When most people think of innovation, their minds automatically wander to technology. While technology does undeniably play a large role in how museums drive innovation, there are also many other ways institutions can make strides in creative and experimental ways. Looking towards membership, this aspect of museums has remained fairly inline in what it has been for the past few decades. But, as the demographics and expectations of the population continue to evolve, museums must search for ways to experiment and break away from the traditional models.
Infographic: Results from Augmented Reality Museum Visitor Impact Survey
At Cuseum, we’re deeply interested in how new technology and approaches impact the multitude of ways museums and cultural attractions interact and engage with their visitors. Over the past few years, we’ve watched many changes redefine how organizations think about digital engagement and the general expectations and behaviors of their visitors.
Video Live Streams as an Engagement Tool for Museums
Technology is undeniably a big part of the world we live in today. From smartphones and social media to video streaming, technology has redefined the content we are exposed to and how we engage with it. With a large chunk of our days spent online, it comes as no surprise that many museums have begun to use social media and digital platforms to draw in audiences. This does not mean museums should stop trying to create an engaging in-person visitor experience; instead, it asks museums to extend the experience to the digital world with tools like the live stream. But before you hit the record button, we have come up with a few ideas on how your museum can leverage the power of the livestream!
The Ultimate Guide to Partnerships Between Museums & Brands
Inspired by the Field Museum’s recent launch of an exciting new libation, let’s take a quick look back at the unique and creative partnerships that museums and brands have forged over the years. Many museums have been spinning up new brand partnerships as a way to create products that drive buzz, revenue, and capture the eye of their visitors and completely new audiences.
Putting Yourself in Your Members' Shoes (or Phones) With Digital Membership Cards
We’ve written a lot about why digital membership cards are so great for museums and really just about any type of membership organization (yes, they’re eco-friendly, accessible, and leverage mobile wallets), but what is the experience like for members? Time to flip the script and put yourself in your members’ shoes!
App Marketing Tips From The National Museum of Wildlife Art
Creating an exceptional app is the first step to supercharging your visitor engagement, but a world-class app is no good unless your visitors know about it! We’re always on the lookout to see how members of the Cuseum family are introducing visitors to their apps so that we can share their great ideas. Read on to learn more about how the National Museum of Wildlife Art is making sure that every visitor who walks through the door knows about their app and has the tools to use it easily and effectively.
3 Accessibility Benefits of Digital Membership Cards
In our last post, we discussed how digital membership cards are a great way to streamline the membership process. By providing digital cards via the mobile wallet, organizations can reduce the number of steps members need to take to access their cards and provide a frictionless experience.
Cuseum CEO Talks iBeacons and Digital Tour Guides in IoT Playbook
Cuseum’s Founder & CEO, Brendan Ciecko, was recently featured in IoT Playbook in an article exploring how Cuseum utilizes new technology to redefine the digital tour guide, while delving into the use of iBeacon technology.
3 Reasons Mobile Wallet Is The Best Place For Your Digital Membership Cards
If you’re reading this, you’re likely considering introducing digital membership cards to your organization and members or maybe you’re just interested in digital tools. Digital membership cards offer a great way to help reduce the costs associated with membership processing, including: card production, shipping, staff labor, direct mail, or promotional/renewal materials.
Tips For Turning Your Organization’s Supporters Into Advocates For Your Cause
The key to success as a non-profit is having followers who believe in you and want to see your organization succeed! Whether they show their loyalty by participating in local arts programs, working with rescue animals, or volunteering at their neighborhood food pantry, supporters and advocates drive your organization to do better and do more.
How Your Organization Can Go Green With Digital Membership Cards
When you think about the push to be eco-friendly and how you can help, what comes to mind? Using fewer to-go cups? Opting for paper over plastic grocery bags? Turning the lights off when you leave the room? You may never have considered your organization’s membership cards when you think of things that could be greener! But when it comes to the environment, every little bit counts, and switching out your plastic or paper membership cards for something with no environmental impact will not only save your organization time and money, it’s also great for the Earth!
What Does Blackbaud’s 2017 Charitable Giving Report Show About Non-Profit Donation Trends?
2018 is definitely on a roll, but it can be fun to look back to 2017, especially after learning that last year was great for philanthropy! Blackbaud recently released their 2017 Charitable Giving Report, and the numbers don’t lie: non-profit donations increased in size and number! Overall, non-profit donations increased by over 4% compared to the previous year, but how do things break down in different categories?
4 Tips to Maximize Your Fundraising Potential from AAM’s Museum Magazine
In AAM’s January/February 2018 issue of Museum, they shared insider tips on how museum CEOs and board chairs can work together to optimize their fundraising capability. Read on to learn how to increase your fundraising efficiency and improve the bond between your trustees, board chair, and leadership team!
Museum Education in the “Age of the Internet”
As museums continue to embrace digital tools to enhance their exhibits and visitor experiences, we’re grateful to take part in the never-ending dialogue and sharing of best practices around technology in the museum. How do we use technology effectively? How do we make sure that it complements the exhibit? And, sometimes most critically, can we afford it? We headed over to the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum to take part in the Greater Boston Museum Educators Roundtable conversation on the topic.
How Cryptocurrency Could Transform The Museum World
Bitcoin has led the world on a roller-coaster ride of excitement and panic over the past several months as its value has shot around like a ball in a pinball machine! Let’s take a step back from biting our nails to look at the potential that cryptocurrencies hold for the museum world, as well as how some museums have already embraced this new trend and all the possibilities it has to offer!
How Do You Create An App For A Historical City From Start to Finish?
The Historic Charleston Foundation is no stranger to leveraging new technology to showcase Charleston’s vivid history: they have over 50k followers on Instagram! Last year, HCF began a new project with Museum Hack and Cuseum to design an app that further communicates the rich history and stories of this remarkable city.
Integrating Salesforce and your Digital Membership Cards
Chances are that your organization may use a customer relationship management (CRM) system as the “digital backbone” of your membership operations. The world has come a long way since paper records, rolodexes, and ledgers, and the modern CRM has made it easier to store, organize, and work effectively with your growing community of members.
Integrating Digital Membership Cards with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
For most organizations, their CRM is the hub for all things related to membership. CRMs have come a long way from paper systems and now come in the form of robust software that allows organizations to connect countless insights across dozens of channels to understand what makes members unique. In that transition from paper to digital, organizations have saved time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.