Facebook is a social networking site and a great tool for connecting with donors, spreading the word about your cause, and gaining new supporters. Just like any tool, you need to know how to use it effectively in order to get the most benefit from the resources you invest in it. It's free to sign up, but be careful or you'll spend tons of time there!
To fundraise with Facebook, there are a few easy steps to take. Here's what you need to do.
1. Set up a personal profile for yourself on Facebook.
2. Create a "page" for your nonprofit organization.
3. Create a "cause" for your nonprofit organization and attach it to your page.
4. Ask everyone you know to join become a fan of your page and a member of your cause.
Then create a fundraising campaign and ask folks to support you.
Don't create these pages on Facebook then sit back and wait for the money to roll in. It's not a "build it and they will come" kind of thing. You must remind people regularly that you have a Facebook presence and that they can support you.
Here are some tips for maximizing your presence on Facebook:
o Have a plan and know what you want to get out of it. Start with an idea of the result you want. Otherwise, you can wander blindly, spending tons of time and not getting really anything in return.
o Learn all you can about using Facebook and its features. Take advantage of every teleseminar and article you can to learn something new.
o Spend a little time on it regularly. The more you play with it, the more you'll learn and the better you'll get at using it.
o Watch other nonprofits that are doing well on Facebook and mimic them. Find a nonprofit that is raising money and follow their lead.
There are over 90 million people on Facebook and more sign up every day. Don't get left behind!
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards. Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get her twice-monthly "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" at http://www.getfullyfunded.com
No comments:
Post a Comment