Getting Started With Blogger: a 101 Guide

Getting Started With Blogger: a 101 Guide on Howcast

Staying safe online

The internet is a breeding ground for scammers.  It is possible to use the internet safely, as long as you are a "savvy surfer".  These are a few steps you can take to stay safe online.

Be careful on Facebook: No, clicking on that link probably won’t win you a free iPad.  Facebook is a great place for scammers who want to spread spam – and viruses!  If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.  Don’t click on anything that offers you money for very little work or a chance to win a huge prize for answering a few questions. 

Don’t respond to emails for your password: I occasionally get an email that’s alledgedly from PayPal asking for my account information.  I also get ones from banks where I don’t even have an account!  These emails will often send you to a website to collect your personal inforation.  Your best bet is to delete them without clicking on the link.  If you think it may be legitimate, call your financial institution (using the number you know is valid, not one provided in the email).

Don’t give to every charity: This may seem “uncharitable” coming from a blog that’s focused on nonprofits, but disasters are an especially great time for fake charities.  If you're drawn to an email or online appeal from a charity you’ve never heard of, do a little research.  Check with GuideStar or the IRS to verify the organization.

Spare time? Micro-volunteer online through Sparked.com

You may have read about BeExtra in one of my earlier posts.  Since then, they’ve made some changes and have launched a new site – Sparked.

Sparked is a place where professionals complete short-term projects for nonprofits online.  This assistance is offered at no charge to the nonprofit organization.

Many people are not actively volunteering and time is one of their biggest reasons.  With Sparked, the projects are completed at the volunteer’s convenience and in short time periods. The project can be as simple as reviewing a job description to something more time intensive, such as helping with media relations.

Still not convinced?  Check out some of the success stories featured on their blog.  Ready to sign up as a nonprofit or volunteer? Visit Sparked.com and you’ll be online in no time.  You’ve got nothing to lose and lots to gain.

Three tips for your Facebook fan page

You have a Facebook fan page, but you're not quite sure what you should do with it. Here are three tips for making the most of your Facebook presence.

1) Talk to people who “like” you.  If someone comments on your page, acknowledge it.  If they ask a question, do your best to answer it.  Some of these conversations may need to be moved offline which is fine.  Just make sure you don’t ignore your fans.  That’s the quickest way to lose them! 

2) Offer good content. Constantly talking about your nonprofit isn’t (necessarily) great content.  As interesting as you think you are, don’t use Facebook for 24/7 advertising. Clearly, people care about your work and want to know about your fund-raising events and volunteer needs.  However, they are also interested in general community issues.  For example, if you work for an arts organization, you may want to let people know about an event at the local museum.  Or you can comment on $20 million painting that was mentioned in the news!  It’s not specific to your organization, but may be of interest to your fans.  And – my guess is that anything selling for $20 million will get people talking! 

3) Measure engagement.  Either with the built-in Facebook Insights or by adding Google Analytics, you can track what people are doing on your Facebook page.  See what’s successful – and do more of it!!