Non profit organizations across the nation are utilizing various platforms on the Internet to increase community awareness of their mission, activities and organization as a whole. With the rise in popularity and the ease of self publishing blog platforms, many non profits have developed their own blog. If used correctly, a blog can be a vital component to an organizations’ public relations and marketing plan.
What
A Blog-the abbreviation for weblog-is basically an online journal. They provide frequent updates and a variety of media formats: writing, photographs and video, to name a new. Blogs allow for a more personal location on the Internet versus the typically more formal business website. Your website can certainly link to your blog and vice versa.
Gaining in popularity since the late 1990’s, they started taking off around 2002 and virtually everyone has heard of blogs these days. It details chronological events- in reverse order- of, in this case, a non profit organization. They can provide a historical context for the organizational activities.
Why
Blogs are more personal and friendly. While one wants their business website to certainly be those things; blogs are also more engaging. If you aren’t engaging your audience, you aren’t blogging correctly.
Blogs let you post more current information, in a time sensitive manner than your business website. If you are hosting a seminar on financial literacy, your blog can ask your readers questions, provide examples of seminar materials and even put pictures of the session online. By asking questions of your readers, you are soliciting their response.
When you receive comments, respond. It’s not a conversation if both parties aren’t involved. Your response will most likely be read by everyone else who reads the original post and may further the conversation along.
Your blog is a tool by which you can reach various audiences. The people you serve may be interested in additional services, someone who needs your services may very well find you because of the blog posts that relate to their needs. And just as importantly, those who are interested in solving the same problems you are solving, may be drawn to your organization and wish to contribute funding.
How
Your blog should be updated frequently. Your activities will dictate how often you post. Remember that followers who regularly receive updated information will come back more often and if they stop finding new information; they stop coming.
Keep your blog current and full of personality. Provide resources for your constituents and your community at large. Provide resources for those that you want to attract. The more you provide, the more the search engines will love your blog and help in positioning your blog in search engines.
Use your blog to connect with others. Follow other blogs who are either providing services in the same community or the same field. Establish a blog network and work together to meet the needs of the people you serve. Comment on others blogs, where appropriate, so that followers of other blogs may find their way to your blog.
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