If you're an avid follower of the Grassroots.org blog, you already know that over the next few months, our staff will be reviewing one web tool each week. Each tech tool comes from this list of Web Development Best Practices from Grassroots.org founder Mike Mann. So check back and read this weekly series for advice, insight and information on the web’s best technologies for nonprofits.
What kind of service is HootSuite?
Simply put, Hoot Suite streamlines social media editing by letting users update multiple Twitter accounts from one website. The customizable dashboard integrates the social network’s main functions, including direct messaging and status updates, and adds tools such as link shrinking to speed up the process.
Beyond basic Tweeting, HootSuite offers two main advantages: The flexibility to schedule Tweets in advance and the ability to register multiple logins under one Hoot Suite account. That means if your entire staff Tweets professionally, Hoot Suite can house each of those logins under one account.
How have we used HootSuite at Grassroots.org?
Because we only have one Twitter name (@grassroots_org), we use HootSuite to space out our messages. Each time a new member signs up for free web tools, we send a thank you out on Twitter. With HootSuite, we time these updates so that repeat Tweets don’t annoy our followers.
On weekends, HootSuite lets us keep our profile active without spending Saturdays in front of the computer. We schedule two days worth of updates each Friday so that our social media accounts stay busy, even when we’re relaxing.
How should nonprofits use Hoot Suite?
Any nonprofit on Twitter should consider Hoot Suite. The tool is incredibly useful for managing thousands of followers, shrinking links and reaching diverse audiences.
If your Twitter activity is light, Hoot Suite makes it easy to search for new followers, re-Tweet interesting articles and track your stats. It’s not only an effective way to manage a current account but also an easy way to watch your organization grow.
How can my organization get Hoot Suite?
It’s easy and free! Just head to HootSuite and sign up for an account.
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