Have you ever wondered how you could use social media to acquire new donors?

When I worked as a full-time fundraiser, I needed to find a way to attract new donors - not only to hit my metrics but also to help hit the funding goals of my organization.

It was challenging. As an annual giving officer responsible for fundraising amounts of money every year, it was an enormous lift.

I needed to find another way!

Using social media was always a great way for me to connect with people, and at the time, I was decent at using Facebook.

I used LinkedIn, but mostly, I used it for job hunting - never fundraising.

I thought, what have I got to lose?

Today, I’m sharing how to add value to your fundraising using LinkedIn as your primary tool.

With nearly 1 billion users today, it’s an app you can’t ignore.

Back Story

For months, my director thought I was crazy for using LinkedIn to reach my prospects rather than the traditional methods like picking up the phone.

I remember making those calls repeatedly in hopes they would call me back.

You guessed it, they never did.

When I began using LinkedIn, it started to change. The people I connected with could see who I was and that I was legit.

My results grew that year. And I reached hundreds of people using this method.

LinkedIn is one of the best tools for the modern fundraiser who seeks to build relationships with people who care about the cause you are raising money for.

Keep this guide handy and build a long list of prospects supporting your cause.

Drop that 100kg phone back in your pocket, and get your new leads to engage with you.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Get started by ensuring your LinkedIn profile reflects your role as a fundraiser at your nonprofit. Use a professional, front-facing profile photo and write a compelling headline and a keyword summary clearly stating your organization’s mission and goals.

If you’re crafty, create a background image that shares your brand colours, logo, and mission.

Adding these elements creates trust with your prospects and donors as you reach out.

Check out my LinkedIn profile background. (And if we're not following each other, I'd love to connect!)

Identify Your Target Audience

Define the type of donors you are looking to connect with.

Consider their location, industry, interests, and previous charitable involvement. It will help you narrow down your search.

Search and Connect

Use LinkedIn's search feature to find potential donors who match your criteria.

You can search by keywords, location, industry, and more.

Send personalized connection requests to those who are a good fit. In your connection request, briefly introduce yourself and explain your connection to the nonprofit.

Engage and Build Relationships

Once your connection requests are accepted, engage with your connections' content by liking, commenting, and sharing relevant posts. Sharing value helps you stay on their radar.

You can also begin sending direct messages to initiate conversations. Start by introducing yourself and expressing appreciation for their work or interests related to your nonprofit's cause.

Gradually share updates about your nonprofit's activities and impact. Once you’re connected and begin sharing content, they’ll see your updates in their newsfeed and begin to learn more about your organization.

Provide Value. Ask for the Meeting

As your relationship with potential donors develops, provide value by sharing success stories, updates, and opportunities for them to get involved.

Tailor your messages to their interests and expertise. You can ask for a meeting when you feel the time is right.

In your request, be clear about why you want to meet and how their involvement can make a difference by offering various ways to get involved.

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Remember to be patient and respectful throughout the process. Whatever you do, don’t ask for the gift on your first date.

Like all fundraising, building meaningful relationships on LinkedIn takes time, but it can lead to valuable connections and support for your nonprofit's cause.

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Done for You - Want to work together to build your fundraising LinkedIn strategy? Hit reply or book a free 1:1 strategy call today.

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Link 🩷

Want to dig deeper into today's brands on LinkedIn? Understand and engage with your donors using Brandwatch, the social suite built for a fast-moving world.

Sharing is caring! If you're looking for tips and strategies as a change-maker, Amber Melanie Smith is here to help you do that.

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Thanks for reading! See you in two weeks! ✌🏼