Remember when, in my very first blog post, I told you that this blog was part of a class project? Each week, these blogs have been based on an assignment. My goal has been to take that assignment and apply it to the non-profit/fundraising world as we know it.
This week is a little bit of a doozy because it is about customer relations on the internet and on social media. As a non-profit, we don’t necessarily have customers. We have donors that support our organizations, and we have beneficiaries that receive the programming or services we provide.
When we communicate with both donors and beneficiaries it can be in all forms. We have websites. We try to maintain a social media presence. We write letters, send emails, and make phone calls. Here are a few ideas for you to consider.
- It isn’t about us. Our communications need to be geared toward our audience. Written with them in mind and full of information that they want.
- Remember your platform. If it is social media, short sweet and to the point is the way to go. Images can help you communicate your message too. Links back to your website
- Include links to your website. This is a great way to increase your website traffic.
- Write your own blogs. Blogs are a fantastic way to elaborate on what your social media post was about. They are also great to explain your organization’s needs and purpose. It’s a place to share client success stories. And it can be used to share your donors’ stories.
- Set up an instant reply on social media. Instant replies for direct messages is an easy and efficient way to acknowledge the message and provide general information. It can include your website, office hours, your telephone number.
- Respond to social media comments, likes, and shares. Give it that ❤ emoji! Leave a comment. Thank them. Address their concern. Answer their questions.
Obviously this isn’t an exhaustive list. There’s a lot more to consider. I believe that if you can do these simple things, you’ll create a positive, informative environment that your clients, beneficiaries, and donors will respond.
And remember, you have the ability to reach people all over the world through your website and social media. Even if you have a small organization in a small town with only 100 donors and 4 clients, you are only a Google search away.
One of my go to resources for social media and digital marketing/public relations is HubSpot. They actually have free certificates you can earn regarding the different types of marketing or communications you want to do. Here’s their link. I don’t get paid for any referrals so you don’t have to mention my name or anything.
There is a saying that goes something like, character is what you do when people aren’t watching… Okay, it was Jason Mraz. He said, “The measure of your character is not what you do when people are looking. It’s what you do when you think no one is looking.” This is something we can apply to our organizations. Just because we don’t know who is watching, you can guarantee that someone is watching. Be mindful. Be intentional. Be the example you want everyone to live up to.
And also, here’s a little WUPHF for you – I mean Ryan from the Office pretty much created the basis for Hootsuite, right?
Fundraising with Jenn 