When it comes to marketing for your nonprofit organization, social networking platforms offer an invaluable resource in reaching out to potential constituents and engaging them in your cause. Not only do they provide free promotion, but media sources like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn meet your donors exactly where they stand and connect them with your organization.
Still, with all the different social platforms out there, it can be pretty confusing figuring out how to present your nonprofit organization on social media. Luckily, some nonprofits are already ahead of the curve, and can offer valuable insight into setting up your social media pages.
Get started by checking out these 12 nonprofit examples that rock at using Facebook.
1. Susan G. Komen
The Susan G. Komen Facebook page has the simple, yet easily identifiable pink ribbon as their logo, with a heart-wrenching cover photo remembering someone’s mom. Their cover photo also promotes one of their famous events—Race for the Cure.
2. American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society’s cover photo is not directly linked with their cause, but still carries one of their main promotions “The Official Sponsor of More Birthdays.” It also has an eye-catching pop of red, which ties into their profile picture.
3. UNICEF
UNICEF uses their cover photo as an opportunity to promote the hashtag #ChildrenUprooted, with an emotional picture.
4. charity: water
charity: water is a great example of a logo as a profile picture. Their picture includes no words, yet can be easily recognized through their clean, crisp design. The simplistic profile picture and cover photo combination makes the organization look professional and trustworthy.
5. World Wildlife Fund
Not only is World Wildlife Fund engaged through their Facebook page, but their cover photo draws on the viewer’s emotions by showing animals as being “together” with humans. While the logo is simplistic, the cover photo adds an extra dimension of compassion.
6. Make-A-Wish America
Make-A-Wish America uses their cover photo as a chance to promote the month of September as #ChildhoodCancer Awareness Month. This type of cover photo usage allows Make-A-Wish to advertise a specific cause.
7. Special Olympics
While the Special Olympics does not necessarily use their logo as their profile picture, they are utilizing their cover photo to reach out through an entirely different social networking site—Snapchat. This boosts engagement not just through Facebook, but through other media.
8. ASPCA
The ASPCA uses both their profile picture and cover photo to celebrate their 150 days of rescue. While their logo is smaller in the profile picture, it still emphasizes who they are through their classic orange color, including their website, hashtag and a celebrity endorsement.
9. Oceana
Oceana is very involved in their Facebook page, and like charity: water, has a clean design which still shows exactly who they are. Their logo and cover photo complement each other nicely, and viewers get a great idea of what the organization stands for without any words at all.
10. Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association may not display their logo as their profile picture, but the “End Alz” call still rings true to their mission. In addition, the cover photo shows one of their famous Walks to End Alzheimer’s, drawing the viewer in through the call to action “The end… starts with you.”
11. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity uses their logo as their profile picture, but incorporates a heartwarming and relatable cover photo that viewers can identify with. Their mission statement “Every person deserves a decent place to live” stands out in the corner, and connects the cover photo to their Facebook page as a whole.
12. Save the Children
Looking at Save the Children’s Facebook page, their dramatic cover photo quickly catches the viewers’ eyes, and tells them immediately what Save the Children is all about: Search. Rescue. Save. While their logo is still their profile picture, the cover photo tells the story, and is then reiterated throughout their Facebook content.
So, if your nonprofit hopes to emulate these Facebook rock stars, consider some useful tips:
- Use a simple, crisp logo for your organization as the profile picture. This helps consumers find your nonprofit easier and gives you more credibility.
- Choose a cover photo which fits appropriately, demonstrates your cause and elicits a reaction from viewers. Your cover photo should be clean and simple like your profile picture, but can have more action than your logo. It can explicitly tell what your nonprofit focuses on (Oceana), tell an impacting story in a photo (Make-A-Wish America) or ask a call to action (Special Olympics). No matter what your nonprofit chooses to focus on for your cover photo, be sure it looks professional alongside your profile picture and page as a whole. For more tidbits, check out our article on 5 Ways to Maximize Your Facebook Cover Photo.
- Stay up-to-date on your Facebook page. The only thing worse than not having social media is having social media which is horribly outdated. Get in the habit of posting about your organization’s activities through photos, events, videos, statuses and sharing. When your page is current, constituents feel connected and more likely to get involved.
Check out our article 4 Facebook Power Tips for Nonprofits for more helpful info on how to maximize your nonprofit Facebook page. Lastly, be sure to take a look at Facebook for Nonprofits (sponsored by Facebook) for any and all information your organization might need in creating and promoting your Facebook page.
Your cause has value. Let others know too by promoting your nonprofit organization through a strong and professional Facebook page. Social media isn’t going away anytime soon, so be confident your organization stays with it by using these helpful tips and following nonprofit examples. Then go forth and rock your nonprofit Facebook.
Want to take your social media presence to the next level? Firespring can help! We offer useful webinars, materials and seminars on how your NPO can market itself to further its cause. Learn more by calling 877.447.8941 or email hello@firespring.org.
