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How to Master Instagram for Nonprofits
Nonprofits can leverage Instagram for good. Since 2010, charities have been using this social media giant to inspire supporters in a way that generates a real impact. Whether you’re a rookie or seasoned pro, discover Instagram's power for nonprofits, how to use it, and top examples from other nonprofits.
Why Nonprofits Should Use Instagram
If you’re asking yourself if your supporters are on Instagram, the answer is yes. Over 1 Billion people use Instagram every month. You heard that right: BILLION. Each day, over 60 percent of users log in and ‘like’ 3.5 billion things. Instagram is an effective social media channel for connecting with donors - especially Millennials and older Gen Z’s. In the U.S., 59 percent of users are in the 18-to-29 age range.
Not to mention:
Instagram is f-r-e-e to use
Nonprofits can raise money through Instagram with a business account
Instagram is made for storytelling, which is central to best practices in fund development
Instagram is an excellent place to share visuals, like impact metrics
How To Start Instagram For Nonprofits: Tips and Tricks
For beginners, here are 10 tips to get started on Instagram:
Download the app and set up a free business profile
Make your profile picture your logo
Put your mission statement in your bio and link to your donate page
Build a content calendar to schedule out posts and stories
Step back and look at your grid - is it cohesive?
Utilize high-quality pictures (check out Unsplash if you’re low on those!)
Post videos, too! (Videos 30-seconds or less get 2-3xs more engagement than pictures)
Incorporate graphics (Canva is excellent - and free!)
Use up to 15 relevant hashtags per post
Geotag your location to find more followers near you
“If you’re new to Instagram we recommend following these three steps: Figure out what story you want to tell, decide on a cohesive look and feel for your account, and post consistently.” -Facebook
For seasoned experts, here are 10 tricks to get started on Instagram:
Post and save themed Stories, including donate stickers
Go Live with IGTV
Optimize your images - make sure they are vertical
Experiment with an ad for your next fundraising campaign
Follow and engage with your fans by liking and commenting on their posts
Post at the right time - between 10 am and 3 pm
Check out the Instagram blog for feature launches
Find a plug-in to make your Instagram feed visible on your site’s homepage
Turn on push notifications so that you can quickly respond to followers
Tag others in your posts AND the pictures themselves
Examples of How Nonprofits Are Using Instagram
Take a look at how these five nonprofits are mastering Instagram to build donor engagement!
