The Value in Social Media for Non-Profits

Fundraising used to be about who you knew.  How many envelopes you could lick or phone calls you could make.  Social Media has changed all that.  With an integrated social media strategy non profits are able to leverage not just the value of the people in their network, but all people connected to those in their network.

When a non-profit is able to have a post they make in Facebook for example shared by even a small percentage of their followers their message can quickly gain traction yielding donations, volunteers and a deepened knowledge of the brand.  The far-reaching possibilities of social networks makes jumping in appealing.  As with anything however without a strategic plan in place and a commitment to keeping content fresh and up to date social media can work against you.

Before you start blogging, pinning, following or tweeting understand who your audience is, what your goal is and what you plan is.  That way you will know how deep the water is before you jump in.