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Marcela Zafra

I help nonprofits give their mission the visibility they deserve through various marketing strategies. I am a seasoned marketing expert with a track record in digital advertising, content and email marketing strategies; I bring more than ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Clients value my ability to see the big picture and create practical, executable marketing strategies. My transformative digital initiatives in a previous role with Brown Bagging For Calgary’s Kids boosted new website visitors by 141 percent and website engagement by 130 percent. I also grew their online community by almost 20 percent across all social media platforms and generated hundreds of leads through targeted Google and Facebook ads. As a creative thinker with a growth mindset, I love bringing ideas to life through painting, drawing, and dreaming. I offer Fractional Marketing support for nonprofits looking to: Increase awareness Boost fundraising efforts Build a thriving community of supporters. Reduce stress and workload. Execute strategic and consistent marketing efforts. Fractional marketing gives small and medium-sized nonprofits access to the expertise of a seasoned marketer on a part-time (fractional) basis. It's for organizations looking to enhance their marketing efforts with a small budget, and that means hiring inexperienced staff who require more effort and time to manage. [email protected] www.marcelazafra.com

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Featured Post

🎉 Celebrating One Year in Business – Thanks to You

Hello Reader I can hardly believe it’s been one year since I officially took the leap into running my business full-time! This past year has been a rollercoaster of learning, growth, and (yes!) a few moments that took my breath away. But above all, it has been a year filled with connection, purpose, and incredible partnerships. I’m so grateful for every nonprofit leader and team who has trusted me to support their marketing and communications. Together, we’ve built strategies, launched...

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I've worked with an organization whose feed looked busy, but it wasn't moving the needle. Here is why. Reader, last week we talked about email—and how it is way more effective than social media. So, what is the purpose of social media then? This is what I tell my clients:Social media is your window to the world.It helps you stay top of mind and build trust. It’s where you show up as yourself, keep your brand promise, and stay true to your mission. But sometimes, we get so busy that social...

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Most nonprofits pour their energy and resources into social media, but the ROI numbers tell a different story. Reader, I continue to see a lot of hesitation from nonprofits to send emails consistently and in a rgular (and higher) cadence. Here’s the truth: Email marketing generates $36 for every $1 spent Social media? Just $8 for every $1 invested Yet, I still see hesitation from nonprofits when it comes to sending more emails. Not just during campaigns (and even then, many cringe when I...

Hello Reader, It's been a while since I last wrote an email. Between client work, running a business and having a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old on summer break, life has been busy. I wanted to send this email with two purposes in mind: I will be changing the way I send emails: from now on, you will receive emails from me once a week or every other week. I will send you quick marketing and communications tips, interesting articles, and templates to make your life easier and save you time....

[First Name], This is for you. Are you doing all the things? Managing programs, writing grants, posting on social media, updating the website, and trying to stay visible while wishing you had a strategic, experienced marketing partner by your side? If you’ve ever said, “I need help, but we don’t have the budget for a full-time hire,” Or "My organization is the best-kept secret" Keep reading. I’m opening three new spots for Fractional Marketing Support starting July 1, August 1, and September...

Hi Reader I know how it feels when your team is stretched thin and the marketing to-do list keeps growing. But hiring a full fractional marketer might not be in the cards yet—and that’s okay. If you need a little extra help (and a strategic brain in your corner), I’ve got you covered. For $899/month, you’ll get: ✨ 1000 points you can spend however you want (like a marketing menu!) ✨ A 60-minute strategy call every month to check in, plan ahead, and tackle your goals ✨ An extra 30-minute...

Should Nonprofit Marketing be more like B2B and B2C marketing? Nonprofit marketing and communications is a whole different game. Yes—we can (and should) learn from the B2B and B2C world. There’s a lot of value in how they build funnels, drive conversions, and track ROI. But here’s the thing: nonprofit communicators are navigating way more complexity. We’re speaking to donors, clients, funders, staff, board members, and partners—often all at once. The challenge? Finding the common ground...

I get asked this question a lot: Where should we put our efforts if we are a lean Marcomm team? And I always say, “Depends on your goals, your objectives, and your data.” As you know, Reader, not all marketing activities/tactics deliver the same results. Let’s look over this for a moment: • A social media post • An email • A radio ad • A media segment They all generate a result. But is it the result that will move you forward to reach your goals and strategic priorities in your mission? So,...

Hello Reader Today is my 37th birthday! And I wanted to celebrate with you! This day is more than just a birthday—it's a reflection of the transformative journey my husband and I embarked on- because I couldn't have done this without the love and support from my husband.It has been a year since I took control of my life, work, and time. I have met incredible people and built the most valuable friendships with people not even in my city. I have learned A LOT more about boundaries.I have grown...

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In this Issue A note from Marcela Things you don't want to miss Fractional Focus: Facebook Ads Strategy Roadmap A note from Marcela Hello! February is going way too fast; I can't believe we are already in the second half of this month. This month is my birthday I've been reflecting on the last year and how my life has changed now that I am officially a business owner. How much I have grown so much and how I am leaning into my "potential," which is my word for 2025.According to Google,...