A Guide on Using Social Media for Nonprofits

Social media has evolved into a critical tool for nonprofits seeking to amplify their message, engage their community, and drive meaningful action. However, despite recognizing social media’s potential, many nonprofits (and businesses in general) struggle to translate that potential into tangible results. From building awareness to driving fundraising, the digital landscape presents both opportunities and obstacles. This blog provides a framework for developing a robust strategy on social media for nonprofits that aligns with your organization’s goals.

How is Social Media for Nonprofits Useful?

Think of social media as your nonprofit’s very own digital megaphone. You can shout your message from the rooftops (or, you know, the internet) and reach a wider audience than ever before. A well-thought-out social media strategy offers nonprofits a unique opportunity to:

  • Amplify Your Mission: Share your story, raise awareness about your cause, and connect with potential supporters. It’s about more than just posting; it’s about creating a digital space where your mission resonates.

  • Build a Community: Foster a sense of belonging among your supporters. Engage with them, respond to their comments, and create a space for meaningful conversations. It’s about building relationships, not just collecting followers.

  • Drive Fundraising: Social media can be a powerful tool for fundraising. From sharing donation links to running online campaigns, you can turn your online presence into a source of support.

  • Recruit Volunteers: Find passionate individuals who want to contribute their time and skills to your cause. Social media allows you to reach a wider pool of potential volunteers and inspire them to get involved.

  • Increase Transparency: Show your audience exactly how their donations are used and how your non-profit is making a difference. This builds trust and allows for greater accountability.

Remember, a megaphone is only effective if you know how to use it. Simply shouting into the void won’t cut it. You need a strategy, a message, and a clear understanding of your audience. To effectively use nonprofit social media, you need to understand which platforms your audience frequents. Is your demographic on TikTok, or is LinkedIn a better place for them? Once you understand that, you can tailor your message and your content to the platforms that will give you the most reach.

6 Tips for Using Social Media to Bolster Your Nonprofit

Like social media marketing for any brand, there are certain bases you need to cover with social media for nonprofits in order to adequately spread your message and your story.

1. Don’t Just Post, Engage!

Posting is like throwing a party and then hiding in the kitchen. Engagement is actually mingling with your guests. Respond to comments, ask questions, run polls, and start conversations. Social media is a two-way street, not a digital monologue. Ignoring your audience is like leaving a virtual ‘do not disturb’ sign. And nobody likes that.

2. Make Your Mission Unforgettable

Stock photos of smiling volunteers appear lazy and uninspired. Invest in high-quality photos and videos that capture the heart of your mission. Think authentic, compelling, visually arresting, and relevant to your cause.

3. Storytelling That Sticks

People don’t just donate to causes; they donate to stories. Share the impact of your work through compelling narratives. Highlight the lives you’re changing, the communities you’re supporting, and the progress you’re making. Make your followers feel like they’re part of something bigger. If you can make them feel, you can make them act.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities Facebook account does a great job sharing the work they do for children and families.

4. Being Mindful with Hashtags

Hashtags are like digital breadcrumbs, leading people to your content. But it’s important that you stick to using relevant and targeted hashtags to increase your reach. Overstuffing your posts with random hashtags makes your content appear spammy and could distract from your message and mission.

5. Turning Likes into Donations

Social media for nonprofits isn’t just for likes; it’s for collecting donations! Run targeted fundraising campaigns, share donation links, and create compelling calls to action. Make it easy for your followers to support your mission. Don’t be afraid to get creative! A little bit of fun can go a long way in raising funds.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, started by The ALS Association back in 2014, is a prime example of getting creative and having a bit of fun to spread awareness and encourage donations.

6. Partnering with Influencers

Expand your reach by partnering with influencers, or anyone with social status in your community, who aligns with your mission. Find people who can help amplify your message and reach new audiences. But choose wisely! An influencer who’s more about selfies than social impact isn’t going to do you much good.

Denver Rescue Mission took to Instagram to announce their partnership with Denver Broncos player, Jordan Jackson, for the “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative.

Using a Marketing Team for Your Social Media Needs

Let’s face it: managing social media for nonprofits can feel like a part-time job on top of your full-time job of, you know, making the world a better place. If you’re nodding your head, you might be ready to call in the social media reinforcements. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using a dedicated marketing team to take the wheel of your nonprofit’s social media strategy:

  • Expertise and Experience: Marketing teams bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They know what works, what doesn’t, and how to get results. They have the skills to craft compelling posts designed to drive traffic, engagement, and conversions.

  • Time Efficiency: Reclaim your time to focus on your mission. A social media agency takes over the day-to-day tasks of running your brand’s social media presence.

  • Access to Tools: Marketing teams have access to advanced tools and resources that you might not be able to afford on your own. They use premium tools that enhance content creation and performance tracking.

  • Scalability: As your nonprofit grows, your social media needs will evolve. A marketing team can scale their services to meet your changing needs. They have the resources to manage campaigns of varying sizes and complexities.

Why Choose Red Egg for Your Nonprofit’s Social Media Strategy

So, why Red Egg Marketing? We’re not just another marketing agency; we’re your partners in digital impact. We get nonprofits. We understand your unique challenges, your passionate mission, and your need to make every dollar count. Oh, and we’re pros at social media for nonprofits, obviously. 

Here’s why Red Egg Marketing is the perfect partner for your nonprofit’s social media success:

Nonprofit Experience: We’ve worked extensively with a local nonprofit in our area (check out the work we’ve done for Bienvenidos Foodbank), so we understand the opportunities and the hurdles you face. We know how to craft compelling stories, engage your community, and drive meaningful action.

We’re Data-Driven, But We’re Also Human: We believe in the power of data, but we also know that social media is about more than just numbers. It’s about connecting with people, building relationships, and making a real difference.

We’re Creative and Innovative: We’re not afraid to think outside the box and try new things. We’ll help you stand out from the crowd with fresh, engaging content that captures attention and inspires action.

We’re Transparent and Collaborative: We believe in open communication and working closely with our clients. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and ensure that your voice is heard.

We’re Passionate About Your Mission: We’re not just here for a paycheck; we’re here because we believe in the work you do. We’re passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.

Social Media for Nonprofits Made Simple with Us

Social media for nonprofits is a powerful tool. It allows you to connect with your audience, build community, raise awareness, and drive fundraising efforts. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can harness the power of social media to amplify your mission and achieve your goals. If you need a little help along the way, Red Egg Marketing is here to help your non-profit soar to new heights.Ready to take your nonprofit’s social media to the next level? Contact Red Egg Marketing today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them.

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Lucas Strother

As a digital native and the baby of the Red Egg flock, Lucas has been developing his social media skills from a very young age. This experience, plus his bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication with a focus in Advertising, makes him highly skilled at utilizing social media and the revolving door of trends it produces. Prior to Red Egg, Lucas gained both agency and in-house marketing experience through internships.