Social Media for Nonprofits

It can be frustrating when you believe in the power of social media to help your nonprofit but someone above you doesn’t share your enthusiasm. Let’s go over some key points in favor of this new form of marketing:

Successful organizations change over time.

• 100 years ago, UPS delivered packages on bicycles.
• It embraced the automobile and later the airplane.
• Over time it achieved what was once unthinkable with overnight and global delivery.

It’s easy to forget how much the way we do business has changed.

• In less than 20 years we went from typewriters to computers to mobile devices.
• In less time we went from sending documents by courier to faxes to attachments.
• Try working without a computer, a cell phone, or the Internet for a day.

In all of these cases people have embraced new tools like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and blogs. The tools may be different but your marketing mission is still the same. It’s all building connections with your supporters. Social marketing gives you the chance to have more “touches” with your donors without having to pay for so many expensive brochures that may never be read. In this economy, spending less on marketing and getting more it is a good thing.

It’s fine if you don’t want to embrace social media. But don’t expect your competition to sit on the sidelines with you. Learn how to use these tools, get consulting if you need some help, and watch your organization enter a new era.

Additional Resources:

Social Media Study

Why Use Facebook?

Engage Lapsed Donors With Social Media