How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media
Social media makes sense for nonprofits because it’s an excellent tool for building relationships and connecting with audiences. Social media helps to give organizations a human face and being willing to engage on social networks helps to build trust and reputation.
Why Nonprofits Should Be On Social Networks
The advantage of being on social networks like Facebook and Twitter is that your audience is already there. Facebook has 550 million users—roughly 1 out of 12 people on the planet are on Facebook.
Think of your nonprofit’s website as your homebase. Tools like blogs, videos, Facebook and Twitter can be used to engage with audiences, share the organization’s story and bring fans back to the website.
- Blogs are excellent platforms for telling the story about who you are and what you’re doing.
- Videos are also a great tool for storytelling and can be embedded on your blog and linked to on your Facebook page. There’s something compelling about videos that makes people want to share them. YouTube has a nonprofit package that lets you drive fundraising through a Google Checkout “Donate” button.
- Facebook and Twitter are great for engaging with fans and advertising your events.
How To Use Social Media For Fundraising
Social media can be used as a fundraising resource to:
- Help raise awareness
- Advertise events
- Drive people to a donation form on your website
- Spread word of mouth
By having a presence on social networks, potential donors can hear about the organization and connect with you in order to understand and feel comfortable with what their money is supporting.
For more tips on how nonprofits can use social media, see 21 Ways Non Profits Can Leverage Social Media.
Crissy was Boxcar Marketing’s project manager from May 2009 to December 2012. She handled much of our day-to-day business, including working with clients directly on editorial calendars, weekly online activity plans, social media training and outreach opportunities. Crissy holds a Master of Publishing degree and before Boxcar Marketing, she worked at the Fraser Valley Regional Library where she specialized in the development and execution of promotional campaigns to drive traffic to regional library locations. Fun Facts Crissy has seen the sun rise on the Mekong River. She took Japanese in high school. She could beat adults at Memory when she was 5. Crissy loves wine and board games. Together when possible.
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