Does your nonprofit have a page on LinkedIn? If not, then you may be missing out on a valuable opportunity to spread the word about the good you do, recruit more volunteers and bolster your fundraising efforts. 

LinkedIn is a social networking site focused on business and employment. Like Facebook, individuals and organizations create pages for themselves and connect with others whom they may know via a network (the people in your network are called “connections” rather than “friends”). Unlike Facebook, users typically do not post pictures of their meals or updates on their day. Rather, they post employment opportunities, useful business-related advice, and information about professional accomplishments. 

Here are some ideas to get your organization started on LinkedIn: 

Create a LinkedIn page. The first step is to create a page. Like other social media sites, this page should describe your organization’s mission, include your logo and a picture that depicts what you do, and offer a link to your website.  

Add a fundraising button to your page. You can create a button that leads to a URL of your choosing—in this case, the fundraising page of your website. If people can donate directly through your website, they should be able to do so through your LinkedIn page, too. 

Get social. Many professionals and organizations create a LinkedIn page, then let it sit dormant for months or even years until they need to advertise an open position. If this sounds like your organization, you are missing an opportunity to generate name recognition amongst those who follow you.  

1. First, develop a wide network. To have an audience, you need “followers.” Encourage your most loyal supporters (such as staff members, volunteers, board members and others who are deeply invested in your mission) to hit the “follow” button on your LinkedIn page. Then they, in turn, can invite their connections to follow you, too. 
2. Then, once you have a large number of followers (500 is a good first goal), start posting regularly. What should you post? Think about your expertise and how you can contribute to others’ professional development. If you are an arts organization, consider posting arts-related trivia several times each week. If you are a food pantry, post facts about food insecurity in your area. You want to appear on your followers’ feeds frequently so you are top of mind for them. It's all about name recognition—if they are considering volunteering for or donating to an organization, you may be the first one they think about. 

It may not be immediate, but LinkedIn can make a big difference for your organization over the long run. Give it a try!  

For relevant information, resources, tips and more for nonprofits, visit blog.churchmutual.com/NPHS.