It’s no secret that marketing is integral to a nonprofits’ success or failure. A robust marketing plan will include many factors; methods to increase brand awareness, campaigns asking for donations, and more. While it’s essential for your clients to ensure they are financially protected from any wrongdoings with an appropriate Nonprofit Risk Management Program, they shouldn’t skimp out on their marketing.

That being said, marketing is expensive! There’s no way around this per say, however there are free and cheap ways to supplement these efforts without breaking the bank; namely by utilizing social media.  While most business and nonprofit owners have heard of social media marketing, many don’t realize that they don’t have to give an arm and leg to use it; and that it can actually be a powerful networking tool in addition to a marketing tool.

One method to make use of social platforms is by applying hashtags. Hashtags can be used on Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Facebook to drive relevant traffic to a nonprofit’s social pages. If a nonprofit holds a huge event or fundraiser, they could create a unique hashtag to encourage others to promote the event. They could even use locations and their company name or goals. For example, “#SanFrancisco #Nonprofit #Fundraiser 7/15/15”

Another strategy to increase awareness through social media is by posting pictures. What should nonprofits post images of? Past events, drives, projects, and initiatives are just a few ideas. Pictures are eye-catching and give people a reason to engage with your clients’ brand. Nonprofits do not have to limit themselves to sharing only their pictures and content either; partnering with other nonprofits or community organizations can be mutually beneficial.

At Charity First, we understand the unique risks that nonprofits face both online and off. For more information about our insurance products, please contact us today at (800) 352-2761.