In today’s digital age, leveraging the power of influencers has become a game-changer for nonprofits seeking to increase their visibility and impact. Reaching out to influential figures in your local area or within your target demographic can open up doors to a wider audience and higher rates of engagement than traditional newspaper outlets. By harnessing the reach and influence of these individuals, your nonprofit can tap into a community that is not only passionate about your cause but also more likely to have a local connection or a specific interest in what you do.
Consider, for instance, the example of @sambentley, the driving force behind the popular “Good News Channel” on Instagram. With an impressive following of 1.3 million and videos garnering an average of 1.8 million views, a feature on his channel could be a significant boost for any nonprofit. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg – some influencers command followings of over 20 million and average an astonishing 54 million views per video.
To put things into perspective, let’s compare these numbers to a prominent newspaper like The Washington Post. In 2021, the publication had 2.5 million subscribers, and it has been losing subscribers at a rate of 500,000 per year. In October of 2023 alone, The Post had to cut 240 jobs and incurred losses of $100 million, as reported by the New York Times. Clearly, the influence and impact of influencers are on the rise, making them an ideal target for nonprofits looking to make a difference.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process for harnessing the power of influencers to benefit your nonprofit. From identifying relevant influencers and crafting compelling messages to developing fruitful partnerships and tracking impact, we’ll equip you with the tools and strategies needed to leverage this game-changing approach. By following these steps, you can cultivate authentic and lasting relationships with influencers that amplify your nonprofit’s message and reach far and wide.
So let’s dive in and discover how your nonprofit can tap into the immense potential of influencers – let’s harness their power together!
Research influencers in your local area or within your target demographic who align with your nonprofit’s mission and values. Look for those who have a significant following and a track record of promoting causes similar to yours.
When you reach out to an influencer, make sure to personalize your message and explain why their support is meaningful to your organization. Highlight the positive impact their endorsement can have on your cause and how it aligns with their content and audience.
Consider offering influencers a percentage of donations over a certain amount or a percentage of merchandise sales by tracking their affiliate link using cookies on your website.
Don’t have the funds to offer an influencer money? Instead of offering monetary compensation, think creatively about what your nonprofit can provide in exchange for promotion. Provide them with unique opportunities like exclusive access to events, behind-the-scenes experiences, or recognition as an official partner. For example, offer influencers 2 tickets to your annual gala if they successfully recruit a certain number of volunteers or an invitation to exclusive donor events, such as a cooking class or cocktail party if they generate more than $10,000 in donations. By offering unique and meaningful opportunities, you can cultivate authentic and lasting partnerships with influencers that amplify your nonprofit’s message and reach.
Once an influencer has expressed interest, work together to develop a mutually beneficial partnership. Collaborate on content creation, such as interviews, stories, or dedicated posts that highlight your nonprofit’s work. Encourage the influencer’s followers to engage with your organization and participate in relevant campaigns or events.
Use affiliate links and cookies on your website to monitor the reach and engagement generated by the influencer’s posts or features. This will help you assess the effectiveness of the partnership and provide valuable data for future influencer collaborations.