Live From CADM: Nonprofits Should Get Social
Social networks like MySpace can be a great way for nonprofits to build a network of “friends” to mobilize for advocacy and fundraising efforts, according to Sue Zeiler, senior strategic consultant with Mindshare Interactive.
Zeiler, speaking at Chicago DM Days, noted that about two-thirds of online community members who participate in social causes through the Internet say they are involved with causes that are new to them.
Sites like MySpace can be a hub where nonprofits can announce events, recruit volunteers, post videos for advocacy or awareness, or create groups for specific interests.
Even if they are not ready to post their own pages on social networking sites, Zeiler noted that nonprofits should at least monitor what participants on such online forums are saying about their organization and the issues they cover. “You may be surprised,” she said.
Nonprofits should also consider other new media options like mobile marketing. Because of the novelty factor, opt-in SMS campaigns now have huge response rates, sometimes up to 70%, Zeiler said.
Mobile applications can include giving prospects a way to respond to ads, make requests for information or share their views in a poll. There are also options like PayPal’s text-to-pay/give to solicit donations, but Zeiler cautioned that carriers currently take a portion of the donations through such transactions.
For more on how nonprofits can utilize Web 2.0 technologies, see the next issue of our sister e-newsletter, E-Centric.
