Editorial Links :


    Quicklinks:



advertisement

 

Web 2.0 ...
5 ways to make YouTube work

By Michele Donohue

YouTube -- the seventh largest Web site in the United States -- entices more than 57 million viewers with everything from bloopers to puppet shows. Now the video Web site giant is making it easier for nonprofits to tell their story. And you aren't just reaching the prepubescent set.

The most viewers -- 12.3 million -- are between the ages of 35 to 44. But nonprofits should follow these tips to maximize their exposure with minimal effort, according to a recent Nonprofit Technology Network session.


advertisement

  • Stake your spot. Nonprofits can make a free page where you control the content. You can add your own banner and create your own style, but remember that the larger file sizes will take longer to upload. Google Checkout provides a free "donate" button on the site so that you can fundraise without trying. Designate your nonprofit in the nonprofit channel and nonprofit and activism category to make it easier to find for viewers.
  • Define social interaction. Your nonprofit can limit your page's interactive elements. You can choose whether viewers can comment on your page freely, never or only with your permission.
  • Grab attention. Viewers can look for videos that match search terms called tags. Make sure you use as many accurately descriptive tags as possible, so that people looking for your content can be directed to your page. If your video is on a fundraiser, include tags that describe the fundraiser, your nonprofit, your mission and where you are located to maximize response.
  • Embed material. Embedding options make your content available throughout the Web, not just on YouTube. That way people using search engines can also be directed to your site.
  • Format content. Your Web content should be direct and call people to action. Use stories to tell people about your organization and how you help. Don't worry too much about graphics or design -- emotional stories will draw more people in. Update content and material so that viewers have a reason to keep coming back. If your organization has a separate Web site, cross-link it with the YouTube channel so that viewers receive more information about your nonprofit.

 

***

This article is from NPT TechnoBuzz, a publication of The NonProfit Times.

Subscribe to NPT TechnoBuzz
or any of our other enewsletters and get the latest nonprofit news and stories delivered to your inbox.
.