Single biggest mistake made in nonprofit blogging

Hello from sunny Baltimore!  I’m here for the AFP Conference (which starts today!) and will be speaking on Tuesday about fundraising with blogs.  I’ve been looking for good examples of nonprofit blogs to share in my presentation and along the way, I’ve noticed something that I want to share with you.

I’ve seen lots of different blogs representing a variety of organizations, but I’ve seen something conspicuously absent from many – an easily-seen “Donate Now” button.

Why go to all the trouble to write a blog and have a wonderful site if you aren’t going to ask folks for a gift? 

On a few blogs, I found a link to donate, but it was hidden at the bottom of the page or on a different page.  You need to make it prominent toward the top of at least the front page.  Ideally, it should be in the navigation structure so that it can be seen from any page or post on your blog.

So, if you’re a nonprofit blogger, go now and have a look at your blog.  Can you find a “Donate Now” button?  If not, make plans to get one.  Quick!

Publicize your nonprofit blog

For you nonprofit bloggers out there, you need to get the word out about what you’re doing.  Let everyone know you are blogging and share the address for your blog.  Share this info in your print newsletter and e-newsletter.  Send out an email blast to folks you have email addresses for and let them know about your blog. Invite people to visit your blog and post comments.

Get the word out online about your blog.  Post on your Facebook account, Twitter, and any other groups you belong to. Join the Nonprofit Blog Exchange and Technorati.  These are both blog directories that can help point people in your direction.  Sign up is free and just takes a few minutes.  Technorati will give you a piece of code to post in your blog so you can “claim” your blog.  It looks like this: <a href=”http://technorati.com/claim/zdhpxzw5cs” rel=”me”>Technorati Profile</a>

Be persistent in publicizing your blog and before you know it, you’ll have a strong medium for sharing your organization’s stories and building relationships.