Having trouble identifying which social media channels are best suited to your nonprofit? Here are six platforms to consider, with a few notes about the kind of nonprofits that might find them valuable.
Blogs: If your organization is all about information –a curriculum, advocacy, thought-leadership, etc. – you’re likely to have lots of content to support an effective blog. Keep in mind that you can share more than the written word on this platform – you can share videos, charts, research, pictures – you name it. And don’t worry about building thousands of readers – if your blog is set up properly, it can be a great tool for boosting organic search performance, which increases the likelihood that target clients will find you in search results, even if they don’t read your posts.
Facebook is an excellent choice for groups with an active supporter base. This platform is all about sharing what you’re passionate about and supporting your friends’ passions. This makes it great for recruiting volunteers, culling word-of-mouth donations, and spreading the news about upcoming events and headlines.
Twitter works well for nonprofits that interact with the community they serve on a daily basis, and/or have interesting daily news to share. For example, performing arts programs, museums and after school programs can post messages about what’s going on in their classrooms and events that are coming up. They can also offer Twitter only specials.
YouTube is a great fit for organizations that have a visual story to tell, like animal shelters, children’s programs, etc. With today’s inexpensive video technology, it’s easy for these groups to create and share compelling videos. YouTube also offers the option to set up your own nonprofit YouTube channel.
LinkedIn is a great platform for reaching the business community. Chances are your organization can find and connect with potential funders, volunteers and board members through this channel.
Foursquare is a mobile application that connects the community to your physical location. By placing your nonprofit on the Foursquare map, you can build awareness of your presence and encourage people to connect with you.
Comments