While nothing beats face-to-face interactions, it’s still possible to build meaningful relationships in a virtual world. Online allows your nonprofit the opportunity to share your mission on a much larger scale. If you are looking for new ways to connect with online users, check out these five creative ways to build genuine relationships with potential donors, volunteers, staff members and more.
Give your community what they want
Online networking comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. While building your nonprofit’s online network, keep in mind how you will connect with, engage with and inspire your users. Brainstorm ways your organization can create compelling digital experiences while keeping communication personal. Use social listening tools to understand the needs of your target audience. What do they want to know about your organization? How do they want to help? You can also use these tools to learn what’s being said about relevant topics surrounding your organization’s mission and identify opportunities for positive interactions among your online community.
Utilize LinkedIn® for Nonprofits
LinkedIn has 260 million monthly users, 40% of whom are accessing it daily. Not only is this networking platform an efficient way to reach a large number of people, LinkedIn also offers special tools and resources for nonprofit organizations. Through LinkedIn for Nonprofits, your organization can take online networking to the next level. From hiring and fundraising to marketing and learning, LinkedIn makes it possible for you to share your mission with millions of professionals around the world.
Looking for a new, virtual way to host your next fundraiser? Connect with your board, volunteers, staff members and donors via LinkedIn for fundraising and grow institutional relationships with your networks’ network. Once you hit your goal, thank your donors with a simple yet meaningful gift like a branded journal or chocolates.
Go live on Facebook
Looking for a new, engaging way to reach staff, volunteers, donors and supporters virtually? Facebook Live is a great online networking tool and a fantastic way to increase your organization’s social media engagement. It’s estimated 78% of online audiences watch videos on Facebook Live. Plus, Facebook Live videos get six times more interactions than regular Facebook videos.
Attract an audience with the tool to make an exciting announcement. Or collaborate with donors, volunteers and industry thought leaders to provide your followers and new audiences with unique content.
Host an online meeting or conference
Telepresence is “the ability to connect geographically separated people via high-quality real-time video and audio streams.” Video conferencing and online networking meetings give your organization an opportunity to reach people no matter where they live.
Take your online meeting to the next level by creating a Facebook event to share on your social pages. Ask your network to share the event to grow your attendee list. For every new contact you made during the meeting, give a nonprofit giveaway, like a branded tumbler.
Add a personal touch, even from a distance
Provide staff members, donors, volunteers and supporters who participate in online networking events with nonprofit giveaways. They will not only appreciate the gesture, but your generosity will also help you maintain a personal touch. Logo T-shirts or mugs are a fun yet simple way to show your gratitude.
It’s a great time to start networking
There’s no better time to build an online network that will support and grow your organization. Use these creative online networking tips to get started. Good luck!
Make online networking work
Even when you’re not meeting face-to-face, you can still get the face of your nonprofit in front of supporters. Stay in touch when you: