Should Your Non-Profit Use a Blog?

Should your non-profit or charity use a blog?  Absolutely.

A blog is a simple, cost-effective way to reach people.  With 80% of the planet connected…a blog is the most cost-effective means to get your message where the audience lives.  Not so long ago, the creation of a web site was a mystical process crafted by wizards who spoke in a language called HTML.  And now…if you can send an email, you should be able to create a blog.  WordPress and Blogger some solutions that, save for a little elbow grease, are free.

A few other points (22 to be exact) made in favor of blogging, are shown on a pretty great post from John Haydon…

22 Ways A Blog Can Rock Your Non-Profit’s Social Media Campaign

1. Your blog will enable you to deepen relationships with your fans. They find fresh, relevant content that is useful them – and have a place where they feel heard.
2. Your blog is a powerful way to attract new visitors by demonstrating social proof.
3. Your blog will save you money on IT costs because blogs are easy to use and maintain.
4. This ease of maintenance adds to the sustainability of your organization.
5. People using Google will find your non-profit a lot easier if you have a blog. Blogs get much more search engine juice than traditional, static websites.
6. Blogs are much less expensive to host and manage than traditional websites – and most hosting companies feature “1-click” installation of blogging software, like WordPress.
7. Your HR recruiting strategy can be enhanced by having employees regularly blog about why they work there. And by the way, pay isn’t as important as you think.
8. Your key executives will learn to speak in a more human voice through blogging.
9. You, yourself will become a better writer through regular blogging.
10. You can trash your marketing theory in exchange for valuable insight into why donors really give you money.
11. You will employ the Law of Karma to promote your non-profit on the web.
12. You will experience a spike in the number of visits and depth of engagement from your fans.
13. You will even have parties with your blog (with horns and cake), because it actually can be fun and easy!
14. Your blog will be a tool to enhance and develop valuable partnerships with other non-profits.
15. You can increase donor conversion rates with content that is relevant and useful.
16. You get the support of a huge community of thousands of other non-profits.
17. Having a WordPress.Org blog includes access to tons of free (yes, free) software for your blog.
18. You’ll empower your board members to talk about why they love your non-profit. Yes – they can write, can’t they?
19. Instead of waiting for your IT intern to return your call, you’ll communicate urgent news very fast with your blog.
20. Your blog can be a tangible way to value your staff, enhancing retention.
21. A blog will help you refresh and refine your passion – which is the whole point anyhow. Right?
22. You will be able to learn more about social media just by jumping in and starting a blog.

Now, if you desire more features and some proven ideas on how to create some real connections between your website, your audience and your sponsors…let us know.  We’re always happy to help.  Click HERE to send us a quick email.

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