With devices continually getting smaller, such as watch and even ring size, people are online more than ever.  And, it is even more important that as you are designing your web content that you keep in mind how your visitors are likely to view and consume the content.

As screen sizes continue to shrink, this means- you guessed it- even tighter, more visually profuse content. If you’re already following the mantra “short and sweet,” just think “shorter and sweeter” (which, ironically, is a longer mantra).

Take a look at the Apple Watch demo below from TechnoBuffalo‘s Jon Rettinger, to get a sense of how the watch displays content.

Amazing, right? If you’re already following the mantra “short and sweet,” just think “shorter and sweeter” (which, ironically, is a longer mantra).

 

How This Impacts Your Strategy

Assuming the trend for ever-smaller devices entrenches itself in the U.S. and abroad, here is what you can expect to happen:

  • The main social apps- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter- will display info to watch-wearing supporters the same way they do with mobile, but your messages will need to be tailored shorter, and visuals even more bold to be effective.
  • Your nonprofit will need to actually get your hands on the smaller devices such as the Apple Watch. Outfitting your communications manager will allow them to experience how micro messaging displays and what they need to do to cater content to this medium as well.
  • Nonprofits will start finding ways to update their CRM systems and the data they’re collecting from supporters to include cell phone numbers – and even who has an iPhone and/or watch. With a nicely segmented list, you can then text supporters.
  • Texting personalized messages to supporters (a photo of a campaign success to campaign donors, for example) will become a best practice.

Bridging the Generation Gap

A good communication team will be able to harness sharp, visual and to-the-point micro content, to engage your small device-wearing donors and early-adopter supporters.

At the same time they’ll also be sending out good old-fashioned print letters and handwritten thank-you’s to your octagenarian supporters. And, sending email appeals to your broader base who falls somewhere in the middle.

Don’t Freak Out

Whether the devices getting smaller fills you with geeky bliss or dread, it’s important to keep your nonprofit in the forefront of tech changes that have social impact.

These are exciting times for creative content. We believe that the trend for ever smaller devices offers tremendous new opportunities for personalized communication and more targeted relationship-building. (Just imagine – a sharp, personalized message delivered directly to your donor that he or she can’t miss)!