Blogging for a Cause: Tips for Nonprofits and Charitable Groups and Organizations

Donna Maheady

Communication is key!

In order to be successful, people have to know about your cause or organization and the work you do. A blog is an excellent place to share information with people who may potentially benefit and with readers who may support you.

It is all about exposure! Here are some helpful tips:

Showcase the mission, background and history of your organization or cause on your blog.

Answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) in one blog post. Then, you can refer people to the post when a question is asked.

Keep your blog posts simple (Give it a Kiss). Remember that most readers have short attention spans. Get your message across as succinctly as possible.

As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words". Use your blog to share pictures and videos. Do you provide blood pressure screenings, collect donations for medical missions or school supplies for children, walk or run for a cause or provide a food pantry to low income people? Take pictures of your activities or donations and share them with your readers.

Do you provide assistance to nurses in need? Knit hats for premies? Tell people about it. If you receive food or in-kind donations from individuals or other organizations, give them credit.

Are you raising money for a Walk or Run for a cause such autism, developmental disabilities, cancer, MS, epilepsy, cerebral palsy or mental illness? Are you participating in the "Great Give"?

Blogging allows nonprofits and charitable groups to share information and fundraise for minimal to no cost. You can tell potential donors about your cause and where to send checks or how to donate via credit card or PayPal.

Show the impact of a donation. When people donate to a cause, they like to see examples of the work the organization is doing and how their money is being used. Do you award scholarships? Tell readers about the awards and the recipients. If you provide meals to the homeless, share how much it costs to provide 5 meals. Are you walking or running to raise money for a cause? Share specific information about why funds are needed.

Showcase the work done by your volunteers. People like to be recognized for the work they do. Share stories and pictures of your volunteers "in action".

Provide links to other resources related to your cause. This helps your followers as well as demonstrates your support for organizations with similar missions. (Hint: they may support you as well).

Ask supporters to write a guest blog post. This helps to makes your work credible in the eyes of your readers/followers/donors.

Encourage action and engagement with your posts. Ask readers a question or ask for suggestions. Include a survey or poll. Make people feel like they are part of the cause. If someone leaves a comment, make sure to respond.

Promote social sharing. Get the word out about your work on facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, LinkedIn and other social media sites. Be sure to include social sharing buttons on your blog.

Post comments to other blogs. One hand washes the other. Other bloggers may return the favor!

Give people an easy way to sign up for your blog posts. This will help to keep your readers connected.

Share your content with others. Often, other bloggers are looking for content to support or promote.

Showcase awards or recognition your organization or group has received (e.g. newspaper articles, TV coverage). This adds to your credibility and exposure.

Tell people how to help you. Give readers a job or mission. Ask readers to share your blog with others, answer questions or leave comments. Encourage them to organize a fundraising team, collect supplies, or volunteer at an event.

Thank your donors!! Write a blog post about your donors and include their website and blog.

Always remember the Golden Rule! "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".

Good Luck and have fun!

Have a question, comment or suggestion?

Blogging for a Cause: Tips for Nonprofits and Charitable Groups and Organizations

About Donna Maheady

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