! In this week’s episode, Colleen Gallagher concludes our special three-part series on AI in PR with an insightful solo cast. Today, we explore two critical areas where AI can enhance your PR efforts: crisis management and influencer identification and engagement.

These topics are part of the five areas we cover in our newly released AI ebook, "Five Ways to Use AI in Your Association's PR Efforts." Email cgallagher@onwrdupwrd.com to get your copy or download it here: https://onwrdupwrd.com/ebook-5-ways-to-use-ai-in-your-pr-efforts/

Key Highlights:

Crisis Management with AI:

• Early Warning System: Learn how AI-powered tools like Meltwater or Brandwatch can monitor and analyze data to provide real-time sentiment tracking, allowing you to be proactive when a crisis is unfolding.

• Developing a Crisis Management Strategy: Discover how AI can help draft a preliminary crisis response plan, analyze historical data and suggest effective strategies based on past crises.

• Combating Disinformation: Explore tools like Truepic or Deepware that can verify the authenticity of images and videos to help counter disinformation and deep fakes.

Influencer Identification and Engagement with AI:

• Identifying the Right Influencers: Understand how AI can analyze content across various platforms to find influencers whose values and audiences align with your organization. Tools like Traackr and Klear can assist in this process.

• Crafting Targeted Outreach: See how AI can review influencers' past content to help draft personalized outreach messages and suggest the best times and platforms to engage with them.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

• Resources: Check out our website at onwrdupwrd.com in the coming weeks for a new toolkit on using AI in PR or to sign up for our upcoming workshops. More to come soon on this!

Stay tuned for more episodes packed with insights to help your association become the go-to source in your industry or profession!