Streamlining CRM Data Management and Internal Workflows: A Case Study on StoryCorps and Zapier

StoryCorps is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and share stories told by people across America. The organization works with thousands of people each year, collecting their stories and sharing them with a wider audience. StoryCorps uses custom-built software as well as off-the-shelf solutions to manage its operations. One of the key software solutions they use is Salesforce, which serves as the central repository for grant, donor, partnership, and end-user engagement information. The organization also uses Zapier to integrate different software applications and automate various aspects of their data management and internal workflows.

StoryCorps, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing stories from people across America, faced a significant challenge in managing a vast amount of files and contacts. The organization works with thousands of people each year, and their stories are heard by many thousands more. This resulted in a massive amount of data to manage, including information about donors, contributors, and fans. The organization used Salesforce as a central repository for grant, donor, partnership, and end-user engagement information. However, keeping this data up-to-date and enriched was a daunting task. The challenge was further compounded by the need to track various touchpoints a person has had with the organization, which could range from social media interactions to website visits and podcast engagements.

StoryCorps turned to Zapier, a tool that integrates different software applications, to streamline their data management and internal workflows. Zapier served as the 'glue' that kept their systems communicating with each other, enabling automation that saved the organization many hours of manual work. StoryCorps used Zapier to enrich contact information in Salesforce and support internal workflows. Zapier was used to create and update records based on where people have engaged with the organization, helping them understand which programs someone is interested in, how they've found stories, and how they'd like to contribute. Furthermore, Zapier was used to track all the different touchpoints a person has had with the organization, sending all of that information into Salesforce. StoryCorps also used Zapier to automatically grow its newsletter lists, sending information directly from Facebook Lead Ads into Mailchimp. Lastly, Zapier was used to streamline the process of identifying and sharing the best stories told by people.

• The use of Zapier has significantly improved the efficiency of StoryCorps' operations. It has enabled the organization to centralize information about donors, contributors, and fans, making it easier for everyone at StoryCorps to communicate with these contacts. Producers now have access to information about contributing storytellers, marketers can access audience information for targeted outreach, and the development team can contact people for support based on known interests. Furthermore, the automation of the process of growing the newsletter list has ensured that interested subscribers receive a welcome message right away, improving the organization's engagement with its audience. Lastly, the use of Zapier has helped StoryCorps adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, enabling them to implement a digital paperwork process.

• Saved many hours of manual work through automation

• Reduced the lag time in adding new subscribers to the newsletter list from up to 30 days to immediate

• Streamlined the process of identifying the best stories, reducing the time spent by producers in scanning through all new pieces