On March 19, 2015 ConnectVA presents the Social Media for Nonprofits Conference 2015 – “Mobile Technology for Social Good” featuring Heather Mansfield, founder of Nonprofit Tech for Good at WCVE Community Idea Station in Richmond, VA.

Register here for $65-$75 – tickets almost sold out!

During the Conference, 5 social media experts will lead workshops filled with best practices, tips, advice and takeaways to get you up-to-speed on the latest trends for nonprofits.  Learn about Sarah Milston, founder of The Spark Mill, social media expert and conference session leader:

Breakout Session One: Leveraging Social Media Champions

Learn how to tap into the power of your nonprofit’s network by leveraging your closest supporters – your board, volunteers and staff to create social media champions for your cause or campaign.  This practical workshop will feature tips and tricks for amplifying your message and incorporating calls to action, storytelling and lessons learned from ever-changing social media analytics. 

What’s the biggest trend nonprofits should be paying attention to with respect to social media?

I think there are two big trends to be watching.  The first is analytics and adaptability.  It isn’t enough to be generating content, you need to monitor the content and make adjustments. The second is visual and video – content isn’t going anywhere unless it can be consumed quickly and visually.  You should be making visually appealing content for all of your posts. 

What does “mobile technology for social good” mean to you?

Mobile technology for social good is about meeting consumers, clients, and prospective donors where they are. As nonprofits you are competing with Amazon and Netflix. Nonprofits need to invest in responsive design and make it easy for people to engage.  Fortunately there are a whole suite of apps and templates that lower the bar for well-designed websites that make it easy for donors to give, volunteers to engage, and stories to be told. 

What’s the number 1 way you keep yourself using social media creatively?

I watch other people. If I click a link I ask myself, why? What about that content was engaging? I also read a few blogs on a regular basis to keep in the loop and not get overwhelmed with new information and technologies. 

Register here for $65-$75 – tickets almost sold out!

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Sarah Milston, CFRE, MPA

After a decade working in nonprofits focused on fundraising, marketing, and board development, Sarah  left to build The Spark Mill – a varied and diverse consulting practice motivated by the belief that nonprofits can and do save the world.  Whether a guide, instigator, or knowledge base Sarah is passionate about connecting the dots and giving people the right plan and tools to make stuff happen.  Over the last eight years as a consultant, Sarah has worked with over 100 associations, nonprofits and businesses to help at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and action.

Follow Sarah on Twitter @TheSparkMill