Remember to keep your campaigning specific, such as focusing on a policy change or a specific SDG related action, as this is more tangible than a broader issue, hence more comprehensible and interesting for the general public. 

3. Choose the right social media platform(s) 

Choose the social media platform(s) that align with your objectives and your audience. Different platforms cater to diverse user demographics, considering factors such as occupation, age and gender. Additionally, each platform serves a distinct purpose, influencing its usage patterns. For example, Instagram excels in storytelling and visual inspiration, while X (ex-Twitter) is most effective for networking, news dissemination, and information sharing. For further insights into additional social media platforms, including their demographics and recommended uses, you can refer to this article. Forus members are usually active on several platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram and Linkedin.

4. Create Content 

Your content may encompass narratives, visually appealing graphics, and concise videos showing your network's efforts and impact on specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But how do you do this? Creating engaging and shareable content involves several steps. Firstly, ensure a consistent posting schedule, ideally 2 or 3 times a week. Incorporate relevant hashtags and tag individuals – including followers, partners, influencers, and other organizations – in your posts. Foster engagement by responding to audience comments and sharing interactive content. Actively follow and engage with influencers, whether individuals or organizations, through likes and comments on their posts. In platforms such as X, repost relevant content, perhaps created by your own members. If feasible, integrate social media buttons on your website that link directly to your accounts. Take a look at our member in Brazil (ABONG)’s Instagram profile and X profile to get a glimpse of the diverse content that can be found on an engaging account. For more detailed information, please refer to points 5 to 9.  

5. Utilize Hashtags 

CSOs should integrate relevant hashtags into their social media posts to broaden their audience reach. Examples of such hashtags encompass #HLPF, #SDGs, and #sustainabledevelopment. A different strategy entails tracking influencers and CSOs aligned with your mission and examining the hashtags featured in their posts. You can also develop and promote a unique branded hashtag and encourage your followers to use it when sharing content related to your campaign (i.e. #LetsTalkDigital)  

When sharing posts for a specific official campaign, use the corresponding hashtags. It’s also necessary to consider tagging influential people such as politicians when there are specific requests related to the campaign. You can get the correct tags and hashtags on the campaign's official website. As an example, check out how Forus used its toolkit during the UNGA and SDG Summit in 2023.  

Additionally, find examples of whom to tag on X below: 

- At the UN: @UN,  @antonioguterres, @AminaJMohammed, @UN_PGA 

Forus partners: @NGOMajorGroup, @TAPNetwork2030 @whiteband, @CIVICUSalliance, @Action4SD.  

Forus members: find a list of handles here.  

Regional tags: e.g. @EU_Commission @_AfricanUnion 

- At country level: 

Your country's president/prime minister and other world leaders actively engaging with the 2030 Agenda ahead of the SDG summit - eg. @POTUS President of the United States, or @miaamormottley Prime Minister of Barbados and @JustinTrudeau Prime Minister of Canada (both co-chairs of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocacy Group since 2022), @LAZARUSCHAKWERA President of the Republic of Malawi, @JoseRamosHorta1 President of East Timor, @LulaOficial President of Brazil, @PresidentIRL President of Ireland. 

- For additional UN Mission X handles, click here.  

Keep in mind that the efficacy of hashtags can fluctuate across platforms and over time, necessitating ongoing research and adaptation of your hashtag strategy to align with the specific objectives and audience of your CSO Additionally, staying informed about trending and relevant hashtags and tags within your cause area is essential. 

6. Leverage Multimedia 

Use a mix of visuals and multimedia content. The most popular social media platforms usually support images and videos, so take advantage of these features. You can also diversify your posts by using music, gifs, slideshows, graphics, interactive content such as quizzes and polls, AI filters and lenses, 360-degree videos and photos, stories, and podcasts. In order to engage more with your audience, you can also encourage your followers to share their stories, pictures or videos related such as initiatives around the Global People's Assembly where content is shared and is co-created. Check out how CCC, our member from Cambodia, shares on X a small text, an image, and a link to a video to advocate against pharmaceutical monopolies.  

7. The Power of Stories 

While acronyms like SDGs might not resonate with many, narrating the stories behind initiatives such as leaving no one behind, eradicating extreme poverty, and ensuring universal access to education and healthcare, as well as promoting gender equality, can connect with a broader audience. Spotlight your community's needs and priorities. Check out this Instagram post encouraging individuals to engage in volunteer work for a Colombian NGO. It highlights the impact through the firsthand experiences of a past volunteer. On the other hand, an Indian NGO effectively showcases its commitment to SDG 4 by sharing the inspiring story of one of its students. 

8. Engage Your Audience 

Respond to comments, messages, and mentions promptly. Host live Q&A sessions, polls, or contests to keep your audience engaged and involved. 

9. Inform 

Consistently provide updates on the particular Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) your network is focusing on. Inform your followers about actionable steps they can take to contribute, and share details about upcoming SDGs forums. Check out how our Nigeria member, NNNGO, engages with SDG 3 by creating an Instagram informative post on World Pneumonia Day. VANI, Forus member from India, similarly uses X to raise awareness on SDG 5 by posting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women.  

10. Use Analytics 

Monitor the performance of your campaigns using built-in analytics tools on Instagram, X, and other social media platforms. 

11. Call to Action 

Mobilize the audience and inspire them to actively contribute. As an example, see how Unitas, Forus’ Bolivia member, calls to action to read and inform about a government statement that violates Human Rights. Additionally, see Forus’ Philippines member (CODE-NGO)'s call to action to join an informative session about climate change.  Make sure to include your important, long-term calls to action (i.e. signing a petition) in your profile bio.  Find here a selection of 15 campaigns on the SDGs!