Would you go to a party to meet people who support your cause? Probably. You may already have been to a couple this month. Online, Facebook is that party.
Would you attend a conference to meet other people in your field? Sure! You may have conferences that you just wouldn’t miss. Online, LinkedIn is that conference.
When you ask yourself, “Why should I spend time on social media?”, think about these points that Stephanie Frasco makes. She addresses small businesses, but her counsel pertains to small nonprofits too.
- You Have To Be Active Online (somewhere). Otherwise, in 2015 people won’t believe you really exist!
- Your Customers Are Active Online (somewhere). Your donors, funders, and clients all spend time online. You need to find out where they meet and show up there too.
- You Must Be Accessible. Social media work both ways! Besides sending out messages, listen to what your fans have to tell you. Be open to both criticism and praise. Respond promptly.
- You Need To Blog. You have specialized knowledge, inspiring stories, memorable photos, an insider’s perspective on homelessness, or art, or the community where you live. Share it. Become your supporters’ go-to source for information–so that they seek out you.
- Social Media Should Be Social. “That means starting conversations, replying, and engaging with your customers online,” Stephanie says. “Just imagine you’re at a party.”
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