Social Media in Nonprofit Organizations

Three Questions to Ask yourself?

• Why would my organization need this?

• How can I get started?

• Are there any strategies that may be more effective for building my network?

Why would I need this?

A few reasons why an Nonprofit would want to engage in social media networking:

•Instant Availability of Information•Creates Alteration in Balance of Power•Copy techniques that work.•Rapid Growth Networks

•Share Compelling Stories•Internal Dynamics improve•New Communication Structure

8 Years and Growing

Facebook Youtube Twitter Myspace LinkedIn0

100,000,000

200,000,000

300,000,000

400,000,000

500,000,000

600,000,000

700,000,000

Registered users

FacebookYoutubeTwitterMyspaceLinkedIn

LinkedIn was the first of these social networks to launch in May 2003.

New Communication Structure

With the Networking systems in place, the power of one person has been magnified to spread information instantly.

Old Flow of Information New Flow

Okay, you have my attention, How can I get started?

12 Tips for Getting Started with Social Media:

1. Pick the right social network.• Don’t just pick based on size of

the network, also look at your target audience.

2. Find an “expert” to help you.• With so many people on

these sites, find someone with experience using SM.

12 Starter Tips Cont’dTips Cont’d3. Extend your reach.• Select a network and use a

“scattershot” approach.4. Prepare to lose Control.• So much action, who can

keep up?5. Know who is already

pretending to be you.• Your Big Times fan already

have you represented on Databases. See if you can team-up for a cause.

Starter Tips Cont’d6. Make a good impression.7. Post your edgiest content.• Post “cool” stuff to be passed

around. 8. Find supporters already online.• Use their existing network to

expand.9. Don’t be static, be dynamic!• Communicate with Social

Network Friends

First impressions go both ways between NP and their constituents.

Getting Started! Cont’d10.Devote staff time to make

networking a success.

11.Activate your supporters.• Make sure that

opportunities are provided for supporters.

12.Think of networking as an investment in the future.• Don’t Get Left behind!

I’m online but failing…. What should I do?

Developing strategies is the best way to set yourself apart from the rest and be prepared for the future.

Try these 5 steps:

1. Integrate your social media site with your overall program strategy.• Make sure they are both

consistent with each other.

Steps to Success Cont’d2. Develop new communication

strategies.• Talk and listen, Don’t

Preach!3. Make sure updates are both

influential and socially interesting.• No Buzz = No publicity

4. Dedicate Staff’s time to making Social Network work.• Allow time to keep online

and offline crowds aware of events.

5. Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!

Pros and Cons of Social Media Strategies at Concord University

Pros:

+ Increased Flow of Information

+ More current updates.

+ Increased Activity

+Uses students to help pass along information to the rest of the campus.

+ A lot of support from community and students.

+ Excellent “Friend-raising” Tool

Cons:

- No Filters for unwanted requests.

-Main Resource for Volunteer Recruitment

-Hit and Miss on Befriending new students.

-Multiple Users

-A lot of buzz, minimal impact.