10 tips I learnt on Social Media Marketing for NGOs

I recently had the opportunity to organize (and learn) from the recent GYAN session on ‘Social Media Marketing’ at Bangalore after which I was convinced that NGOs and social enterprises need to use social media tools like facebook, twitter, blog etc more effectively. Alister D’Monte and Aditi Devanathan from Milaap shared their experience and practical knowledge on Social Media Marketing with 9 participants from 8 NGOs. The session inspired me to blog, to put to practice what I learnt and to share with others the insights on the apps and tools available to market oneself to the online community

So why is my blog titled ’10 tips I learnt on Social Media Marketing for NGOs?’

Tip 1: Blogging

Having a number on your blog title is better picked up by search engines. It does not mean that all your blogs have to have numbers but a good mix of them will help!People prefer reading blogs that have pictures – ensure pictures are not copyrighted! Blogs could be on any topic and not necessarily on the NGO or cause all the time. They need to be unique and interesting and can have a subtle ask.For help with blog titles and to understand what is trendy on social media sites check http://www.upworthy.com/, http://mashable.com/, and  http://www.buzzfeed.com/. Also try Rapportive (free app for gmail), which gives social media details when you click on your contact. It helps build your rapport with them, grow your network and find bloggers!

Tip 2: Social Media Strategy

Identify why you want to use social media and develop a strategy with timeline, number of posts, titles of blogs etc just as you have a strategy for any other programme. This would give direction and help achieve your objective. You can even schedule your posts on facebook and twitter (Tweetdeck) when you have time to ensure activity on the pages.

Tip 3: Facebook and Twitter

Try to keep facebook and twitter separate with different posts. On twitter, you are writing to people directly and can engage the audience more. Also, statistics and facts work better on twitter. Use # to get like minded/interested people to view/reply to your tweet.

Tip 4: Fundrasing

Don’t always use social media to ask for funds. Even if you have planned a fundraising campaign, don’t talk about money in every post. It is likely you will get more unlikes and fewer visitors to the page! Rather, have inspiring quotes or contests related to your cause, show the team behind the scene and share information about the impact made. Also link the clue for your contest to your website, so that you have more people visiting your website.

Tip 5: Seeding

When asking for funds, make the first contribution so that potential contributors feel that they are part of a group of people making a donation rather than the first one. It gives credibility!

Tip 6: Linkedin

Use Linkedin to connect with the right people, do not spam! Join and create groups and keep the conversation going!

Tip 7: Newsletters

Explore mailchimp to send personalized emailers and track results. After sending your newsletters, let your supporters on social media sites know since gmail has a filter and it is likely that newsletters go into promotions! Request people to change the setting to inbox so that they dont miss out on the updates.

Tip 8: Evaluation

It is important to measure your social media outcome. Use analytical tools like Google/Twitter/Facebook Analytics, Hootsuite and Markitty to check what is working and what is not and what needs to be changed.

Tip 9:  Explore ads to increase your visibility and run campaigns to raise funds.

Tip 10: Remember to learn from your mistakes and to keep exploring. Also remember that it is ok if a few people unlike or unsubscribe.

(For those who are not aware of GYAN – it is a acronym for Get Your Answers Now, a highly customized training for a small group of people on sector specific topics. To know more, email us at gyan@ivolunteer.org.in)