Social Media for Nonprofits: What to Post When You Have No Idea What You’re Doing
You know how to run a nonprofit. You know your programs, your mission, your people. But you have no idea what to do with social media.
You’re not alone. Most nonprofit leaders have never been trained in social media, and yet, it’s one of the main ways people find you, learn about you, and decide to support you.
So what do you do? You post when you can, with whatever you happen to think about that day. There’s no strategy. You’re basically in survival mode.
Sound familiar?
Why Your Posts Aren’t Getting Attention
People move fast online. They scroll, skim, and decide in seconds if they care. If your first line doesn’t catch their attention, they keep going. A strong opening — often called a “hook” — is what gets someone to stop and read.
5 Simple Hooks You Can Start Using Today
Here are five simple hooks that work well for social media for nonprofit organizations.
1. “If you’ve ever wondered…”
Example:
If you’ve ever wondered where your donation actually goes, this is for you.
This works because people like answers to real questions. Film a reel talking about how donors’ dollars supports your organization by providing food, shelter, whatever it is you do.
2. “The part no one talks about…”
Example:
The part of running a food pantry no one talks about: keeping shelves stocked every week.
This works because people want to see behind the scenes. Do a carousel post of pictures of people stocking your shelves.
3. “This is what it actually looks like…”
Example:
This is what workforce development actually looks like.
This helps people understand your work in a real, simple way. Film a reel of someone getting trained or filling out a job application.
4. “Here’s something we wish more people knew…”
Example:
Here’s something we wish more people knew about domestic violence: it’s not always visible.
This builds awareness without sounding pushy. Aim for a calming image, one that doesn’t share any personal details or images, and perhaps has a text overlay with this message.
5. “What ______ really means…”
Example:
What “affordable housing” really means in our community.
This helps explain complex topics in a way people can understand. Film a reel explaining this. Or post some pictures of people building a house.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to become a social media expert overnight. But if social media for your nonprofit feels confusing or frustrating, start with these hooks.
And when you need more hooks, here’s another post on the topic.
About mkw+co
mkw+co is a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategy, marketing, education, and coaching for nonprofits and small businesses. Schedule a consult call here.