For businesses operating in today’s increasingly digital world, knowing how to navigate online platforms has become crucial for achieving business goals. While nonprofits are constrained by limited budgets and resources, taking steps to build a strategic presence on social media can enable these organizations to engage local, national and global audiences directly and amplify fundraising efforts.

As experts, the members of Forbes Nonprofit Council have years of experience cultivating the right online presence to reach modern nonprofit audiences and entice them to give. Below, 12 of them each share one way a nonprofit can effectively leverage social media to increase and even boost donations.

1. Highlight The Organization’s Expertise

In today’s digitally connected world, social media platforms have become powerful tools for nonprofits to spread their message, connect with supporters and drive positive change. Educational posts, explainer videos, infographics and success stories all play a vital role in raising awareness and demonstrating impact. These tools showcase expertise for your audiences, so provide that know-how. – Alan Thomas, Association for Materials Protection & Performance

2. Create Diverse Content

Create engaging content for various audiences because one size doesn’t fit all. If the budget allows, repackage impactful messages by restating them on multiple channels with diverse voices, images and dialects. Think about diversity in your messaging and how you may want to hear or see something differently from someone in a different ethnic group. – Gwen Cooper 

3. Focus On Consistency And Action

First, don’t overcommit to posting or join too many platforms. Posting daily during the week is ideal, but consistency is the most important for audience engagement and the algorithms. Three times a week on one platform is better than a more random approach. Second, most if not all posts should have a call to action. Whether it’s to read something, do something or share with others, ask your audience to engage. – Matthew Gayer, Spur Local

4. Engage Your Followers

We engage our followers and their expertise by running X campaigns targeted at a specific time of year. For example, our Educating All Learners team ran a campaign to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the classroom with teachers as they were prepping their classrooms and shared how they were promoting these themes with a quick picture and tag. We then used a gift card raffle to reward teachers for sharing. – Erin Mote, InnovateEDU

5. Share Regular Updates

Leverage your nonprofit’s social channels to share regular updates on how donations have been used and what impact they’ve made. This can be done through photos, videos and testimonials. An engaged audience is a connected one. When you connect with your supporters by showing them some of the good their donations have done, they’re more likely to continue contributing and serve as advocates for your work. – Dee Lawrence, Cool Effect

6. Post Photos Of Nonprofit Programs

I posted a photo of the graduating class of our GoodBiz Leadership Program for Black and brown entrepreneurs. The photo caught the attention of a business person who is enthusiastic about uplifting those who face barriers in securing capital and training to build and scale their businesses. They reached out to me, made a donation and now we’re working together to scale the program nationally. – Kimberly Lewis, Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc.

7. Follow The ‘Four T’s’

Philanthropy is all about the four T’s of time, talent, treasure and testimony. Social media provides an incredible megaphone to share the challenges, opportunities and successes of a nonprofit. Additionally, social media provides a platform for staff, board members, volunteers and sponsors to live their personal brand and include the nonprofit in their posts and commentary. – Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation

8. Educate Your Target Audience

Social media can be an amazing tool to educate your target populations about relevant topics by using its unprecedented ability to segment between different groups. By using incentives and promoting conversations in your online communities, you can further your mission and build a reputation as a reliable and safe space for productive conversations. – Bruce Maj Pelz, Maji Safi Group

9. Tell Stories With Testimonials

Harnessing the power of a good story can inspire your audience to take action. Having donors hear directly from the beneficiaries of their support through a video is even better. Integrating testimonials into your social media posts will let others share with the world the value and impact of your organization, and you will experience the benefits of a heartfelt endorsement through a testimonial. – Victoria Burkhart, The More Than Giving Company

10. Use Immersive Technologies

Explore immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) on social media platforms. Create interactive AR experiences that showcase your nonprofit’s mission and impact. Users can engage with your cause in a unique and memorable way, driving awareness and potentially increasing donations through a novel and cutting-edge approach. – Steven Rhines, Noble Research Institute

11. Collaborate With Influencers

Influencer marketing can be a game-changer for nonprofits. Identify influencers in your community who align with your mission and values. Engage them to create and share content about your cause. Influencers sharing on social media can help the nonprofit reach a wider audience and encourage donations. It’s like a ripple effect where their followers may become your supporters, spreading awareness and amplifying impact. – Nick Lynch, Collidescope IO, Inc.

12. Showcase The Organization’s Impact

Share photos, videos, infographics and personal, powerful stories about your impact. Tag your board, staff and closest supporters and partners who are your best advocates. By sharing your impact in compelling, creative ways, supporters will be more likely to spread your message to their networks. When possible, leverage a corporate matching gift or time-bound ask to increase giving. – Jean Accius, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities