Social media marketing is a cost-effective means of spreading the word about your organization and attracting new people to support your mission. If you are just getting started with social, the magnitude of information available on this topic is likely to make your head spin. While it is true that each platform has its quirks, and algorithms are constantly changing, you don’t need to be a marketing mastermind to start implementing actions that get results. The following simple tips can help your organization establish a strong social media presence that will continue to grow over time.

1. Designate a Social Media Manager

First things first: Decide who will be in charge of your social media accounts. If you have a small team, choose just one person to manage your content calendar. You may want to brainstorm ideas as a group, but when it comes to crafting copy, designing visuals and scheduling posts, it is best to let a single staff member take the lead. Too many cooks in the kitchen will muddy your message rather than build your brand. (If you don’t have a team member suited for this task, we can help!)

2. Maintain Consistent Messaging

Consistency is crucial to social media success in terms of what you post and when you post. Be sure that your profiles reflect your brand accurately across all platforms. Pay attention to your logo, color palette and bio—these elements should be immediately recognizable wherever they are found. If your nonprofit does not have a brand guide, this can be a helpful starting point to ensure cohesive styling online and in print. Establish a schedule that will provide a steady stream of content to your feeds, keeping your followers engaged and informed.

3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to post every day! In fact, “too many updates” is one of the most common reasons people unfollow a Facebook page. The key is to post with purpose. Getting “likes” doesn’t matter if your content is irrelevant to your organization’s mission and vision. People connect with people, so share real stories of those who have benefitted from your work. Promote events, garner donations and raise awareness, but never post for the sake of posting.

4. Interact With Your Followers

Remember this is “social” media, so it needs to be a two-way conversation. Ask questions to get your followers engaged, and never leave their comments hanging, whether public or private. Your responses make people feel connected, increasing their likelihood to support your organization and share your message with their network. Tag community partners to cross-promote collaborations and expand your reach to their audience.

5. Track Your Progress

Familiarize yourself with each platform’s analytics tools so you can measure your results and refine your strategy as needed. Determine which topics attract the most engagement and what types of visuals get the most views. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to find your groove. Social media marketing is a process, so keep experimenting to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Trial and error will help you discover what makes your audience tick and how they can be moved to action.

Need Help?

We love partnering with the organizations we’re blessed to serve to help build a strong social media presence! Want to learn more? Let’s talk! Schedule your free marketing strategy session today.