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Social media has taken over millions of nonprofits. It provides a cheap, easy way for agencies working on a limited budget to reach their target audience and build new contacts. And, it can be one of the most effective ways for nonprofits to spread word about what they do and how they do it.

Recent reports show that despite shrinking budgets, and extensive staffing challenges across the board, nonprofits are still finding value in growing their social networks. According to one blogger, recent studies have found that:

• 98% of nonprofit agencies have a Facebook page with an average community size of over 8000 fans.
• Average Facebook and Twitter communities grew by 30 and 81% respectively.
• Average value of a Facebook “like” is $214.81 over the 12 months following acquisition.
• 73% allocate half of a full-time employee to managing their social networking activities.
• 43% budget $0 for their social networking activities.
• The top 3 factors most nonprofits are using to gauge the success of their social media are: strategy, prioritization, and dedicated staff.

Statistics compiled by Katya’s Non-profit Marketing Blog

But still, social media presents some distinctive challenges for nonprofit organizations.

Because social media provides captive audiences with thousands of attention-grabbing options, nonprofits have to find quick, easy ways to distribute their information and to keep fans engaged. Using interesting infographics goes a long way to keeping your audience aware and involved with a nonprofit mission though.

Innovative and easy to digest, infographics combine key

facts, compelling stories, and interesting imagery that work to start conversations both online and off. “Good visualizations can also help charities better understand their own data and use those insights to improve their programs,” said Jake Porway, founder of Data without Borders, in an article published by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

By sharing simple messages that can be understood with little or no prior knowledge of the subject matter, nonprofits are finding that they can easily improve their operations and increase their reach.

For more examples of well received infographics and tips on how to make your own, read the full article on The Chronicle of Philanthropy.