Skyrocket is a Vancouver-based creative agency that has been Architect-ing NationBuilder sites since June 2014. They build beautiful experiences that support clever engagement across a wide span of industries. Enjoy the inside scoop on their process below:
1) What are the most important elements of an awesome digital campaign?
For us, everything begins with brand. It’s the core of what an organization stands for, it’s who it speaks to.
Your brand is felt through your campaign, which should be a native extension of brand to communicate a particular message. When developing the campaign, keep the following questions in mind: What’s the organization’s unique value proposition? Who’s the audience? What connects the two? Brand should be the foundation of an organization’s communications plan and digital strategy.
The second but no less important piece is where are you bringing advocates? The landing-place of a digital campaign should be a beautiful and impactful site that centralizes all activity. We did exactly that with Coastal Jazz and Blues Society. Rather than design a pretty billboard for their festival, we created a community platform in which to harness the collective excitement of over 20,000 jazz lovers.
From our experience working with NGOs, cultural organizations and political groups throughout North America, these two elements are key for a successful campaign.
2) What is one question you ask your clients when starting a new project that everyone should think about?
It’s all about the why. Why do you, as an organization, exist?
3) What are three tips for promoting digital engagement?
1. For what we call movements, like social causes and NGOs, the key is to connect emotionally and speak to the heart.
2. Keep your community informed with consistent, high-quality content.
3. One clear, concise call to action.
4) Share a site you’re proud of. What was your approach and how is it incentivizing action?
In partnership with Vancouver Foundation, we created a web experience for Fostering Change. As a preventive measure against homelessness, Fostering Change is an initiative committed to strengthening the support systems available to youth as they leave government care and transition into adulthood.
The web experience was built to reach the community at large and increase awareness of the issue. Utilizing powerful functionalities of the NationBuilder platform, Vancouver Foundation can gather supporters who care deeply about youth transitioning out of the foster care system in B.C.
The NationBuilder website is a digital meeting place for VF to spread the message, gather stakeholders and connect supporters on a local level by sharing meaningful events, stories and resources.
5) Is there any “inspiration” your team uses to stimulate creativity? Music, environment, art, etc.?
We host Cool Shit Fridays over beers at the end of the work week. It’s an invitation for anyone in the community to drop by and share the best thing (tech, design, company, event, etc.) they’ve come across in the last few weeks. It’s next level show ‘n’ tell.
