As a non-profit organization, you must learn how to take advantage of free marketing resources. You may be limited due to a tight marketing budget, there is no reason to despair. There are a wide range of free resources that can be extremely beneficial and that are not hard to learn. With the right tips and a little bit of time, you will have new marketing campaigns up and running in no time. In addition to Meta and X, consider the following free marketing resources for your nonprofit.
Google for Nonprofits
Google really is at the top of its game with its free offerings and outreach to nonprofits. Google for Nonprofits provides a platform where nonprofits can unite, share ideas, learn and work together. There are more than 1 million people that follow Google for Nonprofits, and that following will quickly grow. Check out its Google+ page to learn more.
Google Ad Grants
Google Ad Grants is a segment of Google Adwords that serves non-profits. Non-profit organizations have the opportunity to promote their goals and initiatives on Google with $10,000 in monthly AdWords advertising. This budget amounts to $329 daily. There is a maximum cost-per-click (CPC) limit of $2. Google Ad Grants only run mission-based, keyword-targeted campaigns and text ads that appear on Google. For example, a mission-based ad might read: “Shop our pink ribbon collection for unique gifts that go toward a great cause.” An ad that simply reads, “Buy our gifts online to save time and money” is not acceptable.
In order for an organization to receive eligibility for the Google Ad Grants program, it must have a valid, current charity status, acknowledge and adhere to the required certifications for the application, and have a fully functional website with a substantial amount of content.
Google Apps for Nonprofits
Another great tool from Google is the Google Apps for Nonprofits. Essentially, this free program helps you decrease your IT costs, as it offers 24/7 support with no hardware and no updates.
It also helps your staff members as well as volunteers collaborate more efficiently. Google Apps for Nonprofits provides you with free access to the suite of Google Apps, which includes Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Drive. Google Drive is especially helpful in that it operates on the Cloud, which is 30GB of storage. This means you and your employees and volunteers can share files quickly and easily, and stay connected. It also allows to access data anywhere, as long as it is shared. Did we mention this is all free?
YouTube Nonprofit Program
The YouTube Nonprofit Program enables an organization to share its story through YouTube videos. The process of joining is simple. Create a YouTube channel for your organization, and then apply to Google for Nonprofits. After you receive a Google for Nonprofits acceptance email with instructions, you will be able to enroll in the YouTube program.
Joining the YouTube program comes with the following features:
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Donate button. US and UK non-profits can add a Donate button directly to a YouTube channel.
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Live streaming. Stream live video footage on your YouTube channel including conferences, events, and news reports.
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Call-to-action overlays. Add a call-to-action on a video that directs users to donate, visit a website, or get more information.
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Video annotations. Annotations are great for encouraging users to click over to a website or subscribe to a YouTube channel.
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Community forum. Network with and get advice from fellow non-profit organizations in the forums.
As a non-profit, it’s critical that you get every bang for your buck. Using free sources, such as the aforementioned, allows you to put your dollars elsewhere and invest in other areas of your organization. We highly recommend looking into Google for Nonprofits. You can sign up for the the program here: http://www.google.com/nonprofits/join/. By enrolling, you will have free access to Google Ad Grants, YouTube Nonprofit Program, Google Apps for Nonprofit, and more.
Questions and Final Thoughts?
What is your current marketing strategy at your non-profit? Have you heard of or used any of these free resources? What do you think about them?
