April 1, 2014
According to ZDNet, Facebook is still leading the way for social media interaction between nonprofits and potential donors, supporters and volunteers. The use of social media platforms is essential for nonprofits to stay connected with their audience, and it can also be managed for a relatively low cost.
The National Council of Nonprofits recommends all organizations try and embrace technology in one way or another, especially when budgets are tight. In addition to communication, the Facebook pages and blogs of other organizations can be a great way for a nonprofit to stay up to date on industry news and trends.
However, social media is just one of the newer tech offerings that nonprofits should be using. While the upfront costs of upgrading computer systems, software and hardware can be expensive and tough to justify, most organizations would save money in the long run. There are also many other affordable ways for a nonprofit to improve how it communicates with donors through technology.
Webcasts and video
These days, an average smartphone is capable of capturing pretty impressive video. Also, many operating systems come with some type of video editing software. Nonprofits should consider developing a video page for their website where they can share a lot of dynamic content. For instance, video content can come from a fundraiser, a volunteer outing or scheduled interviews.
Videos are also a great way to share donor, volunteer or community testimonials. Nonprofits need to highlight how their services have helped and inspired and others. Sending a positive message through blogs and video is much more effective than relying on negative framing. Don't highlight funding cuts or budget reductions, but rather draw attention to all the ways that the nonprofit is still improving the lives of others.
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