QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a cell phone). The QR Code is a two-dimensional code, which when scanned by the appropriate device, drives mobile users to an intended location. They are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your cell phone. You may soon see QR Codes in a magazine advert, a web page or even on someone’s t-shirt. Once it is in your cell phone, it may give you details about that business (allowing users to search for nearby locations), or details about the person wearing the t-shirt, show you a URL which you can click to see a trailer for a movie, or it may give you a coupon which you can use in a local outlet.

According to Jeff Weidauer in his Retail Customer Experience report, he points to research that predicts that “two-thirds of retailers are planning a digital mobile initiative launch before the end of this year, and many of these will include a QR code capability.”

Your business, no matter how small or large, could use QR codes in a number of ways. You could add one to your business card containing your contact details so it is easy for someone to add you to their contacts on their cell phone. You can also add them to any print advertising, flyers, posters, invites, tv ads with the inclusion of Facebook and Twitter IDs, links to YouTube videos, event details, contact information, etc…
In conclusion, QR codes are another example of the blurring of the edges of media, as we all rapidly enter this totally connected world. It is the blurring of the lines between our cell phone and the Internet, always on Internet connectivity wherever we are, whatever we are doing and whatever device we have on hand –whether it’s a cellphone, netbook, laptop, pc, camera, or TV.

When starting a social media campaign for you non-profit, remember: a simple, yet powerful mission and message can take a campaign far. Non-profits on social networking sites should set goals, update consistently, become a part of the conversation, build community and create value. Without a clear vision and well thought out strategy, it is difficult to encourage an audience to participate. If the time and energy are strategically spent to create a social community, others will help spread your message and your desired results will come.

The social media space provides the non-profit sector with the opportunity to connect and collaborate quickly and inexpensively, and without the help of big company sponsorships. Many non-profits are leveraging social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, to connect with their supporters online by crowdsourcing ideas, providing feedback and monitoring conversations regarding their organization.

According to Stacey  Monk, Founder and CEO of Epic Change, “Social media is making change possible. With social media, we’re able to hear totally new voices, who might not have had access to mainstream channels, which represents a real shift in power, and where change can originate.”

Recenlty The Net impact, an online interactive agency, teamed with St. Louis based non-profit, the Karla Smith Foundation to help build online aware for their campaign event with BringChange2Mind, a non-profit superheaded by award-winning actress Glenn Close that works to combat the stigma of mental illness. KSF and BringChange2Mind combined forces to host an unprecedented mental health awareness and anti-stigma event, “Change a Mind, Change a Life”, in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Karla Smith Foundation was in need of a strategy to build online buzz around the event and direct traffic to the event website. To quickly and effectively generate awareness around the campaign, The Net Impact worked closely with the Karla Smith Foundation to create the website, www.changeamind.org, for the highly anticipated event. In order to direct traffic to the website and create online awareness, The Net Impact implemented a social media marketing strategy for the campaign, which included a strong presence on Twitter and Facebook. The KSF social networking sites were updated daily with exciting news regarding the event, such as notices of upcoming media appearances, videos and pictures, and sponsorship information. The KSF Facebook and Twitter continued to see steady growth in fans and followers as well an increase in the level of fan engagement in the weeks leading up to the event.

As a result of the social media marketing campaign, KSF was provided with the opportunity to share valuable information with their existing community, increase interest around their event, catch the attention of local media, build their brand awareness and attract new fans and followers to get involved with their organization. Most importantly, the KSF Facebook page now serves as a platform for their online community to share personal experiences and give valuable feedback in real time.

In conclusion, while many non-profits still have a long way to go, the integration of social media in their marketing efforts can help these organizations meet and exceed many different goals. Social  media is a platform that allows people to participate in a conversation about what they think, feel and care about, making social media and excellent space for the non-profit sector to continue to explore.

Below are tips to keeping your fans engaged:

1.    Be Transparent
Transparency is how the community feeling is formed. Being transparent in social media is letting others inside of your organization and showing the side of you that makes everyone feel a little more comfortable in their own skin.

2.    Treat your Fans like a Customer
If you are participating in social media, you have taken on the responsibility of putting your business in social media. While you think that facebook and twitter are all fun and games, your customers are using this as a personal medium to discuss real things with you. Treat each and every fan as if they were a customer in the store, on the phone, etc.
3.    Treat your fans every once in awhile
Your fans are your best marketing tool. Make sure you are paying them accordingly. Offer them free stuff or exclusive invitations. Sure, some people enjoy talking because they like the sound of their own voice. But if you want something well thought out that will attract others, offer your fans a prize and they will take off from there.

4.    Be an expert in your industry
If you are only posting coupon codes and sales promotions, fans will become bored and annoyed quickly. Show them that you know everything there is to know about your industry, which includes posting interesting articles and promoting events. Soon your followers will turn to you for your expert opinion and know that you are who they can trust when it comes to what you do.

We want people to come to our store, not our site.
Social media sites do drive a ton of traffic to your site, but that does not mean it isn’t doing what any other form of advertising does. With facebook posts and blogs you are still letting your customers know why they should get off the computer and get into your store. There are different ways of executing this. Its a great idea to give employees the opportunity to become administrators of your social media efforts. Let your individual stores or managers post and tweet about the specials they have going on. Let a passionate salesman tell his story in a blog about why he loves the industry he is in. Encourage employees to be in the YouTube videos that show why your products are the best. Provide your fans with exclusive benefits like coupons to be used in your store. As you can see, advertising done through social media allows for a more casual environment and lets customers feel comfortable and part of your community. Done properly, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, blogging, and web pages can be very beneficial to store traffic as well as online sales.

Remember these objections and answers when you are discussing social media with decision makers. Please feel free to post any concerns or questions in our comments section. We would love to hear your feedback about social media.