Getting started with social media as a nonprofit

There are so many social networks out there. How do you know where to begin how much time you should be devoting to them? I've seen so many NGOs ask their "techie" to sign them up for all the social networks they can find. They have accounts on social networks I've never even heard of! Of course, they haven't used any of them, just not knowing where to start.

These simple, common sense tips are a good place to begin:

1. Start small. Pick 1 or 2 social networks and focus on getting these right. In South Africa, Facebook is very popular, and Twitter is growing steadily.

2. Understand what do you hope to achieve with your social media platforms. Have a clear goal and a plan on how to achieve this goal. Do you want to educate people about your cause? Do you want to raise the profile of your organization? Do you want to raise funds (of course you do!). All of these things are possible in varying degrees, but nothing is possible without a plan.

3. Know who is in charge. Who will manage your social media platforms for you? Do they understand your organization well enough? Do they understand the medium they are communicating in well enough? Don't be afraid to ask for help on getting started.

4. Grow your community. Don't just set up a profile and wait for people to come to you. Actively promote your Facebook page in your website, newsletter and emails. Share content that YOU find interesting, and that you think will be VALUABLE to the people you are trying to reach.

5. First impressions count. Don't publicize your Facebook or Twitter profiles until there is something for people to read, and something for them to use. When they see value in what you are sharing, they will come back.

6. Find out if your supporters are on social networks. Connect with them, and encourage them to share your content with their networks.

7. Keep talking. Communicate with your social media network regularly. On average you should spend about 2 hours a week per social network.

8. Friends today, donors tomorrow. Remembe that although the majority of social network users are a younger generation, you are dealing with potential supporters and donors of tomorrow. Cultivate those relationships now.