In today’s world, social media serves as a valuable tool for bridging the communication gap that had previously existed. However, it is important to remember that there are specific guidelines to follow, particularly for nonprofits dealing with sensitive topics related to people and the environment.
One of the major challenges nonprofits face with the use of social media platforms is navigating through the many dynamic features of the platforms and being consistent with the right content.
In this blog, we discuss five mistakes that nonprofits should not make on their social media handles.
- Sharing the same Post across all Platforms:
All platforms do not have the same functionalities. This makes it difficult to share the same content across all platforms, as the result would not be the same or equal to what is expected.
Below is what works across different platforms;
Facebook: Written stories and articles with no specific word count, which can either be short or long so long as it is captivating, etc.
Twitter(X): Short, interesting posts shared as threads and videos.
Instagram: Videos with short descriptions, hashtags, and carousel content.
TikTok: Videos with hashtags using certain keywords that will enable your content to show when your target audience searches on the platform.
Each of the above platforms has different technicalities that require a professional who would understand how everything works and deploy their skills to get the needed result.
- Not Paying Attention to Comments and Messages :
Comments and direct inbox messages are easier ways through which people can bear their minds when seeking information or sharing. Comments and inbox messages must be checked and replied to at all times. When these are not attended to, people tend to feel unneeded, and this can make them lose trust and interest in whatever program the organization has.
This problem occurs most times when non-professionals are left with the duty of managing a nonprofit’s social media page and handles.
If the donors and followers must be kept abreast of all happenings with the organization, with relationships with them maintained also, then nonprofits must have professionals managing their handles who will ensure that all comments and messages are properly replied to.
- Inconsistency in Posting:
Nonprofits, as a result of a lack of strategic plans, oftentimes do not know what, when, and how to go about posting content for their audience. Social media does not just work with posts, but the system works more in the favor of your organization when you have a schedule for sharing content across platforms.
For this to be a consistent routine, there must be a strategic calendar put in place by a professional to ensure that there is a relevant post being made at different points of the week at least three to four times a week.
- Avoid Non-Targeted Posts:
One of the problems is the failure to understand the different audience types you have as a nonprofit. You have to consider the fact that you are creating content for people of all ages who could be donors, sponsors, and benefactors of your activities.
Everyone must be put into consideration when plans are made on what is to be shared and at what time they are to be shared.
- Avoid Making donation posts too often:
As much as your nonprofit requires the support of donors to run, posts asking for sponsors and donations should be reduced. Mix things up with posts about how donations given have been utilized, how individuals’ lives have been transformed, and all of that.
Conclusion
Nonprofits have a sensitive target audience base from donors to beneficiaries and policymakers. And all groups must be well addressed when making posts across social media platforms.
The insights shared in this blog post can be considered valuable guidelines for nonprofit organizations seeking to expand their reach through the use of social media platforms. By following these principles, nonprofits can harness the power of various platforms to foster growth for their organization. It is important to recognize that social media offers nonprofits a multitude of opportunities beyond seeking sponsors and donors. The points discussed above, when properly utilized, can help nonprofits leverage social media for a wide range of activities like building an online community.
At Pen-Impact, we are equipped to help Nonprofit organizations with their social media, content management, and designs. We can be reached via info@pen-impact.com