Charitable groups and blogs

I THINK charitable groups, of whatever size, should take a serious look at what blogging technology could allow them to do.

The first thing to remember is that blogging software is just another form of publishing, so whatever size your group is there is a good chance you want to tell people about your work.

So using something like Blogger, Wordpress or TypePad will allow you to keep interested readers in touch with what you are doing, as well as existing supporters and volunteers.

With Blogger available for free, hosting packages for Wordpress costing around £50 a year and even the top level of TypePad coming in at about £75 it won't over stretch too many charitable groups.

So what would a charity gain from using blogging software?

The first reason I have alluded to above, it's a simple way of telling people about your work and offers a very quick method of updating a website.

The other benefit will be from search engines as the way a website is created by blogging software is looked upon favourably by the likes of Google and others.

Also it is very simple for others with their own sites to link to you, again helping search engines track you down as well as interested readers.

The comment facility built into blogs will also allow people to post a question, pass on their own tips about a subject and offer a way to connect with readers, who are much more likely to support your work.

Many charitable groups also spend a lot of time and money on producing paper-based notes and booklets to keep members in touch with what's happening.

Whilst keeping this option open for those who prefer being kept in touch in this way, an organiser could produce a password protected site for members and save on paper and photocopying.

Every charity is keen to promote their work, but often time is at a premium, however using blogging software is a speedy way to promote events and announce meetings, which will boost participation as such openness generates responsiveness.

Any group with a blog that needs a bit of makeover can leave a comment below and I'll write up the tips into a new article so that others can draw on the shared experience.