Nonprofit Marketing: 5 Social Media Priorities for Small Nonprofits (Ep 52)
Stop Chasing Followers: What Really Matters on Social Media
For many nonprofit leaders, social media can feel like both a billboard and a scoreboard.
It's easy to look at follower counts, likes, shares, and views and assume those numbers determine whether your nonprofit is succeeding online. It's also easy to believe that if you could just grow a large enough audience, donors, volunteers, and supporters would naturally follow.
The reality is much different.
In this episode, Matt Stockman explains why engagement matters far more than follower count, especially for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. He shares five practical priorities that can help your organization build trust, strengthen relationships, and use social media more effectively without consuming all of your time, budget, and energy.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by social media, frustrated by slow growth, or unsure whether your efforts are actually helping your mission, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters.
In This Episode
- Why follower count is often the wrong metric for nonprofit success
- The difference between passive followers and engaged supporters
- How consistency beats volume every time
- Why nonprofits should stop treating social media like a digital bulletin board
- Practical ways to create meaningful two-way engagement
- How storytelling builds trust and emotional connection
- Why social media should lead people toward deeper relationships, not become the relationship itself
- The danger of building your nonprofit entirely on "rented land"
- Why trust is more valuable than going viral
- How to decide which social media platform deserves your attention
The Five Priorities Matt Recommends
- Consistency matters more than volume
- Stop broadcasting and start talking to people one-to-one
- Tell the stories of your nonprofit frequently
- Use social media as a bridge to a destination, not the destination
- Build around trust, not trying to go viral
Key Takeaway
Stop trying to impress the internet and start trying to consistently connect with your people.
Engagement creates trust. Trust creates involvement. And involvement is what ultimately drives volunteers, donors, advocates, and long-term impact.
Resources Mentioned
The Nonprofit Launch Briefing
Get Matt's free weekly email filled with practical strategies, fundraising insights, and nonprofit leadership guidance designed specifically for startup, small, and growing nonprofits.
Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com
Subject Line: Sign Me Up
Subject Line: Sign Me Up
Connect with Nonprofit Launch Plan
Learn more about coaching, consulting, workshops, and resources for startup, small, and growing nonprofits:
