10 Successful Techniques Nonprofits Are Using On The Web

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for the web, but there are some proven methods that when executed properly, will yield favorable results. Some nonprofits have established some routines that have helped them gain more reach, more awareness, and higher donations.

Here are 10 Successful Techniques of Nonprofits on The Web:

1. Twitter Chats have grown in popularity and show no signs of slowing down. In simple terms, twitter chats are used to engage conversation between an organization or group of people about a specific topic at a specific time. Twitter users log on from their computers or mobile devices to join in.

Twitter chats allow anyone access to the conversation as long as they use the assigned hashtag.

Nonprofits are using this popular form of social networking with great success.

Remember the ALS Ice Bucket challenge? The twitter hashtag: #icebucketchallenge was used to alert others when someone had completed the challenge. Close to $100 million dollars was raised as people tweeted, Facebooked, and Youtubed themselves or others participating in the challenge. The twitter hashtag not only helped to raise funds, but also increased awareness about the disease and the nonprofits trying to help people with the disease.

One reason Twitter Chats are so popular and successful is that it breaks down the distance and time barriers we face. If a user wants to respond or join the conversation after the chat has taken place, they need only to search the hashtag and respond.

Nonprofit organizations have been able to gain valuable insight about how to increase awareness for their cause, and "listen" to what others are saying about their organization.

2. Follow Up Communication is crucial to retaining donors and volunteers. In fact, it can be the determining factor for whether a person commits to a long-term relationship with the organization, or decides to spend their money on other causes.

Whether it is a brief phone call to express gratitude, or a letter than serves as a receipt and thank you note to donors, following up with volunteers and donors helps to establish a more personal connection between the organization and those who donate their time and / or money to it.

A quick email or an informal Facebook or Twitter mention is also a way to follow up with people and let them know your organization cares and is grateful for their time or monetary contribution.

3. White Papers, Videos & Webinars are also being used to help spread awareness and disperse information about the organizations cause. For example, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation uses Facebook to share case studies, reports and videos about why their work is so important.

Charts, slideshows or Google Hangouts are supplementary avenues to share information with potential donors and volunteers. These types of media can help build your email list and help your organization learn the best ways to share information with your target audience.

It is important to mention that not every interaction is about the organization or the work they are completing.

Anything related to the work you're doing is beneficial.

Melinda Gates shares a lot of statistics about the lack of access many young girls have to education; she also shares reasons why educating young girls has an impact on the entire globe. While this information is related to the work done by the foundation, it is not directly mentioned or promoted.

4. Newsletters, Facebook Events, and Blogging help nonprofit organizations keep their audience informed about events, campaigns, news, and any changes.

Donors and volunteers like to know what is going on and how they can be involved or support. Nonprofits that keep their audiences in-the-know are more likely to have successful fundraising campaigns.

A monthly or quarterly publication could make a huge difference in the growth of the nonprofit; it also provides the donors and volunteers with content that they can share with others.

5. Donor and Volunteer Feedback allows nonprofits to solicit constructive criticism from those that financially support their organization. It is better to ask your volunteers and donors about ways you can improve, than to lose people because of an issue that was never brought to your attention.

Surveys or questionnaires can be invaluable resources for catching small problems before they grow to huge stumbling blocks. You can use the polling feature on Facebook, attach a questionnaire in an email or have volunteers make brief phone calls.

6. Collect Data About Donors. According to CDS-Global, one way to attract and retain donors is by collecting data about them. The data collected is then used to understand who your donors are and how to keep them interested in your organization.

Facebook pages is an excellent resource when it comes to learning about your fans and the kind of content they engage with. This information helps you plan your newsletters and online marketing; it also helps you learn how to retain the donors you already have.

Donor retention is more cost effective than finding new donors, so it makes sense that the more you learn about them, the better you are able to give them the information and options that best suit them.

7. Consistently Share News About How Donor Dollars Are Helping Your Nonprofit. We all want to know the value of our dollars and how they are being used, especially when we are donating them!

Take Mama Hope for an example; this nonprofit consistently shares purchases made and advances toward their vision with followers on their Facebook page.

It could be a simple water faucet or a well they dug in a village in Africa; if it's new, you will see it showcased on their page for all to see and share in the excitement. The photo is usually accompanied with a thank you to all those who partner with them and make it possible. Simple yet effective.

8. Partner With Other Organizations With Similar, Not Competing Goals help all parties
involved to spread awareness and broaden their reach. If your nonprofit is dedicated to helping young men raise their gpa's, consider partnering with a nonprofit that helps young men get into college.

These causes are similar but not the same. By partnering with a similar nonprofit you are able to learn new techniques from your collaborating partner and gain access to new audiences and networks. The same is true for your partner making it a win-win relationship that could mean more funding.

9. Publicly Highlight Sponsors on Social Media or Blogs. This is a very good way to gain more credibility for your organization an convince other sponsors to come on board.

While you are publicly praising businesses that have helped fund your nonprofit, you are also giving potential donors an incentive for donating. Everyone likes a public "pat on the back."

For your blog, it is also a great way to highlight what the sponsors donation means to the organization and how it will help fund your current projects. This public expression of gratitude can go a long way!

10. Spotlight Committed Volunteers And The Difference They Are Making. Nonprofits would not be able to do what they do without the selfless individuals who make the mission a reality. There are no words or even enough compensation to adequately express the importance of volunteers to any nonprofits vision.

Consider spotlighting some of your faithful volunteers on the web. Most do not do it for the recognition, but would not be opposed to you sharing their contribution on your social networking sites or blog. This may also encourage others who have thought about getting involved to actually reach out to your organization.

The goal is to use the internet as a means to grow your organizations awareness and social audience. Done properly, you could be one of many nonprofits already reaping the benefits.

I hope you have found this information helpful.

We all could use some help and improvement in our pursuit of excellence.