How a Nonprofit Used Branded Content to Drive Real Impact
Want to make your brand stand out? Get tactical with branded content. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started.
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A few months ago, ANEWBrand worked with a nonprofit in the human services space that had an incredible mission—but no one really knew about them. They were doing life-changing work, yet their messaging and content weren’t connecting with the people they needed to reach.
Instead of relying on generic posts and stale mission statements, we built a branded content strategy that did three key things:
✌️ Told real stories—We shifted from talking about "services" to showcasing the lives changed. We featured raw, emotional storytelling from the people they helped.
✌️ Used multiple formats—We turned those stories into short-form videos, blog posts, and LinkedIn articles, making sure their audience could engage however they preferred.
✌️ Optimized distribution—We didn’t just post and pray. We leveraged email marketing, social media, and partnerships with local businesses to amplify the message.
The result?
🍕 Increased engagement from donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
🍕More trust and credibility in the space.
🍕 Better fundraising outcomes because people felt emotionally invested in the mission.
Branded Content 101 x WTF Is It & Why It Matters
Branded content isn’t just a blog post or a social media post—it’s content that feels like a natural extension of your brand while providing real value. It’s the stories, videos, podcasts, and experiences that make people connect with you without feeling like they’re being sold to.
Want to create branded content that actually works?
Here’s how.
1. Start with Your Brand’s Core Message
What’s the ONE thing you want people to associate with your brand? Check out last weeks post on the single minded idea for help.
Keep it clear, concise, and tied to your values.
2. Choose Your Format Based on Strengths
Love writing? Blog or email newsletter.
Good on camera? Short-form & long-form video.
Prefer conversations? Podcasting.
Visual-heavy brand? Infographics, carousels, or photo storytelling.
3. Tell a Story, Don’t Just Sell
Case studies > sales pitches.
Behind-the-scenes > generic promos.
People connect with authenticity, not ads.
4. Plan a Distribution Strategy
Owned channels (Website, blog, email list)
Social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, TikTok)
Partnerships & collaborations (Guest features, cross-promotions)
Paid media (Boosted posts, native ads, sponsorships)
5. Repurpose Like a Pro
One podcast = clips for social + blog summary + email topic
One blog = multiple LinkedIn posts + Twitter threads
One video = YouTube + Shorts + LinkedIn post + TikTok
Pro Tip: Start small, stay consistent, and test what resonates with your audience.
One More Thing…
Next week is the grand opening of NJ Content Studio in Haddonfield NJ!
If you’re a business owner, creator, or podcaster looking for a space to create, let’s chat.
See you next week,
-Steven ✌️🍕
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