This is a series of three webinars, each from 12:00 - 1:00 PM:
Tuesday, March 7
Tuesday, March 14
Tuesday, March 21
Nonprofit Connect is pleased to partner with Idealware to present this online course. Registration is directly with IdealWare. Use the code NPCONNECT at registration to access your Nonprofit Connect member price.
Every nonprofit needs a solid online communications foundation. This course will help you define your communications goals, practices, and strategies. We’ll help you refine your “SMART” communications goals, learn what kind of content engages your stakeholders, understand the purpose and best use of each online communications channel, develop an editorial calendar, track success against goals, and choose how to invest your time and money. By the end of this course you’ll have a firm understanding of how to create an online communications plan that meets your goals, connects with your audience, and drives engagement.
Throughout this course, you will:
- Think through what you need to establish a strong online presence.
- Discover what matters most to your stakeholders and how to use online communications to reach and interact with them.
- Consider how to use online communications to help you achieve your goals.
- Learn about online communications tools and best practices for broadcast email, websites, inbound content strategy, and social media.
- Learn how to develop an online communications plan that meets your goals, connects with your audience, and drives engagement.
This course is based on impartial research and expertise from nonprofit communications experts at Idealware and beyond. Join us to learn how to combine proven communications strategies with useful technology to reach a bigger audience and foster deeper relationships.
Course Schedule
All sessions take place Tuesdays at 12 pm Central and last for 60 minutes.
March 7: Communications Fundamentals
Online, it’s easy to shout, but hard to be heard. We’ll kick off by covering the fundamentals of online communications, including: defining a SMART goal approach to communications, understanding your unique value proposition, developing content, and inspiring meaningful engagement. By the end of this session you’ll have a better understanding of how to align your goals with what your audience wants.
March 14: Channels and Tools
There are so many channels and tools, and each is useful in slightly different ways. We’ll look at current internet, social media, and tech trends to help you choose the right communications channels for you. We’ll also walk through the best uses of website, email, social media, and mobile content to maximize your communications efforts.
March 21: Developing a Plan and Making it Work
Executing communications can be creative and fun—once you’ve done the planning. We’ll show you how to get organized, develop a robust editorial calendar, and make sure your content is going out at the right time, on the right platform, to the right people. We’ll also cover common online metrics to help you learn whether your communications efforts are working. This week we’ll also cover frequently asked questions about budget and staffing for communications success.
All registered participants are granted access to the recordings of each session. Participants who cannot attend any of the sessions due to scheduling conflicts will still have access to the course presentation decks and handouts.
About the Presenter
Debra Askanase, Engagement Strategist Debra
Askanase is an experienced digital engagement strategist, nonprofit executive, and community organizer. She works with mission-driven organizations to develop digital strategies and campaigns that engage, create trust, and move stakeholders to action. Askanase speaks at conferences worldwide on the intersection of technology, social media, and nonprofit organizations.
About Idealware
Idealware, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides thoroughly researched, impartial and accessible resources about technology to help nonprofits make smart technology decisions.