Twitter can be overwhelming. With the constant, 24/7 updates, the infinite hashtags, the ever-changing trending topics, and the millions of users, you might feel lost trying to get a handle on Twitter. Even that last sentence might make you feel overwhelmed! However, Twitter can help nonprofits spread their visions and values to others easily. With some guidance, Twitter can be an effective and easy-to-use platform for communicating with numerous audiences quickly.
To help those of you who are brand new to Twitter, we will go over:
- The sign-up process
- Ideas for choosing an appropriate handle and profile picture
- Creating an effective bio
- How to stay on brand
Signing Up for Twitter
Twitter has the ability to increase your client, member, donor, and volunteer engagement and send new supporters your way. If you are new to Twitter, find some comfort knowing that signing up is straightforward!
The sign-up process helps you find who you might want to follow, add people and organizations you know, and personalize your profile. As a nonprofit, you should consider following other organizations close to your location. This way you can stay up-to-date with any new information, webinars, or events that may be happening near you! Also, it may be valuable to follow other nonprofits who share similar values and perspectives with you. Why? Because these organizations will be awesome for retweeting!
To start you will need to have a name (usually your organization’s name) and a password handy. You also need to think of a handle, this will be your username – ours is @VolunteerAB.
Twitter Handles and Profile Pictures
Once you’ve finished signing up and the initial tutorial, it’s time to start fine-tuning your Twitter homepage to make sure it reflects your organization’s brand and values. Did you choose the appropriate handle (username)? Your handle will be how others find and communicate with you, so make sure it is close to your organization’s name! Keep in mind that a shorter handle will be easier for others to fit in their tweets.
What about your profile picture? Your picture should also be representative of your organization. Usually your logo is the best way to go!
Twitter Bios
Something to remember for Twitter is to keep things short and sweet. There is a 140 character limit on tweets which usually translates to one or two short sentences and a link (to your event, article, or further information).
Twitter bios should be no different. Consider using your vision or mission statement and be sure to include a link to your website.
Staying On Brand
Finally, keep in mind that staying on brand and being consistent is important. Consider creating a communication plan or thinking of some goals for your Twitter feed. How many tweets would you like to put out a day? How many responses or retweets? Start small, see what your audience responds to.
Consistency and quality is more important than quantity! Your tweets should align with your organization’s values to ensure your communication works towards your cause, represents what you stand for, stays professional, and doesn’t confuse any of your audiences. Think about what you would want to hear about from your organization if you didn’t work there.
Continue to monitor your account to see how effective you are. Twitter has analytics available that can give you some extra insights. Once you have some initial information on how your audience is reacting to you, you can begin to tailor your Twitter approach. Creating a successful Twitter feed doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment and a little bit of work to get it running. So be patient, and take it one day at a time!
Make sure to read our next blog on some tips and tricks to keep in mind when you begin to tweet more often!
Stephanie O’Neill
Volunteer Alberta