Blogging for Non-profits

Posted by: Kendra

This morning, I had the opportunity to facilitate a Peer Lab discussion for the Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center.  Attendees heard a 90-second pitch from each facilitator, and then chose two topics that they were interested in learning more about.  My table was Blogging Do's and Don'ts for Nonprofits.

I really appreciate that people chose to spend an hour with me this morning to discuss how A Gift For Teaching started our blog, what works for us, and what hasn't.  My main suggestions were:

• Write from the first-person and share your organization's story
• Appeal to all interested parties - those you serve, donors, volunteers, sponsors, etc.
• Establish yourself as an expert in your field. 
• Be transparent.
• Promote your events.
• Include your blog as just a portion of your social media mix, which could also include Facebook, foursquare, Twitter, YouTube and other sites that make sense for your organizations.
• Give your co-workers a voice by letting them contribute stories about their projects & successes.
• Have a strategy, and post on a regular schedule.
• Reinforce and highlight press coverage.
• Show goodwill to other non-profits, by helping share their content if it relates to your audience.

I didn't have as many don'ts.  You shouldn't have anything to hide, so I do not suggest deleting comments just because you disagree with them.  If they are offensive to your readership, that's another story.  Don't forget to include a post that says, "Some comments have been removed from this site because we found them to be offensive." (or something to that effect)  If you're simply clarifying incorrect information, then make sure you include that you are an employee of the organization in your post.  You want to encourage people to interact with you, but in a positive and respectful manner.

Common Craft makes really cool, easy-to-follow videos on a range of topics.  Here's their explanation of blogs.  The Twitter tutorial is pretty good too, if that's something you're exploring starting. 

I hope that my table participants found the sessions to be helpful.  I look forward to seeing their new blogs.