This week, I’m honored to introduce John Haydon. John knows Facebook and he knows nonprofits. In this post, he shares some apps for using Facebook even more effectively! Check out his blog at www.JohnHaydon.com
To help you get the most out of your Facebook Page, there are several applications you should check out. Most of them you’ve heard of, but there may be a few new ones you didn’t know about. I hope this list is helpful.
- Twitter App – This app automatically re-posts your tweets in your Facebook Page status. A big time-saver, but a potential bother to your connections if you use Twitter a lot, or if you tweet about topics that aren’t related to your Page.
- Selective Tweets – This app allows to you to selectively post a status update on your Facebook Page from Twitter simply by adding the hashtag “#fb”.
- Facebook Notes – Allows you to create formatted text with images, links to a post or add an RSS feed from your blog. Set it and forget it!
- Blog RSS Feed Reader – This a bit more robust than the notes app. You can add an image for your feed, add multiple feeds and even send out alerts to friends of new updates.
- Flash Player – This app allows you to upload Flash videos or games to your Page, which can create a highly customized experience for your fans.
- Static FBML – This app allows you to add certain types of HTML within a custom tab which can be named to match your brand. Below is an example on the Inbound Zombie Facebook Page.
- Extended Info – This app works much like the Static FBML application but is slightly easier to use. You can add lists, images, videos and other pre-formatted sections to a custom tab.
- Fundrazr – This app makes it easy for your supporters to fundraise for your cause. You can sell tickets to events, communicate to members and event track results with an analytics feature. They also have a great relationship with PayPal.
- Giving Impact – This is a donation engine that you can integrate into your existing website, but they also have a Facebook Page app that looks extremely robust. Nonprofits would also be wise to investigate their Giving Impact Grant program.
- MyFlickr – Display your Flickr photos on Facebook so that your connections can view them, comment on them, and tag them without leaving your Facebook Page.
- YouTube Video Box – This app is pretty straight forward. Search for videos, add them to a custom tab and share them easily on with your connections.
- Poll Daddy Polls – An easy way to increase engagement and understand your fanbase is with simple polls (yes / no, three choices). This app also has a sharing element to it: As soon as a user votes, they are given a choice to share their vote with their friends.
- The Wall – The most powerful Facebook Page app out there! 😉
There are also many more Facebook Page applications for nonprofits at App Bistro, a marketplace of Facebook tab applications.
What apps are you using?
Tell us in the comments!
Marc – thanks for having me as a guest on your blog! No questions so far… you must have a smart fanbase. 🙂
Thanks John! I do have a smart group of readers. But I wish there were more questions and comments. 🙂
I am struggling to actually generate money. I am the queen of people and things…but not cash yet. I have a really good facebook following. Which app should I use to develop them as givers of money…not just stuff…
I am also trying to create a constant contact email newsletter and would like to link…what do you think?
If you’re great with people and things, you’re well on your way to raising money! But it will take repeated, clear asks. Specific dollar amounts.
Have you read the free “Do It Yourself Fundraising” article in the “articles” section of this site? That can give you a plan to establish clear asks.
As for Constant Contact, I don’t have an affiliate link — but thanks for asking! I believe their site must be http://www.ConstantContact.com.
Jessica – Start small by planning a specific 48-hour fundraising event that will happen only on Facebook. Let fans donate towards a specific goals, like a new stove at the shelter, or 50 coats (it’s cold out!). During this event give them opportunities for three dollar amounts – plus tell them to share this event with their friends.
Most importantly: Plan, plan and plan. And get your biggest fans to help you.
As for collecting emails on your Facebook Page, hold off until you have a very good reason for someone to opt-in. Remember, they’ve already “liked” your Page.
More great advice, John! Thanks!
The Blog RSS Reader is not a working application. I Forgot I had it installed and it never worked for me. I tried to reinstall that application today, and most of the reviews are “it’s not working.”
Not sure if you have found a better alternative. The import notes feature stopped working for me a long time ago as well. ..
Thanks Chris. I’ll ask John if he knows any alternative!
Chris – I’d recommend adding the NetworkedBlogs app. It allows you to stream multiple blogs on your wall, plus allow you to promote your blog on another platform:
http://www.facebook.com/networkedblogs
Hope that helps!
John