Straight from the Quiver

Facebook pages can be seen as a bit of minefield when you're new to them. However, there are very simple things you can do to make it much easier for your charity or organisation when setting up a presence on ol' Facey B.

• First of all - are your supporters using Facebook? It might seem obvious, but don't go to the bother of setting up a Facebook page only to find that there isn't an audience for you there;

• Ask your supporters what they might like to see from your Facebook page - don't just use your page as an outpost for website content. Be creative - even if resources are limited there is plenty you can do. For example, start discussions with your Facebook fans over relevant topics and get to know your supporters. Check out OneKind's Facebook below:

• Don't feel under pressure to post your own content for the sake of it - Yes, original thought is fantastic, but you can share relevant content from other sources too. This could even represent the opportunity to build relationships with other organisations, bloggers or individuals;

• Mix up your content - don't just share news from your organisation. Introduce a human element to proceedings, sharing pictures, video and blogs from fundraising events, supporters or just happenings around the office. This can make people feel like they are part of the organisation, part of a real movement. Check out one of OneKind's lovely office dogs, Esme, below:

• Use Facebook Insights to gain an impression of who is engaging with you and whether the direction you're taking with your page is working. You can link Facebook Insights upto your website now with a simple bit of code, providing an idea of referral traffic between the two. 

These are all simple actions, which could help the new NFP Facebook user find their feet. It is vital that you find your own voice and be natural in your approach, at the very least people will know your doing your best to build an engaging discussion for them to join.