Building a successful non-profit organization is more than just securing the grant funding necessary to power your operations. Once you have been awarded the grants that you need to get your non-profit off of the ground, you need to be a good steward with this funding by committing yourself to the ongoing success of your organization. This starts with a solid marketing and promotions plan.

Here are four ways that you can market and promote your non-profit.

Lean on Social Media

Social media has transformed the way that non-profits reach their target audience. You would be wise to lean on this medium to get the word out and to keep your audience engaged and involved. The most popular social media mediums to use include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin.

One of the biggest benefits of using social media as a way to market your non-profit is that it is a cost-effective approach. Using social media also makes it easier to hone in on your specific target audience so that you are not spinning your wheels and reaching the wrong people. Keep in mind that it is imperative that you continually create engaging content if you want to stay relevant on these platforms. The communication needs to be a two-way street between your non-profit and its followers.

Optimize Your Web Presence

There is no doubt that you need a quality website if you want to properly promote your non-profit. In today's increasingly digital world, your website will be the first place that many people turn to for more information about your non-profit. Consider this place a digital brochure that you can use to sell your non-profit's mission and initiatives.

You will build trust in your donor base if you make transparency through your site a top priority. Updating your website frequently will also attract more visitors while boosting the search engine optimization. An option to donate online should be easily located and visible on all pages of the site. Lastly, it may be worth the investment to contract the design of the site out to a professional so that it is visually appealing and user intuitive.

Leverage Benefits of Strategic Partnerships

Savvy marketers understand the importance of forming strategic partnerships. These partnerships can be an invaluable tool in helping you to expand your marketing efforts. The best way to initiate these partnerships is to seek out people or organizations that share your mission and objectives. You may also consider looking for businesses that want to provide philanthropic partnerships.

The media can also be an ally for your promotional efforts. By cultivating relationships with the media, you will begin to form useful partnerships that can help you to further your mission. Once reporters understand that they can count on you to provide expert information, you will soon become a go-to source. This partnership will keep your organization's mission in the spotlight at no additional cost to you.

Implement an Email Marketing Strategy

Discover what so many successful marketers already know. The right email marketing strategy is an extraordinary way to keep your audience informed and connected to the mission of your non-profit. The high level of return on an email marketing campaign makes it an integral part of your promotional efforts, particularly if you are on a budget like most non-profits are.

You can consult the help of a professional marketing agency if you are unsure of how to launch your email marketing campaign. Because users opt-in to your emails, you will feel confident that they want to hear your message. This captive audience cannot be found in any other type of marketing platform, making an email promotional campaign one of the most successful digital strategies that you can find.

It is important to remember that while you do not have goals of turning a profit, you should still run your non-profit like a business. Doing so will ensure that you maximize your grant funding and follow through on your commitment to being a good steward with that money. The right marketing plan will also make you more attractive to other grant donors. Without a good marketing and promotions plan, you risk losing your funding and missing out on more potential grant money.