[PODCAST] Why aren’t nonprofits on LinkedIn?

What if I told you there is a social network where your organization’s posts would be seen? Stop competing with the world and your hard-earned marketing dollars on Facebook or Twitter. It’s time to try something new. After all, Anthony Jones makes the case that we’re in the “Golden Old Days” of LinkedIn. Despite the platform having over 300 million active users each month, only 1% of them are posting. Listen as Anthony shares tips and makes a case for causes to get on LinkedIn.

What can Nonprofits do on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn was a platform used for job searches or building up a candidate’s profile back in the day. Today, it’s become far more robust, with users posting everything from events to thought leadership and polls. LinkedIn is one of the few forums where posts can organically reach thousands of people and foster meaningful connections.

Nonprofits can build their following and elevate their brand’s expertise by posting meaningful content. LinkedIn is an ideal platform for engaging with partners and like-minded organizations, too. After all, if we don’t show up, what does that say about our nonprofit’s brand? Anthony cautions that if nonprofits don’t establish their brand, it will be established for them. It’s best to show up in this growing professional network and create the identity you want your organization to have.

While Anthony suggests ALL nonprofits create a company page on LinkedIn, he makes it clear it’s equally important that leadership and team members personally use the platform. Your organization’s leadership can deliver expertise and encouragement related to its mission and overarching cause. He advises nonprofit leaders to focus on providing tips for LinkedIn (and all social media platforms) rather than restrictions. Team members feel empowered and encouraged to represent their cause.

Why are these the “good old days”?

Remember when your Facebook page’s posts reached people without investing to boost them? Those were the good old days of Facebook. By the same token, we’re now in a similar season for LinkedIn. With so few individuals and organizations posting, there is still potential for significant organic reach for those who invest the time. The great news? Anthony coaches that even fifteen minutes a day can help nonprofit professionals establish their personal and organizational brand over time. Listen to the full episode for his tips on how to increase engagement for each post!

Get to Know Anthony Jones, the LinkedIn for Nonprofits Expert!

Anthony Jones is a digital marketing and LinkedIn brand consultant.

For the last 20 years, he served as the Director of Digital Marketing at Ducks Unlimited. In this role, he led a team responsible for the organization’s website, social media, email outreach, and online fundraising programs. Anthony’s team built a social media fan base of 2 million followers and raised $40 million online.

Anthony is also a highly recognized face on LinkedIn. Since 2017, he’s worked to build his brand using a unique content marketing strategy that generated 7 million views and established a network of 38,000 followers. In 2020, Anthony started a side business, helping others optimize their profile and learn about the LinkedIn platform. In 2021, Anthony left his role at Ducks Unlimited to pursue his new passion as a full-time entrepreneur.

Today, he serves other professionals in the nonprofit and B2B space. Anthony helps unlock the power of LinkedIn to advance careers and generate more leads. Anthony is also the founder of the LinkedIn One Percent Club, a program that teaches individuals how to build their brands on LinkedIn. The platform features an online course as well as coaching and an exclusive student community.

He’s also a keynote speaker and provides LinkedIn training for corporations and executive teams.

Anthony lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi, with his wife and two sons.

Connect with Anthony: