As Technology Program Manager at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, guest blogger Kevin Martone helps nonprofits use technology to meet their business goals.
NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) is one of the best learning opportunities I know. Then there are the wonderful folks who participate, but that’s another story.
I know many of you weren’t at the recent NTC, so I want to share my greatest takeaways with you—insights from great sessions like #15NTCvisualmedia, #15NTCemaileq, #15NTCsurround and #15NTCembracesm.
Be Visual—Here’s How
Despite recent news that photos no longer outperform other types of content on Facebook, orgs DO benefit from creating, curating and sharing relevant visuals. Here’s why:
- Visuals “stick:” People retain 80% of what they see, but only 20% of what they read
- Visuals drive traffic: The 2nd largest referral to Buzzfeed is Pinterest. Really
- Visuals are more noticeable: With so much information passing us each day, images and videos are more likely to gain—and keep—a reader’s attention, and .
Effective visuals are:
- Authentic – Should evoke real emotion
- Sensory – Should share vivid details that connect with a viewer’s senses
- Archetype – Should have your audiences embedded, so they recognize themselves in them
- Relevant – Should tap into what’s top of mind for your audiences.
One last tip: Subjects in the most effective visuals are making direct eye contact with the viewer!
Use the Right Channels and Tools
I picked up a bunch of helpful stats and case studies on social media channels and tools. For example:
- Vine lives as a content creation tool: 5 Vines are tweeted every second!
- Tumblr is a great place to reach a younger audience: It’s more popular for 13-25 year olds than Facebook; 46% of Tumblr users are between 16 and 24
- ImgFlip allows you to create GIFs— fun, memorable content for Tumblr and other channels
- ScheduGram allows you to schedule posts to Instagram…and manage multiple accounts from your desktop: This paid tool reduces lots of the barriers nonprofits mention re: Instagram
- Thinglink allows you to add embedded links in images: Now you can include links in photos you share via your blog or social media.
As usual, which of these tools or channels is right for your organization depends on your goals and the audience you are trying to reach.
Keep an Eye on the Future
Did you know that 29% of Americans are 19 or younger? And 21% are 20-34 years old? So 50% of Americans are 34 and younger…do you have an effective method to engage those folks?
Beyond the channels most nonprofit organizations already use (email, Facebook, Twitter, blog), what channels should be tested and potentially implemented? Here’s a few of the new social channels to keep your eye on:
Snapchat – The World Wildlife Fund used the ephemeral nature of snapchat for great impact in its #lastselfie campaign.
Tinder – Yes, even dating apps can be used by nonprofits effectively! Read about how the Social Tees Animal Rescue used Tinder to raise awareness about adopting dogs that need homes. Or how the Immigration Council of Ireland used Tinder to create awareness of sex trafficking.
Secret – See how the Israeli AIDS Task Force used this “anonymish” sharing app to help remove the perceived stigma of being HIV-positive.
Hope to See you at Next Year’s NTC
What’s great is that NTC is customizable—you can shape your schedule to work best for you. Check out these takes from others who were there: Liz Raglund, Network for Good, Peter Campbell, Legal Services, and Debra Askanase, National Brain Tumor Society.
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