How to make clean content
Here are some basic dos and don'ts of publishing on the web.
Writing Effective Copy for Webpages
Readers have a lot of demands competing for their time. It’s a challenge to grab and keep their attention, which is why a professional copywriter — particularly one trained in writing for the web — is worth her weight in gold. But for many organizations, a tight budget means that copywriting must be done in-house by a generalist. Writing copy for webpages is different than writing for print, and there is some variation depending on the type of content you are writing.
Writing a Compelling Press Release: Tips for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
For small nonprofits and businesses, it may seem impossible to interact with media without a marketing person on staff. But often there isn’t available funding for a communications position. Small business owners and staff of nonprofits often wear multiple hats though, and something like writing press releases doesn’t have to be out of reach. Review the following steps for a compelling press release.
Drafting Talking Points for your Nonprofit or Small Business
For a nonprofit or small business, speaking to press can be uncomfortable territory. You don’t always know exactly what questions you will be asked, and you want to be represented accurately. But with a little bit of planning and a clear understanding of your basic messaging, you can be equipped to address a variety of PR points. This will be beneficial not only when it comes to speaking to media, but also when speaking to a more general audience of interested community members.
Facebook Training for Your Board: A How-To Guide
Getting your board members involved in your organization’s social media can add to the cohesiveness of your board. Social media is a way to continue telling your organization’s story online that requires interactive voices.
Including the participation of your board will help everyone be on the same page with regards to organization activity and updates. It’s also a powerful way for board members to harness the support of their already existing networks.
Email Marketing: Why to Use It & Who to Choose for your Nonprofit or Small Business
While a lot of my recent blog posts have been all about communicating with your audience through social media platforms, there is another means of brand communications sometimes overlooked: Email.
I’m not discounting solid use of social media here at all. But email marketing can also do wonders for your small business or nonprofit. Like social media, email marketing can engage your audience, share your personality, and build loyalty.
YouTube Tips for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
YouTube’s popularity across the world has made it possible for uploaded videos to “go viral.” Remember the Kony thing? And Gangnam style? Pretty sure Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube, too... Anyway, let’s focus on something more positive. While it is video-based, video is a medium that’s pretty versatile. Artists upload their music videos and those hoping to showcase their musical talent upload the covers. Businesses post advertisements, bored kids upload funny skits, and lonely cat women show us how being them isn’t so bad when your kittens are that adorable.
Pinterest Tips for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
Do you have cards and pictures stuck with magnets on your fridge? These are usually things that make you feel good. After all, as a kid having that test with an “A” on it stuck on the fridge for a week was an honor. And a bit of inspiration to try do as well on the next one. The refrigerator becomes a canvas for ideas. Now picture this canvas being on the internet. The best way to describe Pinterest is probably an inspiration board. It’s a way to keep all the things you like in one place.
Instagram Tips for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
I hate to use the corny line “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but it just so happens that it’s too applicable to social media for me to pass up. If a Facebook post or Tweet includes a photo, it receives significantly greater views and engagement. To the woe of writers everywhere, sometimes a picture actually does it best. In social media terms, a picture is worth a thousand followers. (Oh, the corniness kills me!) But there’s proof: Instagram.
Twitter Tips for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
While I won’t be writing this post in 140 characters or less, Twitter surprisingly allows quite a bit of information to be shared in those short and sweet bites. This is partly due to the fact that Twitter isn’t limited to letters - a Tweet can include video, photos, and links as well. Here are some examples of the many ways Twitter can be maximized, tips for engagement, and a chance to check out some Tweeters who have got it down to an artform: