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An Introduction to Social Media in the Charity Sector in Exeter

By ⋅ April 23, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
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I spoke at an awesome seminar called an Introduction to Social Media aimed for Charities in Exeter on Thursday part of a series we have been running (last one held in November 09 – next in May) introducing Social Media to the Charity sector; this again was held at Everys Solicitors in Exeter.

The seminar gave an insight into how social networking can help Charities to

• Communicate their cause
• Increase their following
• Interact with their local community
• Improve their fundraising
• Increasing their volunteer base
Jackie Dawkins, Alistair Gleave, James Barisic
We started with an introduction to Social Media

We showed a number of Social Media websites we think charities should be involved with and why,

Today’s web is all about Social Media – which, in turn, is all about sharing, engaging and communicating with like-minded individuals.

Social networks and blogs are the 4th most popular online activities – beating personal email!

Through a plethora of tools and features, including discussions forums, blogs, videos, photos, instant messaging, etc…. these sites quickly become a part of the day-to-day life of their users, who develop a rapport with, and trust in, fellow members.

We then showed how other charities are using these Social Media sites to their advantage

‘Our target audience is the entire community, all ages, interests and abilities; people have the highest expectations of us for transparency and accountability; we need to raise funds, friends and corporate supporters; we have merchandise to market; we need to involve and support volunteers and supporters; we need to report our activities.’

Sarah Burden, PR Manager Devon Air Ambulance Trust www.daat.org

Finally we concluded by offering tips on how a charity can get started with Social Media

Why not start a group for your organisation? Be sure to post a number of updates on recent progress – be it the introduction of a new product, service, client or a success story. It’s free and you don’t need any experience in computer programming…

www.facebook.com

Consider uploading a product demonstration or welcome to your business onto YouTube. Don’t forget to ‘attach’ keywords to your videos so that it can be found by potential customers that are actively searching for the products and or services which you provide… www.youtube.com

Set up a twitter profile and start tweeting. Use tools like twitter’s search to see what people are saying about you and respond to them… www.twitter.com

Speak to professionals and get advice you won’t regret it!

The May Seminar booking form can be found here http://charitysocmed.eventbrite.com/

Related posts you may wish to read:

  1. Charity Social Media Seminar In Exeter
  2. Social Media Seminar for Charities in Exeter
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  4. Skittles tastes the rainbow in Social Media
  5. Yes We Did – how Social Media built the Obama brand

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  • http://www.iambanksy.co.uk Alastair Banks

    Great work to all three of you. I’m thrilled that Optix is having an active role in helping charities in Exeter promote themselves using this essential tools, and well done Alistair a great presentation.

    • http://www.alistairgleave.co.uk Alistair Gleave

      Thanks for your great comment, this is the 2nd one of our series of Charity Seminars and the 3rd one is in May http://charitysocmed.eventbrite.com/ and its really great to be working with all Charites, a sector often overlooked, thanks once again for the feedback.

  • http://www.iambanksy.co.uk Alastair Banks

    Great work to all three of you. I’m thrilled that Optix is having an active role in helping charities in Exeter promote themselves using this essential tools, and well done Alistair a great presentation.

    • Alistair

      Thanks for your great comment, this is the 2nd one of our series of Charity Seminars and the 3rd one is in May http://charitysocmed.eventbrite.com/ and its really great to be working with all Charites, a sector often overlooked, thanks once again for the feedback.

  • http://www.daat.org Sarah Burden

    Thanks to Jackie, Alistair and James for a fantastic workshop. I would highly recommend anyone working at a charity to attend the next one. It’s suitable for all abilities.

    Although I have been using social media for Devon Air Ambulance for a little while, I came away from the event having learnt so much, so it’s not just for those getting started, but for those who know a bit too.

    Social media is on the whole a free marketing/pr/friend-building tool, and as a charity that’s another bonus, but it’s only a bonus if you know how to use it and make the most of it, and this is what the seminar did for us. Thank you guys :-)

    • http://www.alistairgleave.co.uk Alistair Gleave

      Thanks for your comment, it is great to be working with The Devon Air Ambulance and helping youmaximise what you can get out of Social Media and how it can work for you – all very important.

      Alistair

  • http://www.daat.org Sarah Burden

    Thanks to Jackie, Alistair and James for a fantastic workshop. I would highly recommend anyone working at a charity to attend the next one. It’s suitable for all abilities.

    Although I have been using social media for Devon Air Ambulance for a little while, I came away from the event having learnt so much, so it’s not just for those getting started, but for those who know a bit too.

    Social media is on the whole a free marketing/pr/friend-building tool, and as a charity that’s another bonus, but it’s only a bonus if you know how to use it and make the most of it, and this is what the seminar did for us. Thank you guys :-)

    • Alistair

      Thanks for your comment, it is great to be working with The Devon Air Ambulance and helping youmaximise what you can get out of Social Media and how it can work for you – all very important.

      Alistair

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  • http://www.theteapartyforums.com/north-dakota-f70.html North Dakota Tea Party

    I have been following your blog for a few weeks now and I should say I am beginning to enjoy your writing. How do I subscribe to your site?

    • http://www.alistairgleave.co.uk Alistair Gleave

      Thanks for your comment, glad you like it, subscription is easy either through RSS on the following URL http://www.alistairgleave.co.uk/feed/ or use the email sign up in the top right hand corner of the blog.

      Thank you.

  • http://www.theteapartyforums.com/north-dakota-f70.html North Dakota Tea Party

    I have been following your blog for a few weeks now and I should say I am beginning to enjoy your writing. How do I subscribe to your site?

    • Alistair

      Thanks for your comment, glad you like it, subscription is easy either through RSS on the following URL http://www.alistairgleave.co.uk/feed/ or use the email sign up in the top right hand corner of the blog.

      Thank you.

  • Pingback: Social Media Charity Seminar in Exeter #charityseminar | Online Business Development

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