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There’s no shortage of data in the world today. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! According to research, more data was created in the last year than in the previous 5,000 years. And it’s no wonder between fast internet access and the capabilities of technology. In some cases, the abundance of accessible information is a good thing, and in other cases (like organizing it) – not so much.
In the past, there were only a few ways and opportunities to give to the church, making collecting and organizing data easier to manage. Today people can tithe 24/7 on a range of devices, use a multitude of payment methods, and send information to you from all angles. Not to mention the giving data and statistics coming in from sources other than your ministry.
While this enormous amount of data is enough to make your head spin, it’s still necessary for churches to collect, organize, and apply it. After all, with the right information at your fingertips, you make smarter and more calculated decisions to increase giving and enhance generosity campaigns.
So, before you collect another piece of giving data (or ignore it because of the overwhelming amount), here are a few time-saving tips to help organize and apply it in 2018.
Access a system that seamlessly collects information for you
There’s no reason not to take advantage of today’s technology for organizing data. At easyTithe, we provide time-saving tools for online giving data collection. When the church receives a tithe whether it’s via text, branded donation page, or other online giving platforms such as kiosks, it goes straight to the reporting system.
You simply access the information from the control panel by selecting the report that you want to run. It’s that easy. Navigating through the different reporting options is effortless, and the layout is clean and understandable.
Analyze giving data that enhances your generosity campaigns
With access to an easy-to-use reporting system that collects online giving data, you can select the information you want to see. There are hundreds of customizable reports to choose from. Each one provides ministries with opportunities to improve and understand tithing patterns.
Some examples of helpful reports are:
- Recurring giving information
- Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly giving activities
- Most recent donations
- Most successful giving days
- Custom date range reports
While these reports stay organized in the control panel, you can also have them emailed to you and print them off if you prefer. There are graphical reports available as well for forecasting, trends, and more.
Schedule a set time to review
The primary reason to collect and organize data is to review and apply it. Schedule a set time every week, month, or quarter to look over the online tithing information you’ve gathered. Knowing where to focus your attention saves time and increases giving.
For example, let’s say you notice that recurring givers in your ministry donate 8% more than one-time givers. In your next generosity campaign, emphasize the convenience and benefits of signing up for a recurring giving program. Perhaps, incorporate incentives that show your appreciation such as a dinner that highlights the outcome of recurring gifts.
Get rid of data that isn’t relevant
A key to staying organized is to purge information that’s no longer useful. This type of data is distracting and can muddy the waters when you’re sifting through current information.
Your organization’s needs can change drastically in a blink of an eye and can significantly change your strategy for generosity campaigns. The easyTithe reporting system makes it simple to keep data relevant and make changes as they occur – saving time (and frustration) when planning.
Save time and get organized in 2018 by taking a few seconds to sign up for easyTithe. Call 1-888-778-4843 or email sales@easytithe.com with any questions! You can also check out our demo to learn more.
