Cuseum Recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List

BOSTON, August 13, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Inc. revealed today that Cuseum is recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, Patagonia, and many other household-name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Cuseum Recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by Inc. as one of America's fastest growing companies," said Brendan Ciecko, founder and CEO of Cuseum. "The industries we serve are undergoing significant changes especially around the adoption of new technologies to fulfill and further their missions. Our team has embraced this moment, enabling our customers to better serve their audiences with innovative and purpose-built solutions. The continued growth of Cuseum is a testament to the hard work of our team and the shared commitment of our customers to providing world-class experiences to everyone they serve and engage with.”

The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. All 5000 companies are featured on Inc.com starting Tuesday, August 13, 2024, and the top 500 appear in the new issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Founded in 2014 by Brendan Ciecko, a 2008 Inc. 30 Under 30 honoree, Cuseum helps cultural attractions, non-profit organizations, and associations better engage their members, guests, and patrons. Cuseum’s award-winning software is used by over 500 customers to serve millions of members and visitors around the world.

Contact:
press@cuseum.com

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 

Methodology 
Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2023. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million. 

About Inc. 
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Cuseum
Cuseum helps organizations drive visitor, member, and patron engagement using digital tools. Cuseum's software platform makes it easy for museums, attractions, and nonprofits to publish mobile apps, generate digital membership cards, and leverage data insights. Headquartered in Boston, the company is backed by leading investors including Techstars. For more information visit www.cuseum.com.

Unlock the Future: The Ultimate Guide to AI Innovation in Cultural Organizations

Vatican Museums Ladder by Michele Bitetto

Are you still wondering if AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a tech buzzword or an actual solution for cultural spaces? You're not the only one.

Maybe you've heard that AI can transform visitor experiences but aren't quite sure what that looks like in practice. Many museum directors, zoo managers, and heritage site administrators are on the fence, unsure whether to dive in or stay on the sidelines. Let's face it: nobody wants to waste time or resources on empty promises.

Back in the day, museums were initially hesitant about going digital. The idea of organizing collections, exhibitions, and user data virtually seemed daunting and unnecessary - but we all now see how big of an asset technology actually is. This digital shift didn't just streamline operations; it revolutionized how staff and visitors interacted with museum resources.

Today, those pioneering efforts have blossomed into projects like Google Arts & Culture, social media profiles dedicated to art and culture, and a huge audience interest in in-person experiences. The leap to digital opened up a world of possibilities, demonstrating that innovation can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

But what if AI could actually make your visitors' experiences unforgettable? Imagine AI applications in museums recommending exhibits like a personal guide or smart systems translating information in real-time for international guests.

Let’s unlock the future and understand best the game-changing world of AI innovations that are set to revolutionize cultural spaces, enhancing accessibility, visitor engagement, and data management like never before.

1. Personalize Visitor Experiences

Museu do Amanhã, Rio de Janeiro by Marcelo Martins Teixeira

Part of Generative AI's core magic is making everything feel super customized. It can tailor content based on individual preferences and predict exactly what each visitor seeks. Does Visitor A love Renaissance art? The app directs them straight to the masterpieces. Do they prefer history? It highlights the most intriguing artifacts.

Take the Museu do Amanhã, or Museum of Tomorrow, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Since its opening in 2015, it successfully launched IRIS, a digital assistant operated through a chipped card that gathered visitors' personal data and personalized their experience as they toured the main exhibit. IRIS would know which sectors remained unvisited and store this information for future visits, creating recommendations and sending updates to users via the internet.

Then, the Museum of Tomorrow partnered with IBM and launched IRIS+ in 2017, a cognitive assistant built with IBM Watson, hosted at IBM’s Cloud, and trained with the participation of IRIS users (yes, from the IRIS database!). While IRIS+ is also mediated by the cards, it speaks to people, formulates questions, and connects them to initiatives related to their primary social or environmental concerns.

Read more about the experience of developing IRIS+:

• IRIS+ Part One: Designing + Coding a Museum AI

• IRIS+ Part Two: How to Embed a Museum’s Personality and Values in AI

The impact is huge for visitors, who feel more connected and engaged, even inspired to build a better tomorrow for our planet, and for staff, who can, thanks to technology, focus exclusively on understanding people's needs and offering punctual and effective solutions that strengthen the human bond.

2. Enhanced Accessibility for All Visitors

Image created by Igor Omilaev

Everyone should have access to cultural knowledge. AI-powered solutions can provide many solutions to bridge the gap between cultural knowledge and people.

For example, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) is implementing multilingual voice-overs for its articles. The feature plays a key role in amplifying digital engagement by harnessing the power of Generative AI.

Here at Cuseum, we can help you reach your accessibility goals faster than ever with our AI-powered Language Translation and Text-to-Speech features. These features allow you to create and offer multilingual content seamlessly and accurately, both in text and audio. This is a win-win AI tool that will allow organizations like yours to broaden their scope and offer richer experiences for everyone.

3. Amplifying Digital Engagement Through Education

Máximo at the Field Museum

Learning should be embedded in the fiber of cultural organizations. AI applications in museums truly help make educational programs more engaging, dynamic, and even global.

For example, in 2017, the Ann Frank House in the Netherlands integrated a chatbot through Meta's Messenger platform that offered personalized and immediate answers about Anne Frank, her family, diary, and time.

In 2019, the Field Museum in Chicago created an AI-driven messaging service for people to interact with Máximo, the largest dinosaur ever to exist, and solve any dinosaur-related doubt with the clear imprint of Máximo's personality and unique language traits.

The result? A permanent presence that can motivate future visits, offer relevant data to the institution, and increase awareness on a topic worldwide. This level of engagement transforms passive observation into active participation, making knowledge stick.

4. Visitor Feedback and Adaptation

Tourists at the British Museum by Tamara Menzi

Feedback is crucial, but processing large amounts of data from social review platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Maps comments and ratings can be a daunting task. Not to mention that it can't be done any faster than the human eye can read—which is also not on a 24/7 basis.

AI changes the game by collecting and analyzing visitor feedback in real-time, allowing for faster improvements. The best part? Staff can focus on more creative and purposeful initiatives while the machines do the heavy lifting.

For example, the British Museum has piloted a system thanks to a partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, which uses AI to gather and manage information contained in emails, comment cards, online reviews, and Wi-Fi access.

The impact is a more responsive and visitor-centered environment. Continuous improvement becomes the norm, constantly enhancing museum experiences.

5. Predictive Analytics for Future Trends

The National Gallery by Roman Akash

Understanding visitor trends is key to optimizing operations and marketing efforts. AI’s predictive analytics can analyze visitor patterns to forecast attendance and preferences, offering valuable insights.

For example, the National Gallery in London has been developing custom-built predictive models to understand variables like how many people can comfortably fit within a gallery, what time slots and days will be busy or quiet, and even what type of people will visit the exhibition. All this by training a model using data from over twenty years of exhibition history! The results are available for any employee to access and constantly updated.

The benefits are clear: highly efficient resource allocation and targeted marketing efforts to drive higher visitor numbers and engagement, not to mention that the creative teams will have a clear focus on developing new ideas.

6. Collection Management

The Metropolitan Museum of Art by Stephen H

Having controlled and structured data is a top priority for any institution. AI Applications in museums offer advanced techniques for classifying and tagging artifacts, ensuring everyone can access them.

For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York has more than half a million digitized records, but they lack information or tags that could help people find a specific piece online easily.

By partnering with Microsoft and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop five prototypes of how AI could get people closer to art. One of them was Tag, That's It! A crowdsourcing initiative to help the AI understand images so someday it can tag them by itself.

The impact is having a much more accessible collection that's highly searchable and shareable. Thankfully, no one will have to create manual tags for the 1.5 million artworks The Met has in its permanent collection.

What About the Implications of AI?

While AI offers countless opportunities for enhancing cultural experiences, amplifying digital engagement, and simplifying task management, it also raises ethical concerns that institutions must navigate carefully. Let's consider data management and privacy or cultural biases that can lead to unexpected or unacceptable issues.

This discussion is necessary and healthy for the advancement of AI-powered solutions in daily operations at any organization. Balancing innovation with responsibility is key to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for inclusion and development rather than exclusion or harm.

Learn more about Ethics & AI Applications:

• UNESCO's Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

• Museums Association: An Ethical Approach to AI

Embrace the Future of Cultural Engagement

Picture by Lucrezia Carnelos

Maybe you’re thinking, "This sounds incredible, but is it really for us?" or "Can we actually pull this off?" Those thoughts are valid. Many institutions are at this very crossroads or at the very early stages, wondering how to take the next step.

Here’s the thing: AI is here now. This isn’t just about keeping up with technology; it’s about creating moments that resonate with your audience, fostering connections that last long after they've left your doors, and finally being able to focus human touch and intelligence into more profound developments.

Every day, we move one step closer to unlocking the future and enhancing museum experiences and visitor engagement through the use of new technologies like AI.

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Check out these related articles, learn more about this exciting topic, and Cuseum’s take on it over the years:

• 4 Ways AI is the Next Big Game-Changer in Museum Membership & Attendance

• Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Museums

• Cuseum CEO Shares Forecast on Artificial Intelligence in "Museum Practice”

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Get to know the broad range of digital solutions we have at Cuseum to foster visitor engagement and strengthen your connection with your audience.

Top 4 Loyalty Program Examples for Cultural Institutions

Did you know that over 90% of companies (Accenture) have some form of loyalty program? And it's no wonder: a 5% increase in customer retention produces more than a 25% increase in profit. (Bain & Company)

For cultural institutions like museums, zoos, and historic houses, the stakes are even higher. It's not just selling products: it's about offering experiences and a connection to history, art, nature, and beyond. So, why not turn that fleeting visitor love into a long-lasting relationship?

The good news is that loyalty programs exist, and they're not exclusive to retail giants; they come in various shapes and sizes, each responding to a specific market need and highly customizable to your specific audience.

Let’s review the four main categories, what some best practices are when implementing a loyalty program, and insightful customer loyalty examples from diverse industries that can help your brand enhance customer loyalty and drive revenue! Let’s begin.

Loyalty Program Examples and Types

1. Points Programs

Points programs are simple and effective. They’re designed to reward repeat visits and engagements. Visitors earn points for activities, which can be redeemed for all kinds of rewards. The best part? These programs cater to what most customers want.

⭐Best Practice: Set reachable rewards

The easiest way to bore your clients is by setting unattainable goals. High targets are great for long-term efforts. Just make sure numerous smaller, more attainable rewards guide them along the way.

Loyalty program example #1: Starbucks Rewards

Coffee is a morning staple around the world, but now, thanks to Starbucks, it is possible to turn coffee money into points that can be converted into more coffee. 

This system provides a convenient and easy way for customers to earn rewards while allowing Starbucks to collect valuable data on customer preferences. By analyzing this information, from favorite drinks to seasonal trends, Starbucks can tailor its rewards to match customer habits better.

2. Tier Programs

Tier programs elevate loyalty to new heights. They offer progressively better rewards as visitors move up the ranks, creating a sense of prestige and exclusivity. It’s about making visitors feel special, valued, and part of an elite club.

⭐Best Practice: Explore New Possibilities!

Let creativity guide the next set of rewards that stand out in the industry. Take advantage of the gathered data your memberships offer and give people new reasons to become advocates, supporters, and friends of your business.

Loyalty program example #2: Uber Rewards

Uber has excelled in dominating the ridesharing market: cars, food, boats, and even helicopters. As an Uber Rewards member, you accumulate points for every eligible dollar spent on rides and Uber Eats orders. Accumulating more points elevates your membership level, unlocking additional rewards and benefits.

3. Paid Programs

Paid loyalty programs take a different approach. Members pay a fee for enhanced benefits, generating immediate revenue and ensuring a committed base of loyal supporters. It’s a win-win: institutions get financial support, and members receive premium experiences.

⭐Best Practice: Avoid Spam at all Costs.

One of the top reasons people opt out of programs and subscriptions is feeling overwhelmed with information. Taking care of your audience has many shapes, but an avalanche of messages is not one of them.

Loyalty program example #3: Top Cultural Institutions Across the World!

Brown Cathedral at the Natural History Museum, London by Claudio Testa

This is the most popular brand loyalty example out there for museums, zoos, aquariums, landmarks, and similar organizations. These programs offer premium benefits both within and beyond the museum's facilities. Members can enjoy exclusive discounts, free entries to special events, and complimentary passes for activities such as films or guided tours.

Donors are organized in raking systems according to the cost of each membership; this is not to be confused with the customer program example from above because these rankings are not cumulable like tier programs intend.

4. Value-based Programs

Value-based programs align with visitors' values and support the institution's mission. They often involve donations toward charities or welfare programs for minorities. They strengthen the emotional connection between visitors not by rewarding them directly but by benefiting society, turning casual visitors into passionate advocates.

⭐Best Practice: Promote Your Loyalty Program

Stay on top of communications –not just emails or push notifications. Use real-life channels to let people know how your institution is helping the world become a better place: put stickers or QR codes on location and train your staff to share the news with visitors and be enthusiastic about it.

Loyalty program example #4: Philadelphia Museum of Art & Children’s Museum in Indianapolis

Philadelphia Museum of Art. Source: Daniel Bernard

In Philadelphia, the museum partnered with the Fleisher Art Memorial to offer members discounts on classes and workshops. This partnership aligns with Fleisher’s mission to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. It's a value-driven approach that resonates deeply with members.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers free memberships to Indiana Foster Families through a partnership with the Department of Child Services. This initiative supports foster families and ensures that all children have access to educational adventures, fostering a sense of inclusivity and community.

The Bestest Practice 🌟

According to the Loyalty One Report, 56% of customers want loyalty programs that are easy to use, 50% that offer relevant rewards, and 43% that are trustworthy. To ensure your brand loyalty program checks all your customers’ boxes, read the Member Motivations Study™, a comprehensive guide developed by FIVESEED in collaboration with Cuseum.

The findings shed light on the diverse reasons people join membership programs. They aim to inspire new and more meaningful ways of thinking about relationship-building based on personal preferences, leveraging the power of data and all the new digital solutions we have at hand.

👉Access the full report here

The Bigger Picture: Transforming Love into Loyalty

“Tribute to Woman of the World” Mosaic on Pachuca de Soto, Mexico by Héctor Achautla

These loyalty program examples in cultural institutions show how they can be much more than just a collection of perks and discounts. They enhance the creation of meaningful connections, foster community, and enhance the visitor experience.

So, it’s time to open up to the endless opportunities points, tiers, paid memberships, or value-driven programs offer for community growth and engagement. Take these customer loyalty examples and feel encouraged to transform occasional visitors into committed, passionate members who feel valued and appreciated.

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After navigating all the brand loyalty examples and best practices, are you ready to turn visitor love into long-lasting membership? Cuseum has got you! Our mission is to help you foster an engaged and supportive visitor community through tech solutions.

Here's how:

1. Powerful Insights: Understand your most digitally active users and explore member behavior and activity.

2. White Label: Our adaptable platform prioritizes your brand, ensuring a sleek, uncluttered interface that keeps you front and center.

3. Quick Set-up: Get started effortlessly. There is no need for third-party apps, lengthy procedures, custom development, or anything else.

Learn what your organization can achieve with Cuseum’s Loyalty & Rewards solutions.

Feel inspired yet? Our team is ready to talk about how to transform your visitors’ love into loyalty. Request a demo now.

Push Notification Service: Real-Time Connections with Your Audience

Ping!

It’s amazing how a little buzz on our phones can make us feel instantly interested. Notifications of all kinds have become our source of instant information and gratification during the last few years, and they hold incredible potential for cultural institutions. When done right, mobile and web push notifications can transform how you build a relationship, making it a lasting one.

Let’s talk about mobile push notifications and the wealth of benefits these bring to organizations like yours. Real-time engagement with members and visitors through customized messages? What’s not to love? Embrace the power of push notifications to foster stronger connections, increase interaction, and keep your audience informed and excited about what’s happening at your organization.

It’s time to embrace active, consistent, and personalized communication. Let’s go!

Understanding the Instant Gratification behind Mobile Push Notifications

Instant gratification isn't just a modern phenomenon; it's a fundamental part of human psychology. But what does it mean? Essentially, it's our desire for immediate reward. We want what we want, and we want it now. In today's digital age, this need is more pronounced than ever.

The moment we get a notification, our brains release dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel good. It's the same feeling we get from eating our favorite food or winning a game. That little buzz from our phone? It's like a mini-reward system, constantly feeding our need for instant pleasure.

We know, capturing and maintaining users’ attention is harder than ever. People are flooded with information and distractions. But, if you can tap into that need for instant gratification, you can keep your audience engaged. It’s in your hands to send customized, timely notifications about an upcoming exhibit or a special event happening right now. It’s like a nudge, saying, "Hey, you, check this out!"

A Quick Refresher on Push Notifications

In the simplest of terms, a Push Notification is a brief message that pops up instantly on your screen. Unlike emails or other traditional means of outreach, these messages don't wait in an inbox or take days before the recipient finally gets around to receiving them. There are various types: mobile push notifications that appear on your phone, desktop push notifications that pop up on your computer screen, web push notifications from your browser, and even notifications on wearable devices like smartwatches.

The numbers tell a compelling story. According to MoEngage’s Critical Push Notification Statistics for 2023, push notification campaign opening rates increased by 50%, click rate by 7 times, and retention rates by 93%. On top of that, Push notifications can deliver an ROI as high as 3500%!

Mobile Push Notifications + Wallets

Apple push notification service and Android push notification service offer a passive, non-intrusive way to keep your audience engaged and informed.

Mobile push notifications can also be used by Wallets to keep pass-holders informed and connected. You can deliver important updates directly to your audience's Wallet app without needing an additional app installation. Through the Apple push notification service and Android push notification, your institution’s information becomes seamlessly integrated into their daily routines, ensuring timely and relevant engagement that enhances their overall experience.

The Android push notification and Apple push notification service through mobile wallets has lowered the barriers to keeping in touch with audiences, creating a new channel for direct communication. Since these apps come pre-installed on Android and iOS devices, users don't need to download additional apps or sign up separately. It’s a win-win!

Push Notification Service by Cuseum

Cuseum's mobile push notification service is designed to make your life easier while keeping your visitors and members engaged. Let's break down how each feature works.

🔂Renewal Notifications

Cuseum’s renewal notifications act as a built-in alarm system, automatically alerting users when it's time to renew or if their subscription has already expired. These notifications are based on members' expiration dates and require no additional effort from your staff. It's a seamless way to ensure your customers stay informed and your renewals stay consistent.

For example, “Your membership expires soon! Renew now to continue enjoying exclusive access to exhibits and events. [Renew Now]”

These notifications can even include a direct link for the member to renew, which will increase the convenience of your members and help improve your overall renewal rates.

🕹️On-Demand Notifications

Want to announce a special event or share exciting news? With on-demand notifications, you control everything: what gets sent and when. Whether it’s a last-minute activity or a special member-only event, you have the flexibility to communicate exactly what you want right when you need to.

For example, “Special Event Tonight! Join us at 6 PM for a behind-the-scenes tour of our new coral reef exhibit. Limited spots available! [RSVP Here]”

📍Geo Notifications

Geo notifications act as your ever-available promoter because they are triggered when users enter a specific location. You only need to provide the coordinates and the message, and we'll take care of the rest. They can be modified upon request, ensuring that your messages are always relevant and timely.

For example, "You've arrived at Independence Hall! Discover the rich history of America's founding with our guided tour starting in 15 minutes. [Join Tour]"

🗼Proximity & Beacon Notifications

These push notifications are triggered by proximity to a beacon, a Bluetooth device that sends a message when users get close. Imagine a visitor approaching a famous exhibit and receiving a fascinating fact or a special offer. It’s like having a personal guide in every visitor’s pocket, enriching their experience in real-time.

For example, "You're close to the Gift Shop! Remember your member discount: 20% off on all items. Grab a souvenir to remember your visit! [Shop Now]"

Cuseum’s push notification service is all about making communication effortless and effective, making your visitors and members feel valued and informed. And providing time for your team to focus on what truly matters.

Top 5 Mobile Push Notification Strategy Best Practices

1. Know Your Target Audience

Segmentation helps tailor your messages to specific groups. Are they animal lovers? History buffs? Families looking for a fun day out? Knowing this lets you send relevant content that resonates.

2. Personalize and Customize

Personalization isn’t just using someone’s name. It’s about delivering content that matters to them. If a member loves guided tours, let them know when the next one will be. Customizing notifications makes users feel seen and valued.

3. Be Strategic with Timing

Notifications sent at the right moment are more effective. Consider the user’s time zone, daily habits, and preferences. There’s nothing worse than getting an invitation to an event that has already happened.

4. Polished Messaging

Your message should be clear and to the point. Include a strong call to action (CTA) that tells users what to do next. Whether it’s “Join us now!” or “Learn more,” make it compelling.

5. An Image is Worth…

Visuals can heighten notifications. An attractive image or engaging graphic can catch your attention and make your message more memorable. It’s about adding that extra touch to stand out.

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By tapping into the psychology of instant gratification and using strategic, personalized messages, you won’t just send notifications; you’ll create stronger connections with your members and audience. 

Yes, there’s a lot to consider, so let’s take this journey together.

Cuseum's push notification service is here to raise engagement and loyalty and make your organization stand out through innovative solutions that make every interaction timely, relevant, and fun.

Schedule a call with Cuseum’s Customer Success team and discover all our solutions.

6 Ways to Turn Up Donor Engagement with Digital Solutions

Did you know that individuals in the US donated a whopping $319 billion to nonprofits and charities in 2022? Yet, despite this impressive figure, donations to Arts, Culture, and Humanities fell by 4.7%. [Source: The 2023 Philanthropic Landscape, 12th Edition]

It's a tough pill to swallow, especially when these sectors thrive on the generosity of engaged donors. So, what's going on? Why the decline, particularly when the younger generation is poised to make a significant impact? It's simple: times are changing, and so are donor expectations.

So, how to adapt? How can cultural institutions turn up the dial on donor engagement and captivate this philanthropic force? Let's dive into five innovative digital solutions that can transform your approach and bring your mission to life. Ready? 

1. Maximize Engagement Through Digital Memberships

The time to hand out physical membership cards has come to an end, allowing this convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution to do the job. Foster a sense of belonging and continuous support by keeping a continuous connection with your donors by pushing notifications and sharing news, events, and opportunities. Unlike traditional memberships, everything they need is right at their fingertips and happens in real-time.

Download these guides to dive deeper into Digital Memberships according to your specific industry and needs:

🏛️ Museums & Cultural Organizations
🎓 Universities & Alumni Associations
🤝 Associations & Societies

2. Foster Real-Time Connections with Mobile Interaction

Meet your donors where they are: on their phones. Get the most out of your Museum Apps by inviting them to make donations on the spot or, most importantly, harvest relevant data analytics about your visitors, which will later be useful when crafting a donor engagement plan.

Get this: Gen Zers and Millennials are donating more compared to Generation X and Boomers. As the younger generation's wealth and will to donate rise, every piece of data that can be gathered from their profiles, interactions, and visits through the App can help cultural institutions understand their preferences and motives and promote better ways of engaging them as donors.

3. Personalize Donor Outreach with SMS/Text Message Marketing

95% of SMS messages are opened within 3 minutes of delivery. They're quick, direct, and effective. The strategy is to make them personal. Personalize texts and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with donors so they feel directly connected to your cause. Don't worry. Cuseum supports the most popular CRM systems in the industry.

Here's another idea: micro-donations. Text your donors asking for small, manageable contributions, pairing them with impact stories about how their donations are making a difference in real life.

4. Centralize Donor Activities with Member Portals

A member portal can significantly enhance donor engagement and loyalty by serving as a centralized hub for all donor activities and interactions. An all-in-one platform to access their membership benefits, track their contributions, and access exclusive content.

Portals allow self-service for updating personal information, downloading tickets or complimentary guest passes, and automating reminders, payments, or renewals. Learn more about the future of Member Loyalty with our comprehensive Member Portal solution guide.

5. Boost New Relationships with Guest Pass Referrals

Your current donors are your best advocates. Guest pass referrals tap into the power of social influence and word-of-mouth promotion. They're a simple, cost-effective way to expand your audience and attract new visitors, meaning potential new members.

Additionally, if you want to jazz up your referral program, a contest can also create a fun, competitive atmosphere by offering exclusive rewards for top referrers: behind-the-scenes tours, meet-and-greet with artists or curators, or special access to archives.

6. Encourage Continued Support with Rewards Programs

Acknowledging and recognizing loyal donors leads to sustained long-term engagement and encourages permanent support. Loyalty and rewards programs offer a structured way to incentivize ongoing support, showing donors that their contributions are valued and rewarding them in exchange. Ideas range from in-person events (like a gala), redeemable benefits (like discounts), or digital content (like exclusive, members-only videos); however, they must be concordant with the segment the efforts are aimed at. Keep reading to learn more about how to focus your efforts and get the best results.

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Bonus Track(s)

Donor Segmentation

Many cultural institutions are grappling with generational changes. Younger donors crave something more—a sense of belonging, a deeper connection, a way to be part of something bigger. The same old tactics don't sway Gen Z and Millennials. Instead, they're looking for resonance and support for the causes they believe in.

Tailor your strategies to generational traits to ensure each group feels valued and connected to your institution, promoting effective engagement, especially when leveraging digital platforms…

💥 Boomers: Prioritize personalized emails, detailed newsletters, or even snail mail, as they appreciate comprehensive information and traditional communication.

✖️ Gen X: Establish loyalty programs and exclusive access to tours and members-only events, as they respond well to tailored experiences in person.

🧢 Millennials: Offer social experiences -in person or virtual- to nurture their knowledge on specific topics and promote social-media pairing, as they value social proof and peer recommendations.

🤳 Gen Z: Create immersive experiences; integrate gamified elements and AR features in your platforms to capture their attention, as they are digital natives who thrive in highly virtualized environments.

Donor Engagement Cycle

Understanding the Donor Engagement cycle is the starting point of designing a structured approach to cultivating and maintaining donor relationships. Institutions can strategically attract new supporters, nurture existing ones, and foster long-term loyalty. This understanding helps in tailoring communication and engagement efforts to meet the specific needs and preferences of different donor segments. Check it out:

🔎Identifying and attracting potential donors through targeted outreach and compelling digital content.

✔️Qualifying the prospects by their interests, motivations, and other aspects to revise if they are the right fit.

🌱Nurturing this relationship via personalized communication and innovative experiences.

📩Soliciting their participation based on the relationship that has been built. 94% of people asked to contribute do it, according to the CCS Feasibility and Planning Studies, 2011-2022.

🏅Recognizing and rewarding donors' contributions.

🎁 Retaining and growing donor relationships, encouraging long-term support and advocacy.

💍Engaged. Now, repeat!

Donor Engagement Plan

Start by identifying your donor segments and tailoring digital communication strategies to each group's preferences. Use digital memberships, mobile apps, SMS marketing, member portals, guest pass referrals, and loyalty programs to create a dynamic, personalized engagement experience. These tools can streamline operations, enhance donor interactions, and boost retention rates. Check out this simple donor engagement plan template and pave the path toward growth.

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Six digital solutions, endless ways to boost donor engagement and transform your approach. From digital memberships and mobile interaction to SMS marketing and member portals, these strategies offer exciting, effective ways to connect with your supporters. The best part is, Cuseum is here to help out every step of the way! Let's create a dynamic, engaging experience that keeps your donors invested and enthusiastic about your mission. Get started now.

Audio Tours 2.0: More Value to Visitors Through Personalization and High-Tech

We have all been that lost person roaming around art installations, historic houses, and galleries full of abstract paintings. We try to figure out what to look at, to relive the lives of the famous people who graced these rooms, and how to interpret the red strokes crossing the canvas. And, yes, we have all also been the clumsy visitors trying to make that chunky and outdated audio guide work.

Now that engaging visitors is more important than ever, cultural institutions face the ongoing challenge of improving the quality and depth of their offerings. Amidst the array of strategies available, audio guide systems emerge as a powerful tool for taking the visitor experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

As guardians of cultural heritage and knowledge, cultural institutions play a pivotal role in shaping collective understanding and appreciation. Hence, it would be best if you made visitors feel like they're part of the fabric of history with every step they take inside your premises.

Developing thoughtful audio tours that deliver comprehensive and immersive experiences can be a transformative catalyst for visitor engagement and educational outreach, and more so when they are hosted in their already loved and used museum apps.

Let's review the best 5 features for next-level audio tours.

1. Immersive Storytelling

Audio guides aren't just guides anymore; they're gateways to immersive adventures.

That's where immersive storytelling comes in handy. By seamlessly blending auditory narration with visual stimuli, audio tours captivate visitors, enriching their exploration of exhibits and attractions. They offer a dynamic and personalized approach to navigating cultural institutions, fostering deeper connections and understanding.

For example, at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, using the Norman Rockwell Museum App. You will listen to how he went about the creative process, his opinions on certain matters, hidden 'easter eggs' in his works, and tons of golden nuggets (in 10+ languages!). Additionally, you can hear from Peter Rockwell, his youngest son, at some of the tour stops.

2. Interactive and Engaging Elements

Visitors are given the opportunity to make decisions and become active participants in the learning. 

These elements transform passive observation into active participation, fostering deeper connections with exhibits. 

A small but significant interactive experience is offered by the National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens, aka EMST. If you are in a hurry or just interested in a certain set of pieces, you can dial the artwork number into the EMST App and listen to every important fact about it without the need to scroll through the whole site tour.

If we want to take it a step further, gamification is the ultimate learning tool. Cultural institutions can appeal to diverse visitor demographics while reinforcing the retention of knowledge. Who doesn't love a bit of friendly competition? Imagine embedding quizzes, puzzles, and scavenger hunts that location beacons can trigger into the audio tour. It's a win-win!

3. Augmented Reality Integration

The fusion of virtual and real-world elements facilitates a deeper connection and appreciation of exhibits by giving visitors a 360-degree view that can't really be harvested from a plaque or mere text.

Leveraging all the capacities of phones brings a brilliant result: Using the camera to capture and identify paintings, artifacts, animals, and plants or to visualize a digital work of art that looks like it's just materialized out of thin air, and then being able to listen to a super useful summary thanks to a fully integrated audio tour, really takes the experience to the next level.

4. Personalized and Inclusive Content

The one-size-fits-all philosophy is long gone; technology is all about tailor-made experiences that are now fostering a more equitable and enriching experience for all. With adaptive learning paths, audio tours cater to your visitor's interests, ages, languages, timeframes, and, yes, disabilities.

Some wonderful examples of how your cultural institution can be the entrance to a wider world can be found at the Heard Museum, where the Heard Museum App allows visitors to experience the museum in the Navajo Indian language, or at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, where we can enjoy the visit in Haitian Creole using the PAMM App. These are simple yet powerful ways to connect with and welcome historically underrepresented communities.

If you want to give the small ones a personalized experience, take a look at the Jupiter Inlet and Lighthouse Museum in Jupiter, Florida. The Jupiter Lighthouse App offers a tour exclusively for children, using a very young Charlie Piece, a Florida pioneer from the 1870s, as the guide. He walks his peers through the place while narrating important events of his time, teaching them about the works of art and focusing on areas where memorable events took place.

5. Behind-the-scenes insights and Insider Access

Exclusivity is a necessary perk when trying to grab people's attention and time. 

Help visitors realize there's more than meets the eye and that every piece has a story to tell if they're willing to listen. Inviting visitors to peel back the curtain doesn't have to involve superhuman efforts. 

Check out the extended version tour offered by the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona. Chief Curator Rebecca Senf retraces the ins and outs of the HighLIGHTS exhibition in this exclusive audio tour offered by the CCP Interactive App.

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Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of revamping your museum experience? You're not alone. 

It's natural to hesitate when considering big changes, especially in an industry steeped in tradition. However, every great leap forward in history started with someone daring to dream and embrace the unknown.

The integration of updated audio guide systems is a strategic improvement in the enrichment and accessibility of cultural offerings. 

Cuseum can help you seize this opportunity to redefine mobile engagement and pave the way for a more immersive and inclusive future!

Inspiring New Interactions: How Museum Apps are Changing the Game for Cultural Institutions

At Cuseum, we found a way of turning art exhibits into stunning discoveries, garden walks into epic adventures, and visitors into active participants in the cultural narrative… at the touch of a button!

Yes, it's time to embrace the power of technology to engage, educate, and inspire audiences with meaningful tools. Museum Apps enhance the way cultural institutions interact with people, and today, we are introducing you to the vanguard world of mobile engagement solutions.

Let's dive in and discover how a museum app can help unlock your full potential, truly enhance visitor engagement, and provide unforgettable experiences.

Museum App 101

A museum app is a mobile application designed to enhance the visitor experience by providing access to rich multimedia content, interactive tours, wayfinding features, and more, all from the convenience of smartphones or tablets (on your visitor’s personal device or a device you provide).

We recognize the diversity and uniqueness of each cultural institution, so it’s essential for us to embrace technology that can be tailored to meet specific needs and objectives while enhancing time usage and space optimization.

This cost-effective and easy-to-use solution will charm and educate visitors, streamline operations, and empower those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring these institutions to life.

A Museum App for you

Be the bearer of wows. We know that people crave convenience, accessibility, and interactivity; that's why, at Cuseum, our platforms are constantly being upgraded with new and powerful features. Check the most popular ones among our clients, and don't hesitate to request a demo with our expert team.

👁️‍🗨️ Visitor Experience & Interactivity:

Elevate the visitor’s experience using a Museum App with dynamic and immersive activities that leave a lasting impression and foster a deeper connection with the institution and its collections.

• Curated Tours: Say goodbye to clunky audio guides and create custom in-app tours that guide visitors through your exhibits with ease and expertise, encouraging deeper engagement with the content around the clock.

  Forget limitations imposed by physical space —this digital guide serves as an outlet for interpretation, allowing you to share an abundance of content without impeding the visual experience.

• Augmented Reality (AR): Open up to new storytelling possibilities by creating interactive and immersive experiences that bring exhibits to life in new and exciting ways. Check out how we gave life to the world's first AR art exhibition with Pérez Art Museum Miami.

Invasive Species by Felice Grodin at PAMM

• Way-Finding: Navigating large museums and sprawling campuses can be overwhelming; a museum app will help visitors navigate their outdoor or indoor space with ease with interactive maps and step-by-step directions. 

  This convenient GPS-enabled feature allows visitors to see where the closest displays, bathrooms, and exits are at a glance. 

• Image Recognition: Our technology lets visitors access additional content simply by snapping a photo of an exhibit or element. Provide and customize in-depth information, videos, and interactive experiences with seamless integration for every audience.

• Location-based Messaging: Deliver targeted notifications and alerts to visitors based on their proximity to specific exhibits or points of interest. Highlight upcoming events, offer special promotions, or provide additional context about nearby objects.

  Drive revenue by placing these marks in cafes, shops, or booths and offer special discounts, sales, or an exclusive invitation to purchase a membership.

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📚 Content and Accessibility

Today's digital landscape calls for new, relevant, and accessible content. Expand the dimension of your walls and promote a strong relationship with users, making the most of everyone’s time.

• Content Management: Easily edit and manage app content to keep it fresh and engaging. Add new exhibits, update event information, or upload multimedia content by dragging and dropping through our simple Content Management System interface. Yes, that easy. 

  You can also request a training session! We'll provide a live, hands-on training to give your staff as much freedom and independence as possible to make quick updates, corrections, or whole new experiences.
  

• Multimedia Content: Gone are the days of static displays and dull plaques. Enrich the visitor experience with versatile and updated content that will boost learning and create dynamic experiences each visit using video, audio, text, photos, and 3D graphics.
  

• Accessibility: Through multilingual support, descriptive audio, closed captioning, and a screen reader, create the most welcoming and empowering environment for visitors who have low or no vision, are hard of hearing, are physically unable to visit the space, or don't speak the native language.

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📊 Operations and Analytics

Understanding visitor behavior and optimizing operations are essential for the long-term success and sustainability of cultural institutions. By making informed decisions, you can drive greater impact and engagement within your community.

• Data Analytics: Optimize operations with insightful data, such as visitor demographics, preferences, and engagement patterns. Make informed decisions to optimize your exhibits, programs, and marketing efforts. Once visitors start using your app, you’ll automatically get analytics on your Cuseum dashboard.

• Maximized Sales and Donations: Streamline the transaction process with a museum app with built-in features to facilitate ticket purchases, membership sign-ups, and donations. Increase revenue opportunities, reach your fundraising goals faster, and cultivate stronger relationships with your affiliates. Plus, Cuseum supports Apple Pay!

Please check out some of our museum apps, such as the White House Experience Mobile App, which offers an intimate, room-by-room virtual experience and walking guided tours of the presidential mansion and the neighborhood for those visiting Washington; you can download the app here! or the IU Collects App for Indiana University, which lets you explore current and completed exhibitions, learn about the artwork, watch videos, do puzzles, and more; download the app here.

White House Experience Mobile App & IU Collects App by Cuseum

As we look to the future, cultural institutions need to explore and adopt innovative solutions that will allow them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. These solutions should enrich the lives of visitors and preserve our shared cultural heritage for generations to come. They should also place visitors under the spotlight and allow them to choose the best way to approach and appropriate each place. 

Ready to work with Cuseum to build, power, and launch your Museum App? Request a demo today. 

Headed to AAM 2024? Here are the top 12 Baltimore Musts

If the next big thing on your schedule is the Annual Meeting of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in Baltimore this May, then you must prepare to discover the heritage, culture, and culinary delights of Charm City as well. Here's a curated list to make the most of your time.

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1. Connect with the World at the Baltimore Museum of Art

Baltimore Museum of Art by Mike Steele

Step into a world of cultural enrichment and thought-provoking, where access to art catalyzes positive change. Founded over a century ago on this belief, the BMA is growing while maintaining historical accuracy and parity. Wander through the galleries filled with masterpieces that ignite the imagination and engage with the diverse array of programs and events that celebrate the transformative power of art.

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2. Discover History at the Baltimore Museum of Industry

Neons at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Source: Marcin Wichary

Step back in time and explore Baltimore's industrial legacy, learning the stories of innovation, labor, and commerce that defined Baltimore's role in shaping American industry. Located in a strikingly restored 1860s oyster cannery, this museum offers interactive exhibits and immersive experiences that recall the country's creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

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3. Explore and Wonder at the Walters Art Museum

The Salon Room, Source: Lucas

Indulge your artistic senses at the Walters Art Museum, home to an extensive collection covering thousands of years, diverse cultures, and masterpieces from around the globe. Housed in a historic building that's as breathtaking as the treasures it contains, this 90-year-old museum will make for a great intercultural learning experience.

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4. Soak in the Beauty of the Inner Harbor

Baltimore Inner Harbor through top of the world observation level, Source: Rupa Panda

From waterfront boulevards to iconic landmarks like the USS Constellation and the National Aquarium, this incredible place offers something for everyone. Hop on a harbor cruise for panoramic views of the city skyline, relax in the maritime ambiance of this bustling waterfront district, or go to the "Top of the world observation level" to view and feel the city's beauty.

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5. Unwind at the Johns Hopkins University's Sheridan Libraries

The George Peabody Library, courtesy of the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division

Home to over 4.5 million volumes, rare manuscripts, and archival treasures, these libraries offer scholars, researchers, and bibliophiles a true intellectual oasis. Take a guided tour of the magnificent George Peabody Library and experience the wonder of knowledge preserved through the (p)ages.

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6. Pay Homage to Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry, Source: Ken Lund

Stand on the very same ground where Francis Scott Key composed the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and relive a fundamental moment in American History at Fort McHenry. Explore the fort's ramparts, barracks, and exhibits that commemorate the War of 1812, and catch the daily flag-changing ceremony to commemorate the city's enduring spirit of liberty and patriotism.

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7. Dive into the Wonders of the National Aquarium

National Aquarium in Baltimore, Source: Brian Wilson

Experience the mesmerizing world beneath the waves at the National Aquarium, a beacon of marine conservation and education in Baltimore's Inner Harbor – and a Cuseum customer! Home to over 20,000 animals from the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, the aquarium offers captivating exhibits, interactive experiences, and a commitment to ocean stewardship that inspires generations to fight for our oceans.

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8. Enter the Poe Portal: Literature in Baltimore and the Poe App

Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum by Bohemian Baltimore

Step into the haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe with a Cuseum-developed App for the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. Dig into the life and legacy of the master of macabre literature with Augmented Reality while strolling through special exhibits and tours in the museum and the city. Immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious realms of Poe's mind through rare artifacts, manuscripts, and memorabilia. The app is continuously updated with new content to enrich your experience every time you visit!

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Make a scape at noon or unwind after an exhausting day to include in your schedule a culinary trek through Baltimore's dining scene…

9. Maryland Crab Cakes at Faidley's Seafood

Faidley's Seafood, Source: Baltimore Heritage

Treat your taste buds to Baltimore's culinary crown jewel – the Maryland crab cake – at Faidley's Seafood. With over a century of seafood mastery, Faidley's has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for crab connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

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10. Culinary Creativity at Woodberry Kitchen

Grilled Oysters at Woodberry Kitchen, Source: kslee

Discover a hidden gem of Chesapeake cuisine in a beautifully converted 19th-century mill, where you can indulge in farm-to-table dishes that have been given a contemporary twist. Immerse yourself in the bounty of the region as you savor the unique flavors and textures, surrounded by an elegant and cozy ambiance.

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11. Authentic Baltimore Pit Beef at Chaps Pit Beef

Chap’s Pit Beef, Source: ballpit

Experience the true essence of Baltimore's culinary heritage with the succulent pit beef sandwiches, which have even been featured in Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri’s TV shows. This mouthwatering dish is a feast for the senses that will leave an unforgettable impression on your taste buds.

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12. Raise a Glass at Sagamore Spirit Distillery

Sagamore Spirit Distillery

Toast to the spirit of Baltimore at Sagamore Spirit Distillery, where award-winning rye whiskey flows freely amid waterfront views and industrial charm. Take a guided tour of the distillery, learn about the art of whiskey making, and sample a flight of handcrafted spirits that pay homage to Maryland's rich distilling heritage.

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Bonus Track: Check out this thorough guide of Baltimore’s Arts & Culture Guide and find the perfect match for your creative cravings.

And last but not least… Connect with Cuseum at Booth 5614!

While you explore Baltimore during AAM 2024, don't forget to visit our booth (5614) at the MuseumExpo. Let's see how we can team up to improve museum experiences and engage your audience in innovative and exciting ways. Looking forward to seeing you at the conference!