Everyone thinks they need to go viral on social media. I do too. More views, more attention = more business, right? I mean, it’s possible. But for most small nonprofits, going viral isn’t what actually moves things forward.
The Problem With Going Viral
Think about what happens when a post goes viral. Most of the people aren’t going to live near you, don’t understand what you do, and aren’t going to donate or volunteer. So while the numbers look impressive, it’s unlikely to lead to anything meaningful for your organization.
What Actually Works
Instead, nonprofits really should try this to grow their organization online: Show up consistently. Go ahead and chase a trending reel. I do too. But it’s far more important to:
- Post consistently
- Talk about your work plainly
- Share what’s actually happening with real people
- Repeat, repeat, and repeat again
Why Consistency Wins
When you show up consistently, people start to:
- Know who you are
- Understand what you do
- Trust your work
And those are the people who are more likely to:
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Stay engaged
Not because you went viral, but because you stayed visible.
A Better Goal + Question to Ask
You may never have millions of followers, and repeat after me: it’s fine. What you can build instead is a core group of people who pay attention, care about your work, and take action.
So instead of asking “how do we go viral,” try asking “how do we stay on top of mind with the right people?”
That will lead to your nonprofit’s growth online and in real life.
About mkw+co
mkw+co is a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategy, marketing, education, and coaching for nonprofits. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult call here.