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Social Media for Nonprofits: Best Practices

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There is no doubt that social media is a powerful tool for growing your nonprofit's supporters. No matter what your mission is, social media levels the playing field for all nonprofits by providing opportunities for you to champion your cause. Using social media is an easy way to show your nonprofit's fantastic work day in and day out. If it isn't already, social media needs to become a priority for your nonprofit in 2021.

I know. I know. Your day is already filled with ten thousand other things you absolutely HAVE to do. Social media probably isn't one of them. But, the power of social for sharing your content and messages to increase interest and supporters is undeniable. When you use social media strategically, it can help you grow support and get donations. It's worth it!

Best Practices For Your Nonprofit Social Media Program

Here are some basic best practices for your nonprofit's social media program that will get you on track and ensure that the time and effort you put into your social media presence is worthwhile. Start with these things, and you'll begin to see some good results on your social media channels:

  • Your profile matters. Make sure the information is up to date and accurate. Use good quality images that are the right size and impactful.
  • Post every day. You don't have to flood your channel with updates, but you do need to show up on social media with engaging posts each day.
  • Don't post just for the sake of posting. Make certain that you are posting engaging content that your followers can connect with and find useful.
  • Share the workload. Make sure to use your whole team for posting on social media. This will help lessen the workload and to avoid gaps in posting. For example, task the person in charge of your volunteer program to post pictures of volunteers in action every Tuesday and Thursday. Then, you always know you have content for those days.

Task one of your programs or services managers to provide you with a picture showing their work and a simple caption every Friday.

Every Monday, shoot a selfie-style video on your phone showing your supporters that you are starting the week off with a bang, and let them know the big things going on at your nonprofit that week.

On Fridays, pick up your cell phone and shoot a selfie-style video wishing your followers a "Happy Friday," and then walk them through one of the ways they can help to support your nonprofit with their time, talents, or treasure and remind them why your cause is so important. Videos don't have to be fancy! People love authenticity.

And just like that, you now have five days of content ready to share. Imagine what else you can come up with if you put your mind to it!

Be sure to:

  • Include links to your social media channel(s) on your nonprofit's website and in your emails. This makes it easy for people to find and follow you on social media.
  • Track and measure your results. By doing so, you can see what types of posts work best for your audience.
  • Be responsive. If someone asks a question, answer it! Respond to all comments, whether they are good or bad. Every post is an opportunity to start a conversation with your supporters and donors.

Implementing these basic tactics will help you gain supporters, volunteers, and donors on social media.