#NPMC chat – October 30, 2014

#NPMC Chat starts now. Welcome all new and returning! Our topic today: using free tools in nonprofit marketing  http://ow.ly/Dopcg 

Ditto = MT My tweet volume will spike for the next hour as I join #NPMC Chat for nonprofit marketers and communicators. @mo_flow

Hello #npmc folks! We'll be popping in out during this hour as we're in the middle of our webinar Q&A :) Talk about multi-tasking!

Let’s start with introductions. Please tell us a little about you. Even if you think you’re going to be quiet, pls say hello! #npmc

Hello, Mark here from @evergreen_dm We are a digital marketing firm that specializes in working with Google Ad Grants for nonprofits. #NPMC

Excited to already see @btrfly12 @Kelgon @mayawalkca @evergreen_dm @eebeejay. And @techsoupcanada multitasking. :) #NPMC

Hi #npmc :) I'm Christina - community builder, believer in the patient voice, co-founder & co-moderator #gyncsm for GYN cancers

@mo_flow Hello! Have worked with various NGOs and non-profits. Currently work with United Church of Canada in Winnipeg #wpgpres #uccan #npmc

Hello from the "Happiest City" in America - Charlottesville Virgina. We're hard at work to try to make that true for all residents. #npmc

BTW. In addition to usual wisdom from the group, have @evergreen_dm and later @techsoupcanada to answer Ad Grants + analytics Qs! #NPMC

Glad to be back for #NPMC today. This is Seneca from Seattle Chamber Music Society. (My tweet volume is on the rise for an hour).

Hi #npmc, I'm Erin, currently working freelance in marketing in London with a few arts & culture non-profits.

@UnitedWayTJA Welcome! Believe it's your first time? #NPMC

I’m Marlene Oliveira, of Nonprofit MarCommunity and #NPMC chat. Also copywriter & communications consultant to nonprofits at moflow.

@SeattleSeneca Hello! #npmc

A couple of things... We’re using Q/A format - we post questions using Q1, Q2, etc. You respond by using A1, A2, etc. Thx! #npmc

Hi #npmc folks! I'm Margaux, I work w/ NPs who focus on Latin America & human rights issues.

This is Joyce & Tierney from TechSoup Canada. We help Canadian nonprofits save $$ on software & learn more about tech :) #npmc

Also, as long as you use the hashtag, I see it. I might not keep up with side convos, but I encourage you to have them. :) #npmc

@mo_flow Yes - a first-timer. Happy to participate. #npmc

@margaux_omalley Hello! #npmc

@mo_flow Hi #npmc this is Eric from @DataHabits I help nonprofits understand their website performance using Google Analytics

Hi everyone! Dan from Urban Peak here, in Denver, CO ! We serve homeless youth in the metro area. #NPMC

I'm Kelly. Mktg specialist f/ small nonprofit. We offer job training & employment serv to ppl w/ disabilities #NPMC

Ooh..another expert on hand, @DataHabits. Ok. Lots to cover and experts on hand to answer Qs, so let's dive in! #npmc

Q1. Are you using Google tools to support your nonprofit marcom? Which ones and how are you using them? If no, why not? #npmc

@FundraiserDan Welcome! #npmc

A1. I use Google spreadsheets to track, measure and evaluate my comms data #npmc

Are you using analytics, Ad Grants, YouTube, Drive, Hangouts, Calendar…? #npmc

@mo_flow Sorry to join late, I'm here now! #NPMC

@heatherisabel Awesome! Just asked Q1. #npmc

OMG I'm sorry I'm late! I'm here & ready to learn about Google tools! #npmc

We use google analytics, youtube, drive and the ever present gmail calendar! #NPMC

A1 Just tried out hangouts recently. Use calendar and drive for small projects. #npmc

A1. We fully encourage the nonprofit organizations to use Analytics and Ad Grants at a minimum. The other tools are great too! #NPMC

@marissapaige Right on time to answer Q1: What Google tools are you using to support your marketing and how? #npmc

A1 Analytics & Docs are the main ones we use. YouTube. #npmc

@mo_flow #npmc I use analytics, but only sporadically; to find specific info/ not as a regular review of coverage. Message reach

A1 Analytics. Present a new stat to c-suite each month to show the types of things we can track & learn #NPMC

@mo_flow A1 Mostly Analytics and Adwords in conjunction with websites. Used Hangouts in a previous org where we couldn't meet f2f. #npmc

Hey guys I'm going to tweet about #nonprofit #communications excessively for the next hour. It's time for #NPMC! JOIN IN!

@mo_flow A1 Analytics & MailChimp (for campaigns), AdWords, Email, Calendar, website #npmc

A1. @btrfly12 We use Hangouts too. Still glitchy at times but def. improving. As long as the purpose is internal/casual, it's fine. #npmc

A1: Analytics, YouTube, Drive, and Calendar at the moment, all to varying degrees of success. #NPMC

@mo_flow A1 also Page #npmc

@Kelgon Great idea... you can pull a lot of good data from Analytics to pass along to leadership! #NPMC

a1) analytics, docs, calendar… trying to learn about adwords! #npmc

Followers: We're taking part in a TweetChat for nonprofits - if my tweets don't make sense to you, that is why. #npmc

A1. Long-time fan of Analytics, just starting to use Webmstr Tools. Would've started sooner but hadn't made the time to learn! :) #npmc

A1: Anybody use Google+ as another social media site? Have you had success? #NPMC

A1 I found google sites more useful than plain Google drive for big projects. Highlights of the "new drive" a pop-up suggested me try? #npmc

Pls remember not to @ mention me if answering a general Q. Just use #NPMC and save your characters!

@margaux_omalley @btrfly12 do you "hang out" internally or with outside audience? #npmc

@evergreen_dm Thanks! It's def getting their attn #NPMC

@marissapaige @btrfly12 #npmc Mainly just internally, since Hangouts can sometimes be unreliable.

@mayawalkca @mo_flow #npmc just started to use mail chimp: great tool so far; great way to clean up lists

Seems like everyone is using analytics, which is a good thing! Plus a mix of experimentation with the others. #npmc

Q1b. Have you seen nonprofits achieve amazing things using these free tools? Examples? #npmc

A1 Another tool we recommend from Google is 'Google my Business' - a great way to ensure you are found on Search, Maps or Google+ #NPMC

Is google+ still one of those things you need to have but that ppl don't use? #npmc

@SeattleSeneca Just started 1 for my org to help w/ search results. No one has put us in any circles :( Not that I've posted to it :) #npmc

@btrfly12 Haha. Seems like it! #npmc

@SeattleSeneca Started using it because it appears in Google searches and displays office hours. Limited success with engagement tho. #npmc

@btrfly12 #npmc Good q! I was wondering about G+ the other day too...

@SeattleSeneca Has definitely helped with my SEO. #npmc

A1b: I hear a lot about google analytics, etc, but have not incorporated them for us yet. #npmc

A1b: YouTube can go viral, that's always successful. This 'concert' got almost 3M views:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w59e20ijOpE … #NPMC

A1b. Yeah! @Leacock_Fdn actually does amazing things with their Google for Nonprofits account. Hangouts with remote staff in Africa, #npmc

For those new to #NPMC chat, we’re using Q/A format - we post questions using Q1, Q2, etc. You respond by using A1, A2, etc. Thx!

#NPMC Youtube is one of the most powerful social comms platforms - esp. in Canada. All nfps should build it into their comm's strategy.

#NPMC Q1b. (con't) ...and of course, Google Analytics is an extremely powerful (and free!) measurement tool for web - highly recommend.

@SeattleSeneca been using it for a few groups - the engagement not there. I also know it gets checked out so decide to keep #npmc

MT @techsoupcanada A1b.@Leacock_Fdn actually does amazing things w/Google for Nonprofits account. Hangouts w/remote staff in Africa, #npmc

@SeattleSeneca Was easier for patrons to find our address and contact info on G+ than it was on our website. *cough* #npmc

@heatherisabel @SeattleSeneca #npmc what nonprofit has a great youtube presence? Looking for role models, here.

@eebeejay @SeattleSeneca LOL #npmc

A1b: AdWords in conjunction with Analytics is powerful in getting a targeted audience to your site and then measuring their actions: #NPMC

A1b It was very helpful with a viral flash mob campaign #npmc

@eebeejay that's maybe not the best news, but if it gets people there that's what matters! #npmc

@marissapaige @heatherisabel @SeattleSeneca For use of Google tools, see Natural Resources Defense Council  http://qub.me/P0q20y  #npmc

@marissapaige @SeattleSeneca Here are some great examples of 'Youtube for Social Good'  http://mashable.com/2009/08/19/youtube-social-good/ … #NPMC (#2 is a fav of mine!)

@evergreen_dm Tell me MORE! #npmc

“@eebeejay: @SeattleSeneca Was easier to find our address and contact info on G+ than it was on our website. *cough* #npmc” <this =v. Useful

@marissapaige @heatherisabel We have an easier time in the arts because it is so easy to share our 'product' not sure for other NPs #npmc

BTW - thank you to @marissapaige for suggesting this month's topic. :) #npmc

Q2: If you were to take more/better advantage of Google tools, how might your nonprofit marcom be different/better? #npmc

MT @mo_flow For use of Google tools, see Natural Resources Defense Council  http://qub.me/P0q20y  #npmc

A1 We use Universal Analytics, Google Tag Manager and Webmaster Tools to help clients measure online results. #npmc

@evergreen_dm Would also love to know more about how to better integrate the two. #npmc

A2 perspective/clarity/focus can all come from diving into analytics - once you just do it! vs it feeling overwhelming to get started #npmc

A2 Have a better chance of showing up in search results! #NPMC

A2 and also a Q - have ppl heard of Gmail's Inbox - new app? Do we think it will help or harm email marketers? #NPMC

@heatherisabel @marissapaige @SeattleSeneca brilliant - thanks! #npmc

@marissapaige Ad Grants gives up to $10k/mth (ongoing) to market your site through Google search. Great for getting new visitors. #NPMC

@marissapaige @SeattleSeneca Another awesome social media / nfp case study (beyond Youtube) is the Red Cross:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKMyBGbnBQ8 … #NPMC

A2. Google tools can help nonprofits save money, time and measure online marketing results. Key is to use them well. #npmc

@evergreen_dm @marissapaige It's a pretty easy process to apply, too! #npmc

@eebeejay You can link the two so you are able to track goals and conversions for your site and see how much impact the grant has. #NPMC

@mo_flow of course, thanks to all #npmc-ers for helping answer my questions! :)

MT @btrfly12 A2 perspective/clarity/focus can all come from diving into analytics - once you just do it! #npmc

@SeattleSeneca @marissapaige Definitely, for the scope of the grant, the application process is quite simple! #NPMC

Q2: Would like to experiment more with Google Ads: it's a potential revenue generating stream that (so far) we've only dipped a toe in #NPMC

@heatherisabel They also have ads for nonprofits on YouTube, both are great to use. #NPMC

Q2I using any tool more intentionally will has benefits in respect to sharing your org. I also think need to b flexible to new tools #npmc

Hearing that we'd like to have better search results, more clarity/information from which to make decision, access financial resources #npmc

@SeattleSeneca A good point! Youtube is doing great work with nfp's through the Youtube for Charities program  https://www.youtube.com/nonprofits  #NPMC

Also hearing Google tools can help us be more efficient, measure results, raise visibility. #npmc

@heatherisabel Definitely need to take the long view on revenue generating. Directly advertising for fundraising is hard. #NPMC

A2: Using data to inform our decision making proactively. #npmc

MT #npmc @marthawatt A2: Once you start, the tech seems straightforward... it's finding the time to, *&* choosing the right tech to learn

So if we want to use tools to be smarter, more efficient and effective, better resourced nonprofit marketers... #npmc

Q3 What needs to be in place for you to take full advantage of Google tools to maximize your marketing? #npmc

A2 Tracking website conversions and your email/social/ad marketing in Google Analytics helps calculate ROI #npmc

A3 Ease of use, accessibility, quick uptime to enable others to assist in analysis/design/deployment #npmc

A3: Time, resources, money, staff...or just making something a higher priority and following through with it. #npmc

A3 Time to experiment/learn how to use them effectively. Buy in from other staff. #npmc

@mayawalkca I find ease of use a challenge w/many of Google's tools. #npmc

A3 Google tools don't get used to strategic ends w/o some tech capacity plus online marketing smarts, imo #npmc

#npmc A3) Well I'm just 1 person, so I suppose I should prioritize which Google tool to master first. What works best to drive more traffic?

A3: Staff time is the biggest challenge. These tools do add extra work for staff and it is easy to drop their priority level. #NPMC

A3 A new website! So many tools relate to an org's website and ours needs updated before we can/should use them or drive traffic #NPMC

Great Q MT @marissapaige Just 1 person, so I which Google tool to master first. What works best to drive more traffic? #npmc

@mo_flow @mayawalkca next chat is "Google Horror Stories"? #npmc

@SeattleSeneca @mayawalkca LOL. Or a whole new support group. #npmc

@marissapaige Google Ad Grants is the traffic driver. No question about that. #NPMC

@Kelgon Platform doesn't play well? #npmc

@Kelgon Agreed! And then starting connecting with analytics to refine, that's where we're at, at the moment. #npmc

Sounds like EVERYONE needs to submit their Ad Grants application. #npmc

A3 Also needed: better strategies for using/presenting too much data. #npmc

@mo_flow If anyone needs a hand apply for Ad Grants I'd be happy to help out or answer any questions. #NPMC

Google Grants are hands-down best for driving traffic (ask @evergreen_dm) Then pair with analytics to measure. #npmc

@evergreen_dm are there any restrictions to using the Google Ad grant? best practices? #npmc

@DataHabits Exactly! AdGrants and other traffic sources aren't valuable if you don't understand what your visitors are doing. #NMPC #npmc

A3 All of the tools in the world cannot replace commitment and vision from the org/volunteers. Tools can only focus passion #npmc

@mo_flow Too outdated & not user friendly. Don't want to drive traffic just to have it leave! #NPMC

so what r the big pitfalls? w/ ad grants or any of the google tools #npmc

#NPMC Better access to tools/how-to resources - especially because most nfp's have small teams/limited resources!

@Kelgon Ah! #npmc

@eebeejay agreed! I think I just get overwhelmed looking at analytics. Numbers. What do they even mean sometimes? #npmc

@btrfly12 There is a steep learning curve. And ongoing time and effort is required. Its a matter of committing to their use. #NPMC

Many challenges to really using Google tools: time, hard to use, need buy-in, prioritization, better strategies, limited resources. #npmc

@mo_flow @btrfly12 Google+ integration into Youtube/Gmail is my biggest complaint! #NPMC

@heatherisabel @btrfly12 How so? #npmc

@marissapaige @eebeejay great point - data fors datas sake just makes work that takes away from passion #npmc

Q4. How might you organize your own work, build skills, make room to take advantage of what these tools can offer? #npmc

It is important to have buy-in from leadership. Give examples of the data or impact you can provide by using Google tools. #NPMC

@mo_flow @btrfly12 All Youtube channel settings are based off Google+ profile (adding a layer of complication) #NPMC

@btrfly12 for Drive & Calendar, we have partial buy-in internally. I see lots of duplicate record keeping, botched communication. #npmc

Analytics can indeed be overwhelming. I created a set of five free tutorials to demystify. #npmc  http://ow.ly/DA67H 

@heatherisabel @btrfly12 right. Was an unpopular move for sure. #npmc

@mo_flow @btrfly12 Also, the commenting system on Youtube has faced difficulties since the Google+ integration #npmc

MT @evergreen_dm: Impt to have buy-in from leadership. Give examples of the data or impact you can provide by using Google tools. #NPMC

@mo_flow A4: Schedule time for e'ything, esp. hour/2 for 'I'll browse around google for a while figuring out how to use these things'; #npmc

@evergreen_dm well put! #npmc

Don't usually promo any consultants, but clearly @DataHabits & @evergreen_dm have resources/answers for us. + they're here. :) #npmc

Sign up for Google Ad Grants - it is pretty common to average between 5k and 7k new visitors to your site a month. #NPMC

MT @marthawatt @mo_flow A4: Schedule time for e'ything, esp. hour/2 for 'I'll browse around figuring out how to use these things'; #npmc

#npmc a4) I seriously need to take a class. If anyone has any suggestions on mastering Google tools either online or in Wash DC, lemme know!

@mo_flow aw shucks, thanks! #npmc

#npmc A1: I would encourage NPs to use Ad Grants, Analytics, Hangouts and even using google drive could serve as an intranet platform

@mo_flow @DataHabits Thanks for the shout out! :) #npmc

@mayawalkca @marissapaige Agreed, and not all data is necessarily a good measure of engagement. Missing the fans through the 'likes.' #npmc

.@evergreen_dm Q from @marissapaige: How can I change the order of my sublistings in Google Results? #npmc

#npmc A2: Be better in regards to efficiency, centralizing & managing documents. Being different will depend on how the tools are used

@marissapaige Great Q! I think we could all benefit from a class! #NPMC

#NPMC Q4: build learning tools into long term communications planning - especially when it comes to analytics/measurement software!

@mo_flow @marissapaige Using a tool we haven't mentioned: Google Webmasters. Here's a link to that topic: #NPMC  http://qub.me/qhxnI6 

A4 engagement such as this. Ongoing learning another. Finally play and have fun with new and existing tools. Context makes difference #npmc

MT @heatherisabel #NPMC Q4: build learning tools into long term communications planning - esp analytics/measurement software!

Major learning here is that when it comes to Google tools, we need more...learning! #npmc

#npmc A3: 1. An understanding of how Google and the tools work. 2. Why they need these tools 3. How will it help manage donor relationships

Our time is almost up. Any key learnings? Q5. What stood out for you in today’s chat? What do you want to put into practice? #npmc

Side question: should we move November chat (topic: blogging) to last Wed to avoid Amer. Thanksgiving? #npmc

Q5. What stood out for you in today’s chat? What do you want to put into practice? #npmc

Thanks to everyone for sharing your time & insights :) #npmc

@evergreen_dm @mo_flow Thanks! I know I can demote listings, but I can't rearrange their order, can I? #npmc

@mo_flow I vote 'yes' re moving November chat to Wednesday. :) #npmc

@mo_flow #npmc even google itself could be more helpful with how it all fits together; was delighted to discover MailChimp works w/Analytics

A5: Use Ad Words! #npmc

a5) I am left hungry for more Google knowledge #itsagoodthing #npmc

I vote yes re: moving Nov chat to last Wednesday to avoid US turkey day #npmc

Thank you everyone for a great chat and to our experts for answering Qs! Chat archives will be posted soon at  http://ow.ly/qmZRO  #npmc

A5 variety of tools and willingness to share! #npmc

@mo_flow thanks again! Always a good use of time! #npmc

Great #NPMC chat today. A lot of good discussion about the Google tools available to nonprofits. Thanks @mo_flow!

Thanks everybody! Another great chat! #npmc

Thanks everyone. Feel free to connect if you have any questions re: Ad Grants or other Google tools. #NPMC