Non-profits work hard to get their message out and to raise funds. One big problem is that there is little useful advice on how to promote your organization on Facebook. How fast you gain an audience depends on your cause and on how much time you spend with members and visitors, online and offline. Good social media gives your organization more exposure in less time, so you can spend more time on your cause. Here are 5 simple habits for your Facebook page.1- Limit the number of articles that go to other websites. Sharing articles with your audience is good. It is even better when the articles are on your blog or on your organization’s website.
2- When you post an article on Facebook, add your own description or opinion. Use hashtags (#), locations, and your opinion when you share an article. For example, “We love this piece on how to help protect our #children in #Nebraska!” Do not sound fake.
3- Don’t over-promote your fundraising efforts. If you are trying to raise funds, space out your requests unless there is news about the fundraising event. Once people know about it, give them a reminder now and then. If you ask too often, you may turn off your audience and lose donations. Plan your posts on your Facebook page ahead of time.
4- Add pictures and video to almost every post. People love photos and videos. They also get people talking about your organization, and they are an easy, fast way to promote it.
5- Respond to comments. When people comment on your posts, answer them. Replies connect you to your audience and make people feel special. That can mean larger donations and more volunteer hours.
Two of the most important rules are to engage your audience and sound authentic to visitors. After all, this is SOCIAL media, isn’t it? If someone behaves badly on your Facebook page, it is okay to block them, but be gentle. Always remember that a visitor can also become a donor.
