By Gina Cuclis

Northbay nonprofits have been joining the trend of getting on Facebook . However, many nonprofits are creating Facebook pages and doing little with them. I've seen nonprofit pages go weeks with no status updates, or the updates are mostly about fundraisers or other events. Social media is intended to be interactive and engaging.

Here are seven ideas for status updates to compel your fans to respond or share:

1)  Post information related to your issue or cause
 


Here COTS isn't simply citing local statistics. It's providing information from a national source putting the issue of homelessness in a broader context.

2)  Ask a question


Don't simply ask a yes or no question. Ask a question that provides an opportunity for your fans to share their particular insights or expertise.

3)  Show your volunteers at work


Nonprofits rely on volunteers. What better way to show what your agency does, and honor its volunteers, than by posting photos of volunteers working.

4)  Thank someone


Whether it's a volunteer, or someone else who has done something special for your agency, posting a thank you on Facebook provides public recognition and shows your appreciation.

5)  Respond to a fan's wall post


When someone posts a comment on your Facebook wall, comment back. Add additional information or thank him or her for their support and interest.

6)  Promote a like minded nonprofit or agency with which you partner


Mentioning other nonprofits on your Facebook wall, with which you have working relationships, will encourage them to do the same for you.

7) Provide your fans an offer


This is a common technique for businesses. It can work for nonprofits too, if you have something appropriate to offer. Here the Sonoma Land Trust is offering a membership discount.

Your Ideas
I could go on and list more ideas. But I would prefer to hear yours. Please leave a comment. If you had a wall post that inspired a lot of responses, I would love to hear about it.