Social media has become a staple of public relations and rightfully so, as one in four people across the globe actively use social networking sites– 1.73 billion people! Social media has changed the way we communicate, how businesses market their products and services, and how we consume information. And while we largely take these statements as truths, sometimes it’s hard to comprehend or measure just how much of an impact social media actually has on our everyday lives. With so many forms of social media to choose from, has this left you wondering which outlets are the most useful to tell your organization’s story?

Strategy Before Tactics

It’s imperative for small and medium-sized nonprofits to develop communications strategies that incorporate digital and social media outreach to your target audience. Be there when they come calling.

But social media is not one size fits all. Resist snap decisions, and carefully build your organization’s strategy. Getting Social Media Right: A Short Guide for Nonprofit Organizations has thoughtful tips, resources and information to help you set goals, and lay out a plan for achievement through social media.

Infographics

Are you ready for your social media plan to jump off the page, taking the leap from strategy to execution? Our rockstars love a good infographic, and Social Media 2013 covering Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and more, may address your current head scratching. Here are more than 40 amazing social media facts, figures and statistics from 2013, housed in one all you need to know infographic!

Here are our top picks to remember when designing your next social media campaign:

• Pinterest: 80% of total pins are re-pins
• Facebook: 74% of marketers believe Facebook is important for their lead generation strategy, and 23% of Facebook user’s check their account more than 5 times per day.
• Internet: 46% of web-users turn to social media and websites before making a purchase.
• Google+: 40% of marketers use this platform, 70% desire to learn more and 67% plan to increase Google+ activities for future strategies.
• Twitter: 28% of retweets are due to inclusion of calls to action such as “please RT!” and the platform’s fastest growing age demographic is 55 to 64 year-olds.
• Mobile: 4.2 billion people use mobile devices to access social media sites.

BC/DC Ideas got its start in expert social media campaign management for nonprofits around the Triangle and beyond. Browse a few of our case studies to learn more.

• Creating an “Immunity Community” with Vax Northwest
• Hitting the road with Carl the Traveling Cardinal and Audubon North Carolina