What are the most innovative ways to use social media for social impact?

1 Use hashtags strategically

Hashtags are a simple but effective way to organize and promote your social impact campaign. They can help you create a catchy and memorable slogan, connect with like-minded people, and track the performance and reach of your campaign. For example, #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #HeForShe are some of the most influential hashtags that have sparked global movements for social justice and equality. To use hashtags strategically, you should research the best keywords for your topic, use them consistently across your posts, and encourage your followers to join the conversation.

2 Create engaging content

Content is king when it comes to social media, and you need to create engaging content that attracts and retains your audience's attention. You can use different formats, such as videos, images, podcasts, infographics, or live streams, to showcase your social impact story, highlight your achievements, or share your challenges. You can also use interactive features, such as polls, quizzes, stickers, or filters, to invite your audience to participate and give feedback. For example, UNICEF uses Instagram Stories to educate and inspire its followers about various issues affecting children around the world.

3 Collaborate with influencers

Influencers are people who have a large and loyal following on social media, and who can influence their followers' opinions and behaviors. You can collaborate with influencers who share your vision and values, and who can help you reach a wider and more diverse audience. You can ask them to endorse your campaign, share your content, or host a takeover on your account. For example, Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist for girls' education, partnered with YouTube creators to raise awareness and funds for her foundation.

4 Build a community

Social media is not only a one-way broadcast channel, but also a two-way dialogue platform. You can use social media to build a community of supporters, partners, and beneficiaries, who can interact with you and each other, and who can contribute to your social impact goals. You can use social media to create a sense of belonging, trust, and loyalty among your community members, by acknowledging their contributions, answering their questions, or featuring their stories. For example, Kiva, a microfinance platform, uses Facebook Groups to connect its lenders and borrowers, and to share their stories and updates.

5 Leverage analytics

Analytics are the data and insights that you can collect and analyze from your social media activities. You can use analytics to measure and improve your social impact performance, by tracking the key metrics that matter to you, such as reach, engagement, conversions, or donations. You can also use analytics to optimize your content strategy, by testing different types of content, timing, or frequency, and by learning what works best for your audience. For example, Charity: Water, a nonprofit that provides clean water to people in need, uses Twitter Analytics to monitor its campaign results and to adjust its tactics accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?