Your nonprofit is amazing. But communicating that on Instagram is a tricky game, and knowing what content to post, how frequently, and which tools to use can be overwhelming. That being said, keeping a consistent and engaging Instagram feed seriously pays off. Instagrammers check the site and engage with posts more frequently than any other social media platform (adespresso), and 81% percent of users use Instagram to research where they'll ultimately be spending their money (Hootsuite). Also, 55% of people who engage with nonprofits on social media end up taking some sort of action (Nonprofit source). To put you on the right track, we compiled 6 nonprofit Instagram accounts that have mastered their craft, and created a free content planner resource so that you can keep posting on a consistent, organized schedule.
From brand voice to color palette, there are so many factors to consider in curating your nonprofit's Instagram. But the number one rule? Consistency is key. Posting often and regularly is the best way to retain interest and drive follower engagement. Stay on top of it by planning out your posts with a content planner, like this free one we make every month. It's also important to emphasize relevance in your posts, as it allows you to be part of the conversation when it matters. Our resource is complete with a monthly calendar, weekly tabs, aaaand all of the relevant dates you should know about in planning your content.
Once you've got your posting schedule organized, next is planning content. There are no doubt many great things to emphasize about your nonprofit, and myriad ways to communicate all of the great work getting done. Draw some inspiration from these 6 superstar nonprofit Instagrams that are driving great engagement through their Instagram feeds.
Notice: High-quality, attention-grabbing photography.
Forget filters. High-quality, impactful pictures are the best way to maintain a professional image.
2. Alt_
Notice: A fitting aesthetic.
Alt_Chicago is an artist led nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing communities through art and culture, and is complimented by its the artistic, laid back aesthetic.
3. 4Ocean *
Notice: Telling a story through successive posts, and linking their message to dates of relevance.
Connecting your nonprofit's mission to timely dates keeps the content relevant and drives engagement. Also notice 4Ocean's use of videos to tell a story, followed by posting about the accomplishment gained from the effort. This tactic shows donors the real life impact of your mission.
Notice: Emphasis on faces and cultural icons, and a unique feed design.
Opting for a unique feed design is a great way to maintain a consistent brand image, while also helping your nonprofit stand out. Posting faces is a good rule of thumb, as they are 38% more likely to receive likes than any other post (research gate).
5. charity: water
Notice: Keeping it fresh and trying new things!
charity: water is a great instagram to draw inspiration from, because they are always trying new approaches while still maintaining a consistent aesthetic and message. Here, they collaborated with an artist to celebrate the women change-makers in their partner organizations. So cool!
6. Malala Fund
Notice: an IG TV reel, and the use of graphics.
Using the IG TV reels, videos, and stories features are great ways of bringing users into longer-form content. Also, using statistics in your graphic emphasizes the real life facts that your non-profit is tackling.
Now that you've gathered some inspiration, plan your posts with our latest content calendar planner! You can download it to your own Google calendar, and also edit directly in Sheets, allowing space for you to plan content, tailor the format and get organized around your unique needs.
What you’ll get:
A month-at-a-glance calendar that includes the important dates you need to plan for, with space to add your organization’s own campaigns and launches.
Weekly tabs with a complete breakdown of each day’s social media postings, including body copy, time, channel, and any important notes about the date.
A list view of the #ConsciousContent dates with more details and relevant links, so you can figure out exactly what days are important for your organization to engage with.
All relevant hashtags that should be used to post about these important dates so you can make sure your post is #relevant.
Know a great Instagram account we didn't include here? Tell us: we'd love to know what accounts make a lasting impression, and what strategies and content are proving most valuable for your org.
* 4Ocean is a public benefit corporation, so their product sales fund their efforts
About the Author: Jacqueline is the Social Impact Marketing Intern at Loud + Clear. She is a senior at Tufts University majoring in Sociology and Psychology, graduating in May 2021. She is originally from Miami, FL, and has a passion for creative projects within the non-profit and social impact space. Connect with her by email here.
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