Blueprint Creative Group

How to Use Social Media for Non-profit Success

Last week, I had the honor of being invited by the Associate Dean of the University of Miami’s School of Education to present a lesson before a Master’s Degree level Non-profit Management course for those either work within the non-profit sector, currently run an organization, or have an interest in starting a non-profit.

Being the social media strategist that I am, I dived right into the presentation discussing advanced level strategies for how to convert followers on social media into ambassadors, brand evangelists, and ultimately, supporters. It was not until I was asked by one of the students to start from the very beginning about what Twitter was and how to use it that it dawned on me that there is a major disconnect between social media and non-profit organizations.

Obviously, it’s advantageous for non-profits to maximize their communications platform by using social media as an engagement, outreach, and donor cultivation tool. However, I find that the majority of non-profits still lack the understanding of how to use social media to capture and engage audiences.

Needless to say, 2 hours was not enough time, but I am pleased to say that everyone walked away from that class lesson with a better understanding and new insights gained on how to begin to use social media to friendraise and bring the organization’s voice and mission into the digital world.

Below are a few links to online social media ‘How To’ guides that I provided the class. It’s a lot to chew on but will certainly prove beneficial to your understanding of how social media can effectively be used for your non-profit’s communications strategies.

 

Interesting social media stats that confirm why you need to invest the time in it

10 Interesting Social Media Statistics
jeffbullas.com/2010/07/14/10-interesting-social-media-statistics-2/

Dissecting Diversity: Understanding the Ethnic Consumer
blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/dissecting-diversity-understanding-the-ethnic-consumer/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NielsenWire+%28Nielsen+Wire%29

Everything to know about Twitter

The Complete Guide to Twitter
scribd.com/doc/19976874/MakeUseOfcom-The-Complete-Guide-to-Twitter

Twitter Handbook
twitterhandbook.com/blog/uploaded/book/TwitterHandbook-091008.pdf

10 Twitter Best Practices for Brands
mashable.com/2009/06/24/twitter-brand-best-practices/

Twitter Best Practices for Nonprofit Organizations
diosacommunications.com/twitterbestpractices.htm

9 Tips for Using Twitter to Build Your Nonprofit Network
rosettathurman.com/2010/11/9-tips-for-using-twitter-to-build-your-nonprofit-network/

Some Of The Best Twitter Marketing Case Studies
simplyzesty.com/twitter/some-of-the-best-twitter-marketing-case-studies/

Using Facebook more Effectively

How to Better Engage Facebook Fan Page ‘Fans’
socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-better-engage-facebook-fan-page-fans/

5 Fantastic Facebook Fan Page Ideas to Learn From
mashable.com/2010/02/25/facebook-fan-page-ideas/

10 practical tips for Facebook fan pages
imediaconnection.com/content/24109.asp

How to do Social Media

Creating A Social Media Marketing Plan
slideshare.net/corywilliamson/creating-a-social-media-plan-2529114

Developing a Social Media Plan
slideshare.net/ifPeople/developing-a-social-media-plan-1323287

10 superb social media presentations
econsultancy.com/us/blog/3982-10-superb-social-media-presentations

Social Marketing Playbook
scribd.com/doc/16256776/360i-Social-Marketing-Playbook?classic_ui=1

26 Social Media Marketing Examples in Detail
ignitesocialmedia.com/social-media-examples/26-social-media-marketing-examples-in-detail/


Social Media for Non-profit Success

How Charity:Water Used Social Media to Raise $250,000 Through Something Called Twestivals
mayank.name/2009/07/26/social-media-case-study-charity-water/

How 5 Non-Profits Are Innovating With Mobile
mashable.com/2011/05/19/non-profits-mobile/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29&utm_content=Twitter

Social Media for Non-Profits: 26 Great Slideshare Presentations You Can Use
wildapricot.com/blogs/newsblog/archive/2009/05/12/social-media-for-non-profits-26-great-slideshare-presentations-you-can-use.aspx