Social Media
Personal relationships are key to nonprofit organizations. Supporters make decisions to donate or volunteer, but in order for them to continue, they need to feel as though they are contributing to the cause and making a difference. Let’s face it, there are so many organizations and causes that many people are overwhelmed with how to best use their own personal resources. Organizations need to keep their supporters informed on a regular basis with such tools as newsletters and emails, but a vast opportunity exists for supporters to respond and learn online.
Social Networking offers marketing , fundraising, and advertising possibilities but most importantly, these sites are a simple way to build ongoing relationships with volunteers and supporters. With rising expenses, organizations can reach the right people – teens, adults, or business leaders – without paper and postage. Alerts for advocacy or opportunities to volunteer can reach people in their favorite social networking way. Such as:
My Facebook. Friend me!
Facebook Clients:
Nonprofit: Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless
Local Business: Animal Exchange, including personalized pages.
LINKED IN
My Linked In.
MYSPACE
My Myspace.
BLOGGING
Blog Publishing is also a way to reach audiences and inform supporters. In addition to websites, organizations can blog with easy tools such as WordPress or Drupal.
140 character blogs + chat can reach people on Twitter
Nonprofit client: Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless
My blogs on Twitter: Rockville Central, TryingNotToBneg.
VIDEO
Organizations can use video to get the message out which such free services as:
or UStream
Here’s a video on ideas for using video from my Ustream show, Community Ground:
RADIO
Back in the day, I was station manager of my college radio station and loved being a dj spinning the alternative rock music, punk and reggae. It’s no surprise I’d want to try my hand at Internet Radio using BlogTalkRadio.com.
Each social media outlet brings a new audience. In addition to websites and a newsletters, organizations can set up appropriate social networking sites to enhance these other means of communication and allow the supporter to participate. Using knowledgeable staff to provide information online can enhance an organization’s outreach mission.
Contact me: Cindy@CynthiaCotteGriffiths.com