By Karen Miller
Non-profits encompass a variety of organizations from the arts (museums, symphonies, operas, theaters, etc.) to cause-related (American Heart Association, Humane Society, etc) to religious groups (churches, temples) and then some. The one thing most of them have in common is a need to stretch their budget. Social Media can help stretch that budget. But just how would non-profits best use it? Let’s look at some ideas:
Blogging allows you to expand on what is happening with your group. An arts group can use a blog to explain more about programs, discoveries, exhibits and how they will help, benefit or entertain their audience. A museum can also talk about the steps that were undertaken to bring in a new exhibit, why you are doing what you are doing and what it will mean to the community. Cause-related health groups can speak to new discoveries or about testing that is going on and what they hope will be accomplished with the new tests.
LinkedIn gives your non-profit a presence in yet another place to expand on your goals and even your needs. Using your own links to others you can look for companies who could perhaps become an underwriter for you. A non-profit can also link in any articles written by them or about them on their profile.
Facebook can become a treasure trove for any non-profit. As you add fans to your page, they will comment and promote the things you are doing whether it is your latest production or exhibit or your fund-raising efforts (walks, runs, auctions, etc). Your fans can create excitement for any upcoming event. You can offer tickets, post pictures, add a video commentary or tour and get immediate feedback from your fans. As a non-profit you can have interaction with those who use your services, attend your functions or need information. You can ask them for suggestions and comments. It’s a wonderful way to keep the public informed.
Twitter provides a way for you to communicate immediately with the public. You can send information on ticket availability, remind people of an event or direct them to an article, blog, your Facebook page or website. You can tweet a thought for the day, a fact about your non-profit, an update on fund-raising or any other fact that is pertinent you and your followers.
These are just a few suggestions on how a non-profit can use social media. There are other places too – YouTube, Wikipedia, flickr, digg and a boatload more. Be creative and do some homework. At this point in time, these are free or almost free. The biggest cost will be in personnel and time. A non-profit (or any business) needs to have one or two dedicated people to keep up with the social media sites. You can always have more than one person participate in tweeting or updating your Facebook page – different voices provide different points of view. Of course, the more you use social media, the easier it becomes and the less time involved. But it does require time and personnel and that needs to be considered. Start with one or two areas and expand as you get more familiar with how it all works. There are plenty of places and people on line who can answer questions and help you get started.
@social_dynamics
Tags: fund-raising, museums, Non-profits, operas, organizations, social media, societies, symphonies, theaters
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