Nonprofit Communications: Writing For A Better World

By James D’Ambrosio

Ashley Halligan, managing editor at Austin,Texas-based Software Advice, recently alerted me to a company blog post I believe holds value for nonprofits. Titled “How MomsRising and Charity:Water use Storify and Quora to Advance Their Missions,” authored by Stephanie Kapera, a contributing writer for Software Advice, includes case studies and screenshots illustrating how Storify and Quora helps agencies connect with audiences in meaningful ways to further their cause.

It’s noted that the learning curve is small — requiring little time, training or funds — making these social networks attractive to agencies with limited resources. Ms. Kapera says, “If you’re looking to make small changes to your social media activities that will have a disproportionately large impact, starting accounts on Quora and Storify are definitely two of your best options.”

STORIFY: QUICKLY CREATE POSTS & EXTEND CONTENT LIFE

Storify is a social network service similar to WordPress or Tumblr, allowing users to pull media from the Web — hashtags, Twitter handles, links, etc. — and quickly create blog posts on the platform or another Web site. Content can be drawn from You Tube, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, Google+ and Storify itself — all from one place. Users can re-order elements and add text to provide context. Ms. Kapera cites benefits to nonprofits:

EXTENDS LIFE OF SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT: A study by the URL-shortening service bitly indicates “the shelf life of a Tweet is a mere three hours.” Storify lets you organize content for long-lasting exposure.

ENCOURAGES VIRAL SHARING: When you publish a post, you have the option to “share” it with all those you mentioned (authors of curated content). When members see their content in your posts, they’re more likely to share it with their networks.

ADD CONTEXT TO CURATED CONTENT: Storify lets you easily gather links to articles that members or other experts have written, and add explanatory text, to show how they relate to your view(s) on an issue — a good way to build an online following.

QUORA: SHOWCASE EXPERTISE & ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY

Quora is a question-and-answer network allowing users to ask and answer questions, like/dislike others’ answers, and suggest edits to them. The article notes it’s a highly engaged community with high-profile members — nearly every Silicon Valley start-up CEO, economist Larry Summers, and actor Ashton Kutcher. The author cites these benefits: 

ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY: If potential donors believe you have answers other’s don’t, they may be more inclined to support you. Begin by answering questions in your area(s) of expertise.

INSIGHT INTO MEMBERS’/DONORS’ QUESTIONS: Following issues related to your agency’s mission helps to better understand your operating environment. Supporters’ questions can provide the basis for blog posts and social media content.

ATTRACT INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE: Ms. Kapera notes “the crowd on Quora is decidedly different.” Users use their real names and upvote/downvote answers ensuring the best rise to the top. Many prominent individuals use Quora. It’s possible a reporter, well-known CEO, or influential politician could see your answer.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

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QUESTION TO READERS:

Do you have experience with Storify or Quora? If so, what is your impression?

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Nonprofit Social Media, Quora, Social Networks, Social Networks for Nonprofits, Storify |