How to learn more about your supporters

How to learn more about supporters: Simple, but effective user research

Are your charity’s communications, fundraising, or services based on assumptions rather than evidence? This practical online session will show you how to start doing simple but powerful user research, even with limited time and budget. Because better insight into your supporters leads to stronger relationships, more effective fundraising, and greater impact for the people you serve.

User research doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. For small charities, it’s about systematically listening to the people you engage with and using those insights to improve what you do. This session will demystify user research and introduce four practical methods you can implement immediately.

You’ll discover why user research matters, what it really is (and isn’t), and how to plan your first project using a simple four-step framework. Accessible methods such as user interviews, feedback analysis, frontline staff empathy mapping, and website analytics will be covered, along with practical tips for getting started and turning findings into actionable changes.

During the session, David will address questions like:

• How do I recruit participants with no budget?

• What should I ask in user interviews?

• How can I use data I already have?

• How many people do I need to see patterns?

• How do I turn insights into concrete improvements?

By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the value of user research and plan a focused project

• Conduct four practical, low-cost research methods

• Analyse findings and turn insights into action

• Navigate common barriers to user research

Ready to see how better understanding your supporters can strengthen your work and increase your impact? Sign up below to secure your place!

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About David

David Somerville is an independent digital marketing consultant, having nearly 30 years’ worth of marketing experience, which means he was involved in using the Internet before Google was even launched!

Prior to becoming an independent consultant, he worked for 12 years at a digital agency and supported numerous charities and non profits of all shapes and sizes, including the RSPCA, NHS Charities Together and Christians Against Poverty.

During this time and now as a freelancer, David has carried out numerous research projects to help charities understand their supporters and other key audiences.

He has delivered numerous training sessions, including for Link UP London and has been a volunteer on a previous project. He’s also a CharityComms mentor.