Using Social Media

Use the articles and tip sheets below to get started with social media.

Articles

Slammin' Shelter Videos
We've collected a slew of great videos from shelters across the country — some quietly touching and others outrageously hilarious — to spark your creativity.

Creating a Communication Plan
When you plan your communication strategy, social media will be a key tool to reach your community and tell your story - and tell it really fast to a lot of people.

Creating a Slideshow
Show off your animals, give a virtual shelter tour, or document a special event with easy-to-create (and cheap!) online photo slideshows.

Slideshow Tools and Resources
Where to find free slideshow tools, free music, and more free advice on the web.

Tips and Tools for Using Social Media

ASPCA Ebooks
Download the ASPCApro Community Engagement ebooks. Each ebook tells the story of a shelter who rallied its community to build strong connections and save more lives. Consider replicating their successes at your shelter. 

Social Media Glossary
Don't know a friend from a follower? Check out our visual glossary and learn to talk the social media talk.

10 Tips for Responding to Negative Comments
Social media experts and users offer effective strategies for handling negative comments posted to your blog, Facebook page, or other online venue.

10 Things to Know about Facebook (.pdf)
Jeff Patrick, President and Founder of Common Knowledge, believes social networking is the most important Internet trend for nonprofits. Check out his top-priority facts for Facebook.

Top 10 Tips for Building Support from Online Fans (.pdf)
Jo Sullivan, former ASPCA Executive Vice President of External Affairs, shares her tips for using the best mix of social networking, public relations, AND empowering friends and family.

50 Things to Do on Facebook
Got Facebook? We give you 50 ideas for engaging your community online. Fifty fun ideas, in fact.

9 Social Media Don'ts
The no-no's of social media in 60 seconds or less.

ASPCA Pro Blog Posts about Social Media
Ideas, examples, and strategies about getting your point across in old and new media channels.

The Write Stuff: 5 Tips for Your eNewsletter
Here are a few simple ideas to show your readers what they really want to know: how to help you.

3 Ways to Promote Your Animals on Facebook
With the click of a button, you can promote your shelter animals on the largest, most popular social network.

30 Animal Welfare Tips to Share on Facebook
Posting tips is a great way to engage your community. Here are some cat and dog care tips to get you started.

Bonus Tip: Visit the Resources and Related Links page for examples of welfare agencies who are using social media effectively.