We like to think of social media as online technologies that help people communicate.
Your Web site is your first and foremost social media tool for fundraising. Make sure that it is attractive, is easy to use and has the information your visitors are looking for.
Other social media include:
- Blogs, like this one, which offer tips, hints and short essays. They’re similar to a newspaper column and could cover any topic, such as politics, the outdoors, the economy or gardening. Professional fundraisers would use a blog to tell their supporters what’s new in their organization. You might include success stories or chat about a conversation you had with a client. You could include tips related to your organization’s area of expertise, such as how to recognize the signs of depression in a child. You could write about upcoming events, a renovation project or other news. Of course, you could also use the blog to tell your supporters about specific needs you have, including volunteers, items on a wish list, emergencies and regular appeals.
- Twitter, a site that lets you communicate with people through extremely short, frequent messages.
- LinkedIn, a networking site for professionals.
- FaceBook, a popular networking site.
There are many, many other social networking tools out there, but if you’re just getting started, these are good ones to try.
We understand the hesitation some fundraisers feel in learning new technology. I began to use Twitter only after a conversation with someone who explained how it might help me. If you need help, contact us at 1 (888) 244-4013.
Connie Oswald Stofko
