Google+ for Nonprofits

Author:  Sylwia  Presley,    November  2011  

Introduction

Google+ (Google Plus) is a new social network introduced by Google. It requires a personal Google profile, but with the launch of branded pages it also provides great opportunities for nonprofits.

The core benefit of this particular social network is strong focus on privacy controls and ownership of your content.

In this short presentation we will show you few examples of how Google+ can be effective for your work with quick tips on setting up branded page for your organisation.

Setting up Google+ profile

Go to plus.google.com and follow step by step sign in (remember that you need to have a Google account!).

You can only create a Google+ account as an individual, but your personal account will not be featured on branded page of your organisation.

Major options on Google+

Posting: you can post content with links, photos, videos, geolocation; you can edit your update later, delete it or link to it; you can disable comments under this particular post.

Major options on Google+

Posting: you can post content to specific circles (groups of contacts you create on Google+) or individuals (just type “+” and name of your contact).

Major options on Google+

Commenting: You can use “+1” button to mark content you like, agree with; you can share it to your networks or respond to it (you can tag others in your comments too, just type “+” and name of individuals or branded pages).

Major options on Google+

Photos: you can upload, tag, edit and comment on photos on Google+, manage their privacy, you can also use photo editor provided here.

Major options on Google+

Circles: groups of contacts, you can group people in many ways to manage your content sharing better; you can manage those groups in many ways too, so check your circles area.

Major options on Google+

Chat and hangouts: You can chat to all your contacts or start a video call with multiple users called hangout (you can specify its privacy too).

Setting up Google+ branded page

Google+ pages have the same functions as individual accounts, but they have branded avatars and profile information. Go to plus.google.com/pages/create to create a new branded page. At the moment only one person can be your page admin!

Setting up Google+ branded page

Choose nonprofit category, fill out the basic information about your organisation and define the privacy levels.

Setting up Google+ branded page

Describe your work in the tagline, add your avatar. Later you will be able to use more than one photo for avatar section too. Note: Using Google+ as an individual or organisation might be confusing, so keep an eye on the grey bar on the top of your screen for notifications.

Setting up Google+ branded page

Finish and start posting! Your avatar will give you clear indication of the area you are in. To post as individual change to your personal page next to your avatar.

Setting up Google+ branded page

Look out for tips! As a new page admin you will receive valuable notifications and support.

Setting up Google+ branded page

Click on the avatar of your page to see how others see it on Google+. Grey square icon next to your page name indicates that it is a branded page. To edit your profile click on blue “edit profile” button.

Setting up Google+ branded page

Make the most of your profile page – edit avatar (add more than one photo/visual), add photos, introduction, contact information, other pages that interest you (great way of on-line positioning of your organisation), feature team members if appropriate.

Major benefits of Google+

1.  Clear privacy policy and data ownership, 2.  Free solutions for team work (chat, contact management, hangouts), 3.  Ripple effect of posted messages – as effective as Facebook fan pages, 4.  More control in content sharing and targeting, 5.  Good integration on “+1” button outside of the network, 6.  Ability to post public messages (no entry barrier for viewers), 7.  Good integration with other free Google tools and networks (YouTube,

Picasa, Gmail), 8.  Despite of early days large amount of nonprofits already present with their

branded pages, 9.  Direct access to ambassadors of tech and innovation, 10.  Increased on-line visibility – Google is pulling in Google+ branded pages to

general Google search results.

Suggested usage of Google+

Like any other social media tool Google+ will be effective for your specific purposes, but we strongly suggest to at least set up a page for your organisation and post basic information. There are other things you can do: 1.  Free virtual meetings over video with your team with controlled privacy, 2.  Creative engagement through textual and visual content, 3.  Document and engage volunteers, supporters, donors in events or hangouts, 4.  Use status updates as another outlet for your press releases, 5.  Reach out to new audiences with your content or simply with ask for support, 6.  Connect easily with other organisations and individuals through interesting

content, 7.  Promote the great work you are doing by sharing it on-line and increasing your

on-line transparency.

Examples of nonprofits on Google+

Examples of nonprofits on Google+

Links

https://plus.google.com/ http://www.google.com/intl/en/+/learnmore/ http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/nonprofits/ https://plus.google.com/105912973864602608032/posts

Contact

If you have any comments please contact:

Sylwia Presley E-mail: sylwiapresley@nfpvoice.com Mobile: 07850 138 178 Twitter: @presleysylwia and @nfpvoice Skype: sylwia.presley