Make Your Charity Visible: Why Online Presence Matters
Having a website, social media account or online listing might feel like a “nice-to-have” – but for small charities and Meeting Houses, it’s increasingly a must-have. Your online presence is often the first place someone will look to find out who you are, what you do, and how they can get involved.
And here’s the thing: if they can’t find you, they can’t support you.
Why online presence matters
Whether it’s someone looking for a place to hold a community group, a potential volunteer checking your values, or a newcomer wanting to attend a Meeting – your visibility online helps people feel confident to take the next step.
We’ve seen it first-hand:
• A Quaker Meeting House that listed their building on local venue hire platforms saw a rise in enquiries from climate groups and small community projects – who then became regular partners.
• One small charity had a volunteer sign up after reading a heartfelt blog shared on Facebook – they’d been looking for a way to reconnect with a cause they cared about.
• Another group found that simply adding updated opening times and a warm welcome message to their Google Business listing led to more footfall during events and open mornings.
Practical ways to boost your online presence
You don’t need a big budget or a digital team – just a few small steps can make a big difference:
• Update your contact details and times: Make sure your website, social media, and Google profile reflect your current opening hours, events, and room hire options.
• Share what’s happening: A quick photo of your community garden, a snapshot of a room being used, or a quote from a recent visitor helps show you’re active and welcoming.
• Use social media simply: You don’t need to post daily but aim for consistency. Even one post a week helps show signs of life and makes people feel they’re welcome to reach out.
• Encourage community sharing: Ask groups that use your space to tag you or leave a review. Word-of-mouth online helps build trust quickly.
• List your space: Consider local directories, community Facebook groups, or platforms like Spacehive, Hallshire, or Nextdoor, especially if you’re looking to connect with local people or raise funds.
It’s not just visibility – it’s connection!
A strong online presence doesn’t just help people find you, it helps them feel you. It tells your story, shows your values, and invites others in. It can help turn a quiet room into a lively community hub, or a one-off visitor into a long-term friend.
So if your website’s gathering dust, or your Facebook page hasn’t had a post since last year, consider this your sign to show up again – even just a little. Your next volunteer, donor, or community partner might be one post away.
Gemma White
MBS Marketing Team
