by Nicole Cerezo
Social media tools are a great way for nonprofits to get their message out to a wide audience. The benefits include an increase in donations and brand recognition, and a greater ability to promote campaigns and programs to donors, volunteers and followers. Here are some simple ways that social media can be integrated into your nonprofit’s marketing plan!
Social media is a wonderful tool for promoting the programs of your nonprofit. Invite supporters and volunteers to join you on the above social media sites, and encourage them to invite their friends to become a part of your nonprofit’s online network. Be sure to provide new and dynamic information in order to maintain ongoing involvement with your followers. Social media can ultimately help your organization increase the number of donations and overall fundraising!
Social media tools are a great way for nonprofits to get their message out to a wide audience. The benefits include an increase in donations and brand recognition, and a greater ability to promote campaigns and programs to donors, volunteers and followers. Here are some simple ways that social media can be integrated into your nonprofit’s marketing plan!
- Share on Facebook. Facebook is the largest and best site to relay information and inspirational stories about your organization. Readers can “like, comment and share” your posts, photos and videos. Nonprofits can create events and invite followers to fundraisers and volunteer outings, and it not only allows attendees to RSVP to the event but they can “check-in” when they have arrived. Facebook also encourages nonprofits to include a Donate Button on their home page so followers can easily make donations.
- Post to Twitter. To encourage attention and commitment, and also generate a strong following, Twitter is the perfect outlet to post small bits of information on behalf of your nonprofit. A link to your Donate Page can be tweeted periodically so followers can make a quick and easy donation. Be sure to tweet a message of thanks to the donor when contributions are made. Another helpful idea is to have either the CEO or a Board member post a message on the Twitter account.
- Create Vine and YouTube Videos. Video posts are a great way for nonprofits to spread the word about upcoming events or profile a volunteer or staff member of the month. Creative videos can discuss how the nonprofit’s work has made a difference, and can be used to increase awareness about programs and volunteer opportunities. Video contests encourage viewers to make and submit their own videos about a designated topic. Nonprofits can increase their contact lists while learning about current and potential subscribers.
- Prepare a Blog. Blogging is an ideal way to share how your organization has carried out its mission statement, and to describe the work that you intend to do. Photos and videos should be included in blog postings. Ask readers to subscribe to your blog updates, and have them share it on their social media pages. Be sure to link your blog postings directly to Facebook and Twitter, and mention your blog in any YouTube videos so that others can easily find it.
Social media is a wonderful tool for promoting the programs of your nonprofit. Invite supporters and volunteers to join you on the above social media sites, and encourage them to invite their friends to become a part of your nonprofit’s online network. Be sure to provide new and dynamic information in order to maintain ongoing involvement with your followers. Social media can ultimately help your organization increase the number of donations and overall fundraising!
