Tips to help nonprofits "get" Twitter and use it effectively

This post was originally published on WhatGives?!

Talking about Twitter at its core isn’t that complicated. Say whatever you want in 140 characters and share it with whomever thinks you’re interesting enough to “follow”. What’s so hard about that? Yet, many nonprofits admit they don’t “get” Twitter.

We had the opportunity to talk with Claire Diaz Ortiz, Corporate Social Innovation and Philanthropy Leader at Twitter. She provided a little clarification by pointing out that while others may consider Twitter a social networking platform, they think of it as a real-time information network.

“Twitter is about sending information just as it happens,” says Williams Diaz, and that is its strength.

Getting a conversation started about something happening right this minute drives people to check out online auctions or volunteer for food drives or show up to paint a classroom. It’s immediate, unfiltered, and compelling.

Take the time to read about the many projects Twitter is working on via Hope140.org. If you want to learn how to make the most of this communication tool, watch the folks who invented it put it to use! And reading some of their case studies will show you what they’re looking for in terms of featuring organizations on their website. Finally, if you’re ready to jump into Twitter, take a look at this page of Twitter Basics, so that you not only “get” Twitter, but your cause or organization can start using it to get connected with people who can help you thrive!

Guest blogger Marijane Miller is the Managing Editor at WhatGives?!