How can Nonprofits benefit from Blogging in 2024
A special guest post from Ryan Biddulph to help nonprofits assess the value of running an active blog and interact with influencers. Learn how nonprofits can benefit from blogging.
Bringing attention to your nonprofit may feel like a daunting task.
Whether you have a limited marketing budget or small staff you probably feel overwhelmed by the amount of time and energy required to keep the organization afloat.
Blogging gives Nonprofits a cost-effective, powerful way to spread the word without breaking the advertising bank.
First this: Grow faster than ever before!
Seamlessly blend creativity and technology. See how you can start with AI Marketing and reach your goals faster than ever before. Check out the Tips, Strategies, AI Tools, Masterclass, Courses, and Community. Unleash the true potential of your brand with the help of AI.
If you put in the time and energy to build your blog on a solid foundation you can give your nonprofit the attention it deserves.
Before we dive into the reasons, understand this: blogging is a skill. Like any skill it takes time to learn how to blog effectively, to become an astute student of blogging, and to practice writing, creating, and connecting so that you become a successful blogger.
This is a time and energy-intensive venture but so is every online marketing, value-providing, and relationship-building tool that does not involve a financial investment.
Check out these reasons to see how nonprofits can benefit from blogging.
Expand Awareness about the Cause
Nonprofits survive by spreading awareness as to the cause of the organization.
Blogging is hands down the best way for any nonprofit to expand its digital footprint.
Think of the channels through which you can spread the word about how your organization improves the world, all via your blog:
- Podcasting
- Video marketing via YouTube, Facebook and Periscope (recorded and live broadcasts)
- Text based articles
- Infographics
These are a few mediums for expanding brand awareness through your blog.
All new content can be published quickly and easily, making for a convenient way to connect with new and returning readers swiftly.
Attract Targeted Traffic
Every dollar counts for any nonprofit on a tight budget. That’s why you need to become successful with blogging.
Blogging gives nonprofits immense bang for their marketing buck because you can attract targeted, interested traffic by sharing helpful content and optimizing your blog for SEO with a minimum investment. By spending a small yearly fee on a domain and hosting you can receive immense returns.
As marketing evolves from a numbers-based, cold calling game toward a more intelligent and effective, targeted nature, blogs offer organizations a tool which levels the advertising playing field.
Providing helpful, thorough content and adding the proper keywords to your posts drives a steady flow of intrigued users from search engines like Google.
Add in a smart guest posting campaign to bolster your SEO and you will be able to raise funds and awareness through your blog.
As with any online marketing strategy it takes time and effort to drive targeted traffic to your blog or website. Be patient. Invest in resources to cut your SEO learning curve.
If you put in the time to learn how to create appealing, valuable and search engine friendly content you will experience substantial returns over the long haul in terms of increased funding and greater awareness for your nonprofit.
Networking Potential
Nonprofits make an even bigger difference in the world when influential individuals become aware of these organizations.
Running a static website is OK but adding blogging to your online marketing arsenal instantly adds credibility to your endeavor.
Successful entrepreneurs, generous philanthropists and other individuals involved with similar nonprofits are more likely to find your site and connect with you through your blog.
Blogs are in essence content central.
You can publish articles, videos, podcasts and other forms of helpful content quickly and easily through a blog.
Churning out insightful content regularly draws in people eager to aid your cause.
Think of a spider’s web, stretching far and wide across your nonprofit niche as the quality and volume of your blog posts increase. As the nodes and strings of the web increase steadily you connect with influential people who both spread the word for your cause and also support your nonprofit financially.
Conclusion
Gone are the days of simply running a static website for your nonprofit.
Sophisticated web surfers are looking for well-stocked, insightful blogs detailing the purpose of your nonprofit as well as valuable posts explaining how your nonprofit operates.
Start blogging today to give your nonprofit the attention it deserves.
FAQ
What makes blogging important for nonprofits?
Blogging is a powerful tool for nonprofits to share stories, updates, and insights, helping to increase visibility, engage supporters, and drive donations.
How often should a nonprofit post on its blog?
Consistency is key. Weekly or bi-weekly posts are ideal to keep the audience engaged without overwhelming the content team.
What types of content should a nonprofit blog include?
A nonprofit blog can include success stories, volunteer experiences, behind-the-scenes looks, impact reports, and thought leadership in the sector.
How can a nonprofit blog drive donations?
By showcasing impact, telling compelling stories, and including clear calls-to-action, a blog can motivate readers to support the cause financially.
What are the best practices for SEO in nonprofit blogging?
Use relevant keywords, create quality content, ensure mobile-friendliness, and use meta descriptions and tags for better search engine visibility.
How can a nonprofit promote its blog?
Promote the blog through social media, email newsletters, collaborations with influencers, and by encouraging staff and volunteers to share posts.
Should a nonprofit blog feature guest writers?
Yes, featuring guest writers, like industry experts or beneficiaries, can add credibility and variety to the blog, attracting a wider audience.
How can a nonprofit measure the success of its blog?
Track metrics like page views, time spent on page, social shares, and comments, and observe any increase in donations or volunteer sign-ups attributed to the blog.
What role does storytelling play in nonprofit blogging?
Storytelling is crucial in nonprofit blogging, as it engages readers emotionally and illustrates the real-life impact of the nonprofit’s work.
Can a nonprofit blog be a platform for advocacy?
Absolutely, a blog is an ideal platform for advocacy, providing a space to educate readers, share opinions, and mobilize support for causes.
How can a nonprofit choose engaging topics for its blog?
Engaging topics often stem from current events, success stories, donor spotlights, and educational content about the nonprofit’s mission and impact.
What is the role of visuals in nonprofit blogging?
Visuals such as photos, infographics, and videos can enhance blog posts, making them more engaging and shareable.
How can collaboration with other organizations benefit a nonprofit’s blog?
Collaboration can bring diverse perspectives, share resources, and expand reach to new audiences through cross-promotion and guest blogging.
Should a nonprofit blog respond to comments and engage with readers?
Engaging with readers in the comments section can build community, encourage dialogue, and show that the organization values its supporters’ opinions.
How can a nonprofit use its blog to thank donors and volunteers?
Highlighting stories of donors and volunteers, and expressing gratitude in blog posts, can acknowledge their contributions and encourage further engagement.
What are some ways to ensure a nonprofit blog’s content is accessible?
Ensuring accessibility includes using clear language, adding alt text to images, and providing captions or transcripts for videos.
Can a nonprofit blog be used for reporting on financials and transparency?
Yes, blogs can be an effective platform for sharing financial reports and updates on operations, enhancing transparency and trust with supporters.
How important is it to have a content calendar for a nonprofit blog?
A content calendar is vital for planning, ensuring a consistent posting schedule, and covering a variety of topics aligned with the nonprofit’s goals.
What strategies can a nonprofit use to grow its blog audience?
Strategies include SEO optimization, social media promotion, email marketing, and engaging content that encourages readers to share posts.
How can a nonprofit’s blog support its overall digital marketing strategy?
The blog can serve as the cornerstone of a digital marketing strategy, providing content that can be repurposed across social media, email campaigns, and other digital channels.
How can a nonprofit integrate storytelling into its blog posts?
Incorporate real-life stories and testimonials to make posts more relatable and emotionally resonant, effectively conveying the impact of the nonprofit’s work.
What are effective ways to engage volunteers in blog content creation?
Invite volunteers to contribute blog posts, share their experiences, or participate in interviews, providing authentic perspectives to your content.
How can a nonprofit use its blog to highlight its mission and values?
Use the blog to share stories and information that align with and illustrate the organization’s mission and values, reinforcing its identity and purpose.
What role does a blog play in a nonprofit’s community engagement strategy?
A blog can be a hub for community interaction, offering a space for sharing news, celebrating community achievements, and engaging in dialogue about relevant issues.
How can nonprofits balance educational content with promotional material in their blog?
Maintain a balance by providing valuable, informative content while subtly weaving in calls-to-action and information about the nonprofit’s services and needs.
What are the key elements of an effective nonprofit blog post?
Effective posts should have a compelling headline, clear structure, engaging visuals, a strong narrative, and a clear call-to-action.
Can a blog help in recruiting volunteers and staff for a nonprofit?
Yes, highlighting volunteer stories, organizational culture, and the impact of work can attract potential volunteers and staff.
How can a blog support a nonprofit’s fundraising events?
Use the blog to promote upcoming events, share past successes, and provide updates, helping to build anticipation and engagement.
What are some common mistakes nonprofits make in blogging and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include inconsistent posting, neglecting SEO, and not promoting posts. Avoid these by having a content plan, optimizing for search engines, and actively promoting content.
How can a nonprofit ensure its blog remains relevant and engaging over time?
Regularly update content, stay informed on sector trends, solicit feedback from readers, and adapt to changing digital practices to keep the blog relevant and engaging.
About the Author
Ryan Biddulph is a blogger, author at Studyclerk and world traveler who’s been featured on Richard Branson’s Virgin Blog, Forbes, Fox News, Entrepreneur, Positively Positive, Life Hack, John Chow Dot Com and Neil Patel Dot Com. He has written and self-published 126 bite-sized eBooks on Amazon. Ryan can help you build a successful blog at Blogging From Paradise.
You have a story to tell. We want to help.
Let’s create memorable content and reach tens of thousands of people.