5 Tips for Organizing Social Media Content at Small Nonprofit Organizations

Introduction

Organizing social media content for a small nonprofit can be quite a challenge, especially when you're working with a tight budget and a tiny staff! However, with some strategic planning and a few handy tips, you can manage your social media content effectively. Here are five tips to help you get started.

Create a Content Calendar

One of the best ways to stay organized is by creating a content calendar. This tool helps you plan and schedule your posts in advance. You can use free tools like Google Calendar or Trello to map out your content. This way, you can ensure that your social media channels are consistently updated without last-minute stress.

Many nonprofits use a simple monthly excel sheet to track social media content (even mid-size nonprofits with a dedicated professional!) Sometimes it's the simplest approach that works the best. Wherever you keep your calendar, make sure everyone on the team understands how to use it.

Leverage Free Tools

There are several free tools available that can help you with various aspects of social media management. Canva is great for creating eye-catching graphics, while Hootsuite and Buffer can assist with scheduling posts. By utilizing these free resources, you can save time and money while still producing high-quality content.

Don't pay for programs that have a free option for nonprofit entities. Do your research and reach out to the company if necessary, and get that free stuff!

Repurpose Existing Content

Creating new content from scratch can be time-consuming. Instead, consider repurposing existing content. For instance, you can turn a blog post into a series of social media updates or create an infographic from a research report. This approach not only saves time but also ensures you get the most out of your existing materials.

What are some posts that you can make a template for? This way, you can change a few elements and BAM you have yourself a new post. Also, consider creating events on Facebook. When you do this, it tells all your followers that you created an event. It's like a free post!

Engage with Your Audience

Engagement is key to building a strong online presence. Take the time to respond to comments and messages, and actively participate in conversations. This not only humanizes your nonprofit but also helps build a loyal community. Remember, social media is about being social, so don't just broadcast information—engage with your audience.

Spend the first hour of each day engaging with commenters and resharing partner posts. Don't allow yourself to sink into viewing social media for hours though. Set a timer if you have to! When that half hour or hour is up - NO MORE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOU.

Analyze and Adapt

Finally, it's essential to regularly analyze your social media performance. Use the analytics tools provided by platforms like Facebook and Twitter to monitor which types of posts perform best. This data can help you refine your content strategy and focus on what resonates most with your audience. Being adaptable and willing to change your approach based on this feedback is crucial for long-term success.

Anaytics can be hard to understand at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll start to understand the power behind free analytics! Perhaps you have a data analytics volunteer at your nonprofit that can help? Either way, data is useless if you don't understand or act on it, so make sure you do your homework.

Now Get Out There and Post!

Managing social media for a small nonprofit doesn't have to be overwhelming. By creating a content calendar, leveraging free tools, repurposing content, engaging with your audience, and regularly analyzing your performance, you can effectively organize your social media efforts even with limited resources. Start implementing these tips today and watch your nonprofit's online presence grow!