SaaS Smarter—9 Lessons Learned in Non-Profit Marketing & Tech

Designing Successful Startups

Bio

Caity Craver has spent nearly 30 years empowering nonprofit organizations through innovative software solutions that blend art, analytics, and artificial intelligence. Her career has been dedicated to amplifying the impact of nonprofits by centralizing marketing success and simplifying the fundraising process.

As the founder of DonorTrends, a pioneering analytics company, Caity revolutionized how organizations target donors with precision. Now, with the launch of the Impact Hub, she is bringing together decades of expertise into one comprehensive platform. The Impact Hub integrates marketing campaign management, creative and asset management, analytics, and success showcasing, all tailored exclusively for nonprofit organizations and their supporting agencies and vendors. Caity's goal is to help nonprofits "Do Less, Better. Do More Good.”

Summary

In this conversation, Jothy and Caity discuss the 9 lessons learned from her first SAAS exit that are now shaping her approach to building a more resilient and impactful second SaaS venture. From embracing the power of just starting to understanding that you don't need to boil the ocean, these insights will provide aspiring founders with practical, hard-earned advice on navigating the complex world of SaaS development. Tune in to discover how these experiences can help you build better, smarter, and more successful startups.

9 Lessons learned

1. Just Start
2. You don’t need to boil the ocean; you just need to warm the pond.
3. You’re not alone
4. Retention over Acquisition
5. Customer-Centric Development: Build What They Need, Not What You Think They Want
6. Set your systems up to sell
7. Build a Strong Team: Surround Yourself with the Right People
8. Embrace Failure: Learn Fast and Pivot When Necessary
9. Be Prepared for the Long Haul

Takeaways

• Caity Craver is a solo bootstrapped founder developing the Impact Hub software.
• Nonprofit marketing requires a unique approach to fundraising and donor engagement.
• Lessons learned from previous ventures are crucial for current success.
• Retention of customers is as important as acquisition, especially in the nonprofit sector.
• Building what customers need rather than what you think they want is essential.
• Setting up systems for potential exit is important for future success.
• Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is vital for growth.
• Grit and determination are key traits for entrepreneurs.
• The nonprofit sector faces unique challenges due to tight budgets and high demand.
• Collaboration and support from peers can help navigate the entrepreneurial journey.

Sound Bites

"It's a marathon, not a sprint."

"Just start, just get it up."

"You don't need to boil the ocean."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:59 Nonprofit Marketing Insights

06:00 Building and Selling Donor Trends

10:06 Developing the Impact Hub Software

18:53 Lessons Learned from Previous Ventures

32:02 Retention Over Acquisition

40:03 Embracing Failure and Grit