Your nonprofit can have the world's greatest, interactive website, but if no one visits it, you won't get much benefit from it! Learn about effective ways of driving people to your website. We'll explore the hot topic of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and reveal many other outreach strategies - most which you may have never heard of or considered. Virtually all of these techniques are low-cost or free and easy to implement, and some can significantly increase the number of visitors to your website
In this session, we will cover topics including the following:
- What content to publish on your site to attract visitors and keep them coming back
- Which directories to list your site for maximum exposure
- Article posting and backlinks that increase traffic to your site
- Integrating your website with your social media activities
- Understanding how Search Engine Optimization works and when to use it
This session is intended for Executive, Development and Marketing Directors and any staff involved in Marketing or PR for your organization.
Sarah has been involved in marketing and communications for 10 years. In her current position, she is responsible for managing her company's website, by incorporating Search Engine Optimization tools to increase visitor traffic. Sarah is also an adjunct professor at the Loyola University School of Business where she teaches introductory marketing, public relations and internet marketing to undergraduate and graduate students. Previously, as Vice President at Cook Associates, Sarah was responsible for managing a complete website redesign, including content management and analytics improvement. The new website garnered an increase in 115% of visitor traffic within three months following launch. Sarah currently serves on the board of directors for Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare and Chicago Street Musicians. She earned an MBA in marketing from Loyola University Chicago and an undergraduate degree in percussion performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, both with high honors. She is a member of American Marketing Association.
Andy has been involved in web strategy for 11 years. In his current position, he is responsible for consulting with clients on the most effective web marketing techniques. Since 2000, Andy has overseen project managers, designers and programmers in the analysis and planning for 100+ websites. Andy is a speaker on topics including SEO, social media and web marketing strategy. He is passionate about teaching the principles of content marketing, usability and Analytics. He earned a BA in Asian Language and Literature from University of Iowa, and is a member of Marketing Executive Networking Group, Vistage, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and Illinois Technology Association.
Norman has been involved in web development and online marketing for 11 years. In his current position, he is responsible for web development and online marketing activities (email marketing, search engine optimization, local search, etc.) for Arts eVentures and related companies. He also does lectures and workshops on topics related to search marketing and the creation of effective websites, He earned an MBA in Marketing & Finance from Columbia University and a BA in Music also from Columbia University.
Paula has been involved in Marketing & PR for 16 years. In her current position, she is responsible for creating marketing campaigns that drive traffic to her organization's website, which currently gets 20,000 visitors a month. Previously, as PR Associate at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, Paula was responsible for publicity, website copywriting, and event management. Before that, she worked as Graphic Designer at Joliet Junior College where she was responsible for branding and was creative director for photo and video shoots for website and brochure uses. Paula serves as social media committee member for Results2011 and is an auction committee member for Little Friends, Inc. She earned a Bachelor’s in English from Governors State University, and is a member of West Suburban Philanthropic Network, eWomenNetwork, and American Society on Aging. She is the recipient of 15 awards, including the 2010 LACP Platinum Spotlight Award. In 2010, she received the certificate of ethics in social media from WOMMA.
The seminar will be taking place at the University Center Conference Center Chicago, which is located in the heart of Downtown Chicago, at State Street and Congress Parkway. Cabs are continually on call if you have to get back to the office quickly. Parking is nearby, abundant and inexpensive.
The full address is: University Center 525 South State Street Chicago, IL 60605
The December 13th Leadership Series Seminar will take place in the Private Dining Room.
For area map and directions, please visit: http://www.universitycenterconference.com/overviewnew/location
Public Transportation: The closest CTA stop is the Library/Van Buren Stop on the Orange and Brown Lines. University Center is one block South on State Street. The Red Line stop is at the corner of Harrison and State which is across the street from the building. Driving Directions: From the Southwest (I-55 Stevenson Expressway) Proceed east to the end of I-55 to North Lake Shore Drive. Continue north (towards downtown) on Lake Shore Drive to Balbo Street. Turn left on Balbo to State Street; turn right on State Street. Continue one block. University Center will be on your right between Harrison Street and Congress Parkway.
From the South (I-57 to I-94 Dan Ryan Expressway) Exit at Congress Parkway. Drive east towards downtown to State Street. Turn right on State Street. University Center will be on your left between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street.
From the North (I-90/94 Kennedy/Edens Expressway) Exit at Congress Parkway. Drive east towards downtown to State Street. Turn right on State Street. University Center will be on your left between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street.
From the West (I-290 Eisenhower Expressway) I-290 turns into Congress Parkway at it nears downtown. Continue driving east to State Street. Turn right on State Street. University Center will be on your left between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street.
Parking: University Center does not have dedicated parking. However, there are a number of parking garages and lots surrounding the building. Parking locations are shown on the Area Map: http://www.universitycenterconference.com/documents/map.pdf
Hotels: Most hotels near the venue are within the $135 - $250 per night range. The following hotels are within a one-mile radius of the venue: Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza BOOK NOW .2 miles from venue Residence Inn Downtown Chicago River North BOOK NOW .5 miles from venue SpringHill Suites Chicago Downtown BOOK NOW .5 miles from venue Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown BOOK NOW .5 miles from venue Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown BOOK NOW .6 miles from venue
Our unique one-on-one mentoring sessions offer you the opportunity to sit down with an experienced fundraising professional for 30 minutes to discuss any questions that are specific to your organization. Mentoring sessions cover the same topics as the seminars, and we will assign you a mentor based on his/her availability at your requested times.
Mentoring sessions are available for the cost of $0.00 per session. If you register for a full Summit pass, 0 mentoring sessions are included in the pass.
Below is a list of mentors who will be available at the Summit. Please note that you must register to attend at least one seminar in order to sign up for a mentor.
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$ 110.00
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
