The Most Innovative Step Your Nonprofit (and Its Leadership) Can Take in 2024? Regularly Engaging on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn might not be the first platform that comes to mind when you think of where your nonprofit can have an outsized impact, but it should be. If you're not currently using it, I can guarantee that others in your sector are – and they're seeing real results.

LinkedIn is an absolute goldmine for connecting with influential donors and professionals.

At KM Strategies Group , our clients have forged valuable partnerships, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, secured meetings leading to multimillion-dollar grants, and gotten hundreds of RSVPs for their events and fundraisers – all from LinkedIn!

As other platforms become polarized, toxic, or filled with spam posts and ads, LinkedIn posts consistently reach real people, with long-term engagement regularly continuing weeks after an initial post. You don't have to compete with breaking news or junk ads, and you know you're not wasting time publishing content for a bunch of bot accounts.

Not convinced yet? Here’s why your nonprofit should harness LinkedIn’s power and how to make the most of it:

LinkedIn has 1 billion registered users, with a notable percentage earning more than $75,000 annually and holding college degrees. This audience is primed for meaningful engagement with your mission. Nonprofits enjoy an average engagement rate of 1.91% on LinkedIn, compared to just 0.066% on Facebook. LinkedIn posts reach about 3% of followers on average, offering a more significant impact than other platforms. With more than 1 million nonprofits and 26 million nonprofit professionals, LinkedIn is ideal for networking, building partnerships, and recruiting volunteers.

Despite its potential, 68% of nonprofits post less than once a week.

Only 17% of nonprofits use LinkedIn ads. While some nonprofits may see this as a reason to hold off, our clients see this for the incredible gift that it is: less competition when it comes to reaching and engaging donors!

By defining your niche, you can attract a dedicated audience who cares about your cause. Clarify your niche and ensure every post aligns with this focus. Regular posting builds familiarity and trust, so aim for at least one post per week and encourage your team to engage with your content.

Authenticity is key on LinkedIn. Users prefer genuine interactions over corporate jargon. Share personal stories related to your cause, use conversational language, and avoid overly promotional content. Adding value with every post keeps your audience engaged. Share educational resources, success stories, and actionable insights.

Active participation on LinkedIn increases visibility and builds stronger relationships. Spend 15-20 minutes daily engaging with posts in your niche, tag relevant partners, and join LinkedIn Groups related to your cause. Leverage visuals to capture attention and increase engagement. Include high-quality photos, videos, and infographics in your posts.

Staying on top of current trends helps your content remain relevant and engaging. Check LinkedIn’s trending news daily and create posts that tie into trending topics. Give your LinkedIn page a facelift by ensuring all sections are complete and professional. A strong network is the foundation for broader engagement and support, so connect with key stakeholders and join relevant groups.

Having a clear content strategy ensures your LinkedIn presence is effective and aligned with your goals. Mix different types of posts and use specific hashtags to increase visibility. Active engagement builds relationships and loyalty, so respond to comments and messages promptly and encourage your team to share and engage with posts.

Establishing your organization as a thought leader enhances credibility and influence. Publish articles, host LinkedIn Live sessions, and share case studies and industry insights. LinkedIn Learning offers valuable resources for skill development, so encourage your team to take advantage of these courses.

By targeting and engaging with funders, LinkedIn can help your nonprofit connect with high-value donors and foundations. At KMSG, we provide customized targeting lists and strategic support to help nonprofits effectively engage with key stakeholders on LinkedIn.

As you can probably tell by now, LinkedIn is not just a platform for professional networking; it is a vital tool for nonprofit development and engagement. By leveraging these recommendations – or reaching out to KMSG for strategic support and customized targeting services if you don’t want to do it alone! – nonprofits can build lasting relationships with key stakeholders and secure the funding needed to drive their missions forward.

We're here if you need us.

Until next time,

Kindred Motes

For more detailed strategies and personalized guidance, contact KM Strategies Group at www.kmstrategiesgroup.com or email [email protected]