Social media is everywhere today! This guide will teach you the basics to using online tools and networks to get the word out about your cause or project. Be sure to know who your audience is and go where they are. That could mean reaching them on their cell phone, at the coffee shop, or on Twitter. Don't forget social media can also help you motivate staff, reach out to potential partners, or even raise money

Social Networks & Communication

1. Where is your audience. Most of the time facebook is the best bet for finding your target audience. Also try doing a survey of your users.
2. What is your online identity? Are you writing from your own personal point of view or as the organization? What is the tone of your brand and how does it translate into content?
3. See how your competitors (or similar organizations) message their members. Look at how they communicate, how frequently and where they do it.
4. Always keep your target audience in mind when creating content. Whether it's photos, videos or text, always think about who you're writing for.
5. Highlight what your users are doing. Everybody likes to read about themselves.
6. Update, update, Update. It's important to keep in tough with your members on a frequent basis.
7. Keep your content fresh and relevant. When possible, find a way to find relevancy to breaking news stories and link them to your org.
8. Use pictures. Get pictures from users, and take pictures of your events and clients. Rotate in new photos constantly.
9. Use videos. Get videos from users and take your own videos of events, clients, etc. Use imovie or Windows Movie Maker to edit your video into short engaging clips.
10. Use super users. Target the most active members in your online community to help you build your member base.
11. Be consistent. Keep your brand consistent across all platforms by using the same colors, logo, and brand tone as much as possible.