The Importance of Branding Your Nonprofit on Social Networks Through Graphic Design

Nonprofits were the early adopters of social networks. The were active on Myspace, YouTube, and creating Facebook Groups long before most of the companies that are often praised for being the pioneers of social media. One of the reasons was that social networks were free to join and lacked monthly fees. Enterprising nonprofit staff (usually GenXers) with a love for the Internet created communities on Myspace, YouTube, and Facebook in 2004/2005 and most often without executive buy-in. They acted on instinct that social networks were going to be transformative tools for cause awareness and fundraising campaigns, and they were right. It’s an entirely different Internet than it was just five years ago.

The conundrum today, however, is that many nonprofits have not moved beyond the concept of social networks being free. The Internet users of 2013 expect polish and professionalism across your online channels not only in their appearance, but also in how they are managed. A good content strategy requires time and skills to execute and the successful management of your social networks requires training. And quality graphic design for your social networks that strengthens your online brand is also not free unless you are fortunate enough to have a staff person or volunteer skilled in Photoshop. That said, Nonprofit Tech for Good just went through the process of rebranding and below are the most important graphics necessary for your social networks:

1. An Avatar :: 200 x 200 pixels

Your avatar should compliment or be extracted from your logo:

2. Facebook Cover :: 815 x 315 pixels

3. Twitter Background :: 1920 x 1080 pixels

Twitter Header (Fixed) :: 520 x 260 pixels

Twitter Header (Color) :: 300 x 300 pixels

4. Google+ Banner :: 2120 x 1192 pixels

5. LinkedIn Banner :: 646 x 220 pixels

6. YouTube Banner and Background :: 2120 x 1195 pixels

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