Hi Reader -

​For the past few weeks, I’ve been talking with you a lot about working with reporters and how to get media attention for your campaign.

But, I see so many nonprofits miss the opportunity to maximize that press exposure. Here are a few tips about what to do next after you get that great media hit.

Share it with your supporters.

I know, it feels a bit obvious, but you want to share the story far and wide! I’ve seen groups get caught up in whatever is next and forget this step.

Share the link on social media and with your email list, both as a stand alone email and in your email newsletter. Use pull quotes or screen shots with the news outlet’s name, the article headline, and lead paragraph as graphics.

And, for your most dedicated supporters, email them the article directly, with a brief personal note. It’s a nice way to connect and gives you an opportunity to share a brief campaign update.

Turn it into an action alert opportunity.

A new article starts - or pushes forward - a conversation in your community. People who feel strongly about the issue will want to take action.

Capitalize on this attention and desire for action with an action alert. You can ask your supporters to send a letter to an elected official, sign a petition, attend a public meeting, and so on. Even if you don’t have fancy action alert software, you can get creative using the tools you have (e.g., Google forms, etc.).

Use it as a hook for outreach to elected officials or other decision makers.

Whether they are on your side or someone you want to move on an issue, it’s an opportunity to share the article and ask for a meeting to bring them up to speed on the latest details of the campaign.

And don’t forget staffers as well. This is an opportunity to send a brief, direct note of gratitude for their help on the issue.

This is…a lot. But, help is on the way!

I probably just created a bunch more work for you! The campaigns that succeed are ones that communicate often…but I know that is easier said than done.

When I led a communications team, one of my team members would (exhaustedly) refer to “feeding the content beast”: the e-blasts, social media, press releases, website updates, print newsletters, annual reports, and on and on.

Staying on top of content production is one of the biggest challenges I grappled with throughout my time leading communications. It’s easy to feel like you’re on a hamster wheel scrambling to keep up.

Throughout the month of August, I’ll be sharing practical tips for how to get off that hamster wheel and keep the “content beast” well fed. I’ll be sharing step-by-step how to’s and templates for you to use with your team to help you get from reactive to proactive.

I’m in the midst of writing all of my August emails now. So I’m curious - what is your biggest content challenge? Where do you need the most help?

Let me know and I’ll be sure to answer your questions!

Jennifer ​Founder, Buoy 231 Consulting​

P.S. Seriously, hit reply and tell me your biggest content challenge. I'm building my August newsletters around what nonprofits actually need help with.

Build awareness. Mobilize your community. Change policy. ​Buoy 231 Consulting helps nonprofits build communications and advocacy campaigns that make their issues impossible to ignore. Ready to get started? Book a free call.