Social Media

Using it to help with your nonprofit needs to follow the three basic guidelines for the results you want in your use of any media, and this article from GuideStar reminds us of what those are.

An excerpt.

“Most nonprofits understand the potential power of social media to connect with both old and new supporters, advocates, and clients. But few nonprofits can articulate the strategy behind the time they spend on blogging, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

“All good communications strategies start with a goal: What are you trying to accomplish via your communications? More specifically with social media, what do you want the reaction to be when someone reads your blog, or Facebook status update, or tweet?

“I think the answer boils down to three basic choices for nonprofits. You want people to DO something, to THINK something, or to FEEL something.

“DO Something. Your words are calling them to some kind of action. Donate, volunteer, call your legislator, register, and tell a friend are all common examples of nonprofits asking supporters to do something.

“THINK Something. Your words are sharing something helpful or educational. You share a link to a news article or to a free download. You share an interesting fact or story. You offer some how-to instructions or tips. By sharing these updates, you hope readers will think about what you have presented.

“FEEL Something. Your words show the human side of your organization and prove that there really are passionate people behind the 501(c)(whatever you are). You are building rapport by sharing content that makes your supporters laugh, cry, smile, feel included, or swell with pride. Never discount the value of building that human rapport. As Dr. Maya Angelou says, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

“Strive for a mix of these three outcomes as your write for social media.”