Thinking outside of the social media box in the social sector
- 22 Aug
When we think about social media instinctively Facebook and Twitter are what enters our mind, and rightly so. They are both extremely useful tools when looking to see social media success; however they aren't the only tools out there.
Many organisations feel that if they use Facebook and Twitter they have a social media presence and that is all they need. What they fail to see is that by limiting themselves to just these two platforms they are missing out on a wide range of people who could become part of their audience, if they just knew they existed!
Instagram
It's true what they say; a picture speaks a thousand words. Instagram offers users the option to upload pictures to their followers with a ‘filter' to enhance the image, if they feel it's necessary. From a business prospective Instagram is a great way to keep your audience updated with daily goings on and ‘behind the scenes' insight. Rather than using Instagram as a photo album it should be used to upload the occasional photo, meaning it needs to have a meaning and relevance.
Instagram for the social sector:
Upload pictures of your team to show your personality or a picture of people you have helped. A little glimpse of office space or people campaigning will also highlight your cause whilst making the organisation appear more personal.
YouTube
Over the past year we have seen the hype that derives from a viral video. With over a billion users each month there are plenty of hidden potential clients and customers waiting for you. Uploading videos sharing tips and tricks you've picked up that will help others in your sector are a great way to showcase your knowledge of your sector and leave viewers wanting to know more. You could also upload short videos from events you hold or team building days to show the audience a personal side to your brand.
YouTube for the social sector:
Create a video of the cause you are supporting and show how your organisation is helping to improve. At the end leave a call to action of how others can become a part of your organisation and help with your cause. This shows how your organisation has seen a problem, begun to help, yet still needs more support.
Pinterest
Pinterest is an online pin board that allows users to share their favourite images. Whereas Instagram isn't for albums of photos, Pinterest is. With a multitude of boards ready to be created and shared Pinterest is a great place to share your ideas as well as others. To bring a more personal side to your brand you could create a board to which you upload team photos and keep your audience up to date with what is happening behind the scenes.
Pinterest for the social sector:
We have already written about Pinterest for non-profits which you can read here, however Pinterest is a great tool as allows people to raise awareness of what they are working for as well as bring a more personal side to the organisation.
Vine
Still a relatively new platform Vine allows users to upload small stop/start videos to the audience. Just like on YouTube a viral Vine can attract lots of viewers and target new customers/clients. With a short time limit Vines need to be planned and precise with a creative edge.
Vine for the social sector:
Unleash your creativity and show users a new side to your organisation. Try showing the story behind your organisation using stop start images or showcase before and after videos to show the changes you have made to encourage others to help your cause.
Image source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1199922
Related articles
- 19 May
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE
The online survey posed questions to 1,479 people between ages 14 to 24 to rate which social media platform (of YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter) negatively impact their users.The...
- 25 Jul
SOCIAL MEDIA APPS FOR HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
INSTAGRAMGOOGLE TRANSLATEHOMESWAPPER MATCHESFACEBOOK LIVEWHATSAPPTAWKYou can download these apps online and via Android or IOS devices as well. Enjoy!What do you think? Please tweet...
- 17 Jun
FREE DEVICES AND APPS FOR BETTER HEALTH
Some of such devices and apps which will be available in April 2017 are:AliveCor- A mobile heart monitor (strapped to the back of a smartphone) which will also save NHS money, reducing need for...
- 08 Jun
#UKHousingFast
The #UKHousingFast is a social media campaign which is led by people living and working in social housing to support the activities of Trussell Trust.This fast is in its third year and will take...
- 26 Jan
Twitter leads national campaign for compassionate care
#HelloMyNameIs is a social media based campaign created by one doctor, Kate Granger, in order to encourage healthcare professionals to introduce themselves to patients.The campaign is now being...
- 23 Jan
Social media for housing associations
Online engagement between many commercial and charitable organisations and their clients and users has become very popular. However, many housing organisations have not succeeded as well as they...
- 22 Jan
An effective social media strategy for your social organisation
It is important to reach a position on social media where the community feels comfortable in sharing the content that you post.Your content should reflect the trust and integrity your users have for...
- 15 Jan
The Social Media Presence of Social Organisations
However, there are still many organisations who are not taking full advantage of social media platforms by not regularly updating their users and followers with content, nor sharing links that their...
- 15 Jan
Charity urges homelessness to be put to an end
Homeless Link, in its manifesto to end homelessness, has urged the next Government to end rough sleeping, ensure employment and welfare support, provide more homes and protect the rights of tenants,...
- 13 Jan
Instagram for your Social Organisation
It has beat Twitter in terms of number of users, but it is currently outperforming in terms of engagement as well.Instagram's engagement is 50 times higher than Twitter. The difference is a large...
Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "It was well-run, in a good location, and very useful. I've only one suggestion; as the session went on it would perhaps have been useful for bullet points of general agreement about what should be in the sector response to be displayed and added to as the session went on, maybe on a flip chart. Regarding your response paper, I particularly like the answer you give to question 9. In fact the general: "if it ain't broke don't fix it" response could be pushed harder." M.P. - Adref Ltd
