How to Create a Content Strategy for Your Nonprofit

Create a Content Strategy for Your Nonprofit

These days, content is an all-encompassing term. You have social media influencers who call themselves content producers because they upload videos and stuff online, and individuals like me who consider ourselves content writers because, well, we write for a career. While content may include both of these things—and more—for this blog post, we’ll concentrate on written content—anything you produce for your website, marketing materials, whitepapers, and so on—and how to develop a content strategy to drive reach, engagement, and loyalty.
Whether you write and create content for your organization yourself or hire someone else to do it, having a sound content strategy is critical to its success.
Great content will assist in educating your audience and give vital resources to both supporters and those you serve. So, how do you go about developing a content strategy? And what should it contain? In this blog article, we’ll walk you through the steps.

  • Have a content production plan
    Content creating strategy should not be random. Rather, there should be a clear plan. The plan needs to define the type, topic, channel, ownership, deadlines, and audience, in addition to procedures, and all relevant factors. The approach will create an element of standardization and create a pattern through which quality content is delivered. A plan will give the work a seamless flow that simplifies the creation of numerous contents. See a sample content plan template here
  • Perform a content audit
    You prepare several pieces of content for your target audience with a clear intention in mind. Therefore, it is reasonable to examine whether your objectives were met. Content should elicit reactions as intended. A good audit will help to determine what is working or not working. In this way, it is possible to take the necessary corrective action. Once content is posted, it is easy to forget about them. In the process, you miss many opportunities to make improvements. A keen look into the topics, reactions, timing, style, and many aspects of the content provides valuable input for learning and quality adjustments. The content audit enables you to know the strengths and weaknesses and thus identify areas of priority and focus. It will also be useful to audit the content of your competitors to identify and exploit existing gaps. The information will also help you to create an authentic and distinctive identity.
  • Create personas
    Developing a good content strategy requires a comprehensive understanding of your target audience. Nonprofits should not make the mistake of seeking donations, volunteers, and all sorts of support from any party. Such an approach is unrealistic and lacks direction. You should have a clear picture of the demographics, behaviors, capabilities, interests, and values. You should accept that your cause will not impress everyone or even attract their commitment. It is easier to focus on and address the requirements of a specific group of people than the public in general. Knowing the target audience helps you select the details, channels, tones, and timing of your content effectively.
  • Stick to strategy
    There are times when nonprofits create good content, and the reaction from the audience is amazing. It is important to ensure that the organization is not carried away by the turn of events. The excitement suddenly attracts several new ideas, videos, techniques, and details that employees propose for the nonprofit to pursue. It is during these times that the organization should be acutely aware of distractions. Nonprofits have to stick to their goals, mission, and vision. They have to be picky, regardless of the promise of the idea or how harsh the rejection feels. Alignment must remain a key driver of creating content.
  • Develop key performance indicators (KPIs)

    Content strategy can also be created using KPIs. In this approach, the organization first determines what it wants to achieve. Thereafter, it embarks on a journey that will help realize the predetermined objectives. A strategy that cannot be measured is of no use to nonprofits. It is important to have specific goals such as the rate of growth required for donations and the number of shares. KPIs help to determine if assumptions underlying the production of content are realistic. The metrics also help organizations focus on important areas, in addition to improving their strategy.
  • Focus on quality and uniqueness
    Even in developing a content strategy, quality should be of priority above quantity. You must do more with less. The content you provide has to be highly valuable and distinct. You should present a unique perspective, narrative, knowledge, and trend that surpasses conventional practices in content development strategy to secure a competitive edge for Nonprofits.

In conclusion, every organization has an interesting story to tell, and one of the most effective ways to do so is through your content strategy. By laying a solid foundation for your goals, you’ll find it easier to develop content and won’t have to sit around contemplating ideas or hurrying to put something together at the last minute. Your supporters and you will feel more at ease and informed.