How Non-Profits Can Use Social Media For Inbound Marketing (Desiree Townsend)

Desiree Townsend


Social media is an easy way for non-profit organizations to establish an online presence, draw in supporters, and encourage long-lasting relationships.

Many non-profit organizations represent good causes that deserve attention. Still, their often-limited funds and reduced workforce can sometimes prevent them from investing in traditional marketing methods and services.

Creating opportunities for more attention

So, how can a non-profit get enough attention online to collect valuable donations and recruit more people for their cause? Inbound marketing is the solution.

“Inbound marketing” refers to the marketing strategies that help an organization gain the attention of potential supporters through unpaid promotion or content marketing. These methods are lower cost, have a more significant impact than paid advertising, and allow organizations to connect with potential sponsors on a much deeper level. Standard inbound marketing methods include social media, blogging, SEO, ebooks, and whitepapers.

A study from HubSpot shows that leads gained from outbound marketing campaigns typically cost 60% more than leads obtained via inbound marketing. For non-profits, this is crucial information. There are certain cases where paid ads may be more effective. But organizations with smaller budgets should feel confident focusing on inbound methods, knowing that they can get the leads and donations they need without investing a fortune.

Let’s explore how non-profits can use social media, specifically, for a quick shot of inbound marketing.

Establishing a presence on social media

Social media is one easy way for non-profit organizations to establish an online presence, to draw in fans, and to encourage long-lasting relationships within their community. WIth a free page on networks like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, potential supporters will be more likely to find the organization and interact with its cause.

Non-profits should create a content calendar that dictates what they post on each platform. Once published, the organization will need to check up on those posts: moderating the pages, responding to comments, and answering questions.

The most important thing to remember is that social media exists to start conversations. Social media should not broadcast “donate to us!” messages every day. Instead, non-profits should look for valuable ways to communicate and establish relationships with their audiences.


Desiree Townsend @Desiree
I help people live a bolder braver story. Inbound marketer specializing in social media.

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Would love to see a nonprofit discussion about what ARE valuable ways to communicate with their audience…thoughts?

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