Blogging Bootcamp

What is Social Media?

What is Social Media

Any tool that lets you share information and network with others

• Blogging

• Micro-blogging

• Social networks

• Video sharing

• Photo sharing

• Chat Rooms

• Podcasts

• Virtual worlds

• Wikis

• Mobile

Why should you care as a non-profit?

1. It’s an affordable way to get results

2. It’s changing how marketing works

3. It’s growing insanely fast

4. The ROI outweighs any time put into it

Should every nonprofit blog?

• Yes!• Take the benefits of a newsletter and

put it online– constant updates– success stories– pictures– needs that are accessible by more people in more

ways (RSS feeds/Email subscriptions)

Today’s BlogosphereBlogs are now a standard source of news and info

346 million blog readers worldwide

77 million+ Americans visit blogs

Roughly half of all bloggers are over 35

133 million blogs created since 2002

Source: Technorati State of the Blogosphere 2008

How To Blog

What it takes to blog

• You consistently have something to say

• The writer has authority

• You're willing to be candid

• There's something in it for the readers

Getting Started• Wordpress and Blogger

– Over 145 million results in Google search1. Sign up for account2. Select a template3. Start Posting

• My Sample Here

Blog Format

• Short• Short Paragraphs• Important points highlighted• Bulleted lists • Links to other sites• Conversational• All “rules” could be broken

Pre-Blogging• Determine purpose of blog• Create a blog schedule • Brainstorm a hundred post ideas• Write posts in advance• Network• Write great content

Keys to connecting with audience

• Honesty

• Limited expectations

• Knowledge of the reader

Is anyone reading?• Google Alerts

– Tracks mention of your blog• Google Blogs

– Search for mention of your blog• Make sure to acknowledge any recognition• Cant acknowledge if you don’t know

How are businesses using blogs?

Examples

• Cause Global• The Cohen Report• Compassion International

SUBSCRIBERS

ARE THE

LIFE BLOOD OF A SUCCESSFUL

BLOG

• Emphasize subscription’s advantage: FREE useful information delivered directly

• Point them to options

Define “Subscribe”

EMAIL

RSS FEED

RSS & Email Subscriptions

• RSS (Really Simple Syndication) • Readers subscribe to your blog & receive

automatic to the minute updates

Make it easy & obviousSeparate subscription page

K.I.S.S.

“Subscribe by E-mail”

“Get Jobs By E-mail”

It is essential in all copywriting that you avoid unclear jargon, even if it’s not jargon to you.

A few closing thoughts

Make 2010 your year for Social Media

Create achievable goals

It’s easier than you think

Education erases fear

Thanks for your time.

Audry, Janelle, Julia, Katey, Meghan

Cornerstone University SIFE