Many non-profits and small businesses have gotten the sense that there is some serious untapped potential for this thing called “Twitter”. As my cohorts and I pan for “Twitter gold”, I’ve posting the nuggets (almost as they have happened). Following are points that have been adapted from Chris Brogan and Sandra Fathi’s observations:
1: Get Greater PR Hits
“Many reporters are now using Twitter to find sources,” writes Sandra Fathi . By using twitter effectively, you will create more media opportunities for your non-profit
2: Foster Donor Support
Search Twitter for tweets about your non-profit and respond (TweetBeep and Monitter are great search tools). Make these folks feel heard via e-mail or with a tweet. “In this way,” Fathi says, “customers can use Twitter to get instant resolutions to their questions and strengthen their relationship with [your non-profit].”
3: Enhance your NPO’s Impact at Events
Post 30-minute updates on twitter for those who can’t make a fundraiser or event. This will enable you to capture more potential donors while creating buzz about your non-profit.
4: Automate Twitter Searches
TwitterSearch (and Monitter) allows you to listen to what folks are saying about your small business or non-profit. But who has the time to search twitter each day? No-one. Automate your search following these instructions:
- Go to http://search.twitter.com
- Enter a search term or the name of your non-profit.
- Review the search to see if it found useful results. If not, adjust the search.
- Click the “Feed for this query” button and add to your reader.
5: Share Big Files
Some I discovered a few months back is TweetCube, a service that allows you to automatically share files on Twitter. Post your organization’s videos or other rich media.
Again, take that extra minute whenever you post on twitter. Ask yourself: “How does my reply create value for the receiver?”; “How useful is this post to readers?”.
Note: The last thing I’ll add to this list is that Twitter enables fans of your non-profit to spread the word with very little effort.
If you liked this, you should read these:
Don’t Be A Twit When You Tweet On Twitter
7 Reasons Non-Profits Rock At Social Media
Non-Profit Blog Rule #1: Wear Dirty Pajamas
The “Rules of The Road” For Non-Profit Social Media
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey John,
Thanks for the shout out! I love your concentration on how non-profits can use these ‘free’ mediums to promote themselves and develop membership and donations. In this economy, the corporations need to use the same tactics!
Best,
Sandra
Sandra,
Yes - free is good, but should never come first.
John