Social media marketing is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with many individuals at a time. Just think of the potential you have, to rally support, to raise money or spread the message. If you have a non-profit organization then you should be looking into this new venue of advertising. Here are five strategies that will help you expand your horizons through this powerful medium

1. SMM is a Conversation

Remember that SMM is not advertising per say. You can certainly count it as advertising but it doesn’t operate like a paid advertisement. On the contrary, you are using the art of conversation. You have to engage your followers and friends. You’re not really broadcasting information but instead asking for feedback and exchanging ideas.

2. SMM Requires Activity

Activity is paramount on the web. No one will follow a dead Twitter or Facebook page; on the contrary, publishers must keep their constituents engaged. They must give their followers a reason to follow. Indeed, social media marketing is so valuable to some companies that they actually hire a social media manager to monitor the account! For the best results, try and set up a schedule that assures you publish new content on a regular basis and that you respond to all comments within a day.

3. Be Genuine

Most of your followers prefer to talk to a person rather than a company logo. Make sure, therefore, that you come across as personal and authentic in everything you write. Respond and interact on a personal level. After all, you are representing a charity organization! The more of your personality you share (provided you’re not a psychopath of course!) the more people will start to admire you.

4. Encourage the Art of…Sharing!

SMM is all about the DIY attitude, and what better way to promote activity than sharing the DIY attitude with others? SMM is all about sharing; it’s all about disseminating information quickly. This willingness to share is what creates ultra-successful viral campaigns. So lead by example and share the high quality of content of others as much as you expect to be publicized. This may require that you adapt your messages slightly to fit the writings of others—but it will be worth it in the end.

5. Make Social Media Marketing an Organizational Activity

Do not be content to let one person run the SMM campaign. Make sure you get everyone involved. In fact make this Do It Yourself SMM approach a part of your staff’s daily routine. If everyone gets involved, then it inspires followers and web viewers to start participating as well.

These five tips can help your charity get started in a successful social media marketing campaign.