Top 5 Social Media Sites for Nonprofits

To many social media users, the type and number of social media sites out there compare to the range of fast food restaurants available. It's impossible to maintain relationships, updates, and engagements on all of them, so what are the best social media sites for nonprofits? Based on my research, I have compiled the top FIVE sites based on how their usage can positively impact nonprofits. 

1. Google +

Once you've taken the time to create your circles, you can easily update your content and it will sync with Google search results; allowing you more search engine optimization. Google + lets you easily share content, pictures, event updates, and personal donor stories about your nonprofit making this an easy social media to engage with your audiences. 

2. Flickr/Instagram

Let's face it- today people are always on the go, which translates into a need for short stories with pictures to get the message across quickly. Social media's theme focuses on visual storytelling and what better way than a picture-sharing social media site. By using Instagram or Flikr, you are able to use hashtags and share your pictures across a range of other social media sites (linkwheel). In addition to pictures, these sites also allow you to create videos, which help to grab people's attention. Post pictures of events, videos of up-coming events to get the word across, pictures to thank special donors, or certain members to engage your audiences and let them know you appreciate them. A picture is worth a thousand words and what better way to connect with your community. 

3. Twitter

Although Twitter only allows 140 characters, this is a great social media platform to tweet your upcoming events, thank donors or event participants, ask for volunteers, spread news and information about your mission, and connect with other influential nonprofits in your communities to team up for a cause. Twitter provides a huge communication platform that allows for maximum participation on social media. Your followers are able to post pictures, videos, posts, or comments on your Twitter page that help keep the conversation alive about your cause/nonprofit. 

4. Blogger/Wordpress

Blogging is an essential form of communication that every nonprofit should be engaging in on a weekly basis. Blogger or Wordpress are a different form of social media that allow you to go into more depth and detail about your nonprofit than a platform such as Twitter would allow. By utilizing Blogger, you are able to blog about news in your industry, donor stories, information regarding your cause/mission, and other things that are relevant to the worldly news. Blogging is a great way to connect with different audiences that may not be following you on Twitter or haven't heard of your organization before. By blogging about a cause, current event, community news etc. you are able to attract interested readers and prospective donors/followers. 

5. YouTube 

The last social media that every nonprofit should be engaged on is a nonprofit YouTube channel. As I mentioned before, videos are a popular form of engagement. Use video-sharing sites to inspire your viewers, measure your reach, and spread your mission to people across the globe instead of limiting your impact to your local community.