Social networking isn't just for the young crowd. Charity and nonprofit organizations are now beginning to understand the power of social networking. That power is hard to ignore when recent surveys polled produced results that half the users on the formerly teen-popular MySpace are 35 years old and older. Add that to the number of viewers visiting Facebook and YouTube, and corporate boards are sitting up and taking notice.
The question is whether or not you and your organization are tapping into the potential and opportunities available through various methods of social networking. One such company has. Habitat for Humanity has long been known for their work helping communities throughout the United States. They are metro region-based, are charitable organizations, and they have joined the 21st century when it comes to social networking and media opportunities. In many locations around the country and in Canada, the charity uses Facebook for viral marketing programs to advertise their campaigns, their locations, as well as to generate information about attending various events that help finance their goals.
The well-known Humane Society has also seen the benefit of social networking. At last count, over 650 charities have profiles on Facebook. The ability to reach far and wide through the Internet enables donations not only from local residents, but also throughout the country and indeed the world. The Humane Society in the United States relies on social networking presence to help fund campaigns, generate information and to build their membership.
Recent studies have shown that nearly 50% of Internet users access one of at least a dozen well-known social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. Blogging is also essential in today's Internet-based society, as it offers limitless opportunities for many different types of charitable organizations. Says Alan Rosenblatt, executive director of the Internet Advocacy Center, "Social networking platforms give nonprofits a forum for meeting like-minded organizations and potential supporters, and provide(s) a medium for spreading their message beyond the immediate community."
Some of the most popular social networking websites include but are not limited to:
• Flickr – www.flickr.com
• Care2 – www.care2.com
• Friendster – www.friendster.com
• Linked In – www.linkedin.com
• MySpace – www.myspace.com
• Facebook – www.facebook.com
• Ryze – www.ryze.org
Social networking allows both individuals and groups to connect with each other through blogging, Internet messages, and website discussion and forum boards. One of the best things about such social networking websites is that they are free to join and most receive tens of thousands of visitors a day in both unique and return visitors, allowing charities and organizations to spread their message and disseminate information without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on old-fashioned mail campaigns. When searching for the right network for any organization or charity, intended audience is a general determining factor.
Social networking websites enable charities and organizations to increase visibility and raise both awareness and funding. Consistent blogging, regular updating of websites and information offers nonprofit organizations and charities the ability to connect with one, hundreds, or the hundreds of thousands of people at a time.
Brendan Byrne (www.receptive.com.au) is an internet marketing consultant. Brendan runs workshops on how to manage your online business and effectively market yourself.
