Nonprofit Tips for Better Online Experience

I was just recently interviewed (must have a subscription to view entire article) by San Antonio Business Journal on the idea of nonprofits utilizing social marketing as a way to increase their visibility and their fundraising efforts. It's a topic that has become a hot item due to the recession and the number of nonprofits fighting for smaller portions of a company's budget. The types of donations for some nonprofits have drastically shrunk due to tougher times, which makes it harder for a nonprofit to fulfill its mission. But there's hope.

Online media offers a bevy of useful opportunities for a nonprofit to expand the scope of their marketing strategy. Here are a few tips that will hopefully encourage a nonprofit to tap into the social space which will hopefully produce noticeable gains.

• Identify key leaders that can help share information on your nonprofit. This can include staff, volunteers, and even board members.
• Offer your existing supporters and donors key visibility opportunities as it shows you truly appreciate their help, and others might be inclined to donate if they see the value that other donors are receiving from your efforts.
• Offer key points of information that anyone can find valuable. Asking questions, sharing statistics, and sharing general information related to your non-profit or the people you serve is a good way to engage your audience.
• Don't just focus your message to the largest companies in your area, remember that small/mediums sized businesses can be just as important if not moreso when it comes to donations. While a large company may not be able to donate $10,000, perhaps ten medium sized companies all donating $1,000 can help you reach your goal.
• Stay active, everything your nonprofit does is an opportunity to create content, and share that content with as many people as possible. Don't be forgotten, use the content you create to boost your visibility in the community. 

With the right people and plan in place, a nonprofit can immediately feel the boost with social marketing. A few things you want to AVOID during your campaign:

• The urge to jump on every network; choose the right networks that will be serve your audience, your donors, and your message. Some research will be required.
• The desire to "spam" your audience with money requests and promotions for events; don't forget the social aspect of your campaign, be sure to engage.
• The assumption that people will just know you're online and come to you; fostering a community takes time, but the pay off in the long run can be immeasurable.

If you're a nonprofit that's experienced success or hardship using social engagement, I'd like to hear your story. Share with us how it started and what has happened since your launch.

Photo Credit Tiger Pixel