Social media advocacy: How to promote a cause in 2025
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Social Media Advocacy: Amplifying Voices for Change
What is Social Media Advocacy?
Social media advocacy is the strategic use of social media platforms to advance causes, such as charitable campaigns, political activism, or social change.
Unlike brand advocacy, which focuses on promoting brand awareness, social media advocacy aims to raise awareness about issues and drive action.
Benefits of Social Media Advocacy
Wide Reach
Social media offers access to a vast audience, allowing advocates to engage with huge segments of the population who are actively discussing relevant topics.
Connection with Stakeholders
Platforms like Hootsuite Listening facilitate the discovery and connection with stakeholders, influencers, and potential allies who share common goals.
Leverage Existing Communities
There are thriving online communities for every cause, providing a valuable space for advocates to engage and amplify their message.
Types of Social Media Advocacy Programs
- Build awareness about an issue or cause, using infographics and personal stories.
- Influence or change public policy through outreach to politicians, sharing petitions, and creating campaign-based hashtags.
- Collaborate with influencers and content creators who resonate with the cause and have dedicated followings.
- Empower employees and volunteers to share pre-approved content on their social networks, maximizing reach and consistency.
Awareness Advocacy
Policy Advocacy
Influencer Advocacy
Employee Advocacy
How to Set Up a Social Media Advocacy Program
1. Set Clear Goals
Define specific goals, benchmark engagement rates, and outline the desired outcomes.
2. Identify Target Audience
Determine the key demographics to target based on the advocacy goals and campaign objectives.
3. Develop Useful Resources and Thought Leadership
Create engaging content, such as infographics and personal stories. Leverage tools like OwlyWriter AI to expand and improve content.
4. Identify Key Trends and Moments
Utilize Hootsuite Listening and Talkwalker to monitor trends and align with relevant cultural moments.
5. Track Results, Refine, and Reallocate
Use Hootsuite Analytics to track performance, analyze results, and optimize resources.
Social Media Advocacy Examples
Movember
Movember's social media campaign is a prime example of harnessing user-generated content to drive awareness for the cause.
National Down Syndrome Society
Through its TikTok videos, the National Down Syndrome Society effectively raises awareness and supports fundraising efforts.
Racial Bias in Pulse Oximetry
This example demonstrates the impact of social media advocacy in amplifying important issues, leading to increased research and regulatory action.