More organizations around the world are using Twitter for fundraising and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars towards their campaigns. Here are a few hints for using Twitter to help spread awareness about your research and expand critical funding for your biotech brand.

First, Why Twitter?
It’s a tool that enables people to connect and maintain relationships as part of their normal everyday routine and from the convenience of their desks or wherever they have internet. From non-profit research organizations to pharma brands, engaging donors and investors regularly is key. Twitter enables engagement across the globe in an instant. Now, here’s what you can do:

Build A Stronger Community
Twitter is a powerful communication tool that can help spread your message, but it’s people who raise the dollars. The key is to spend time building your online community with the right people who are most interested in your biotech brand story – i.e. investors, etc. They are the Twitter engine that can grow your audience, empower your cause and ultimately, your bottom line.

Make It Count.
With only 140 characters per tweet – Twitter forces us to make each Tweet count. Help investor’s understand your biotech brand’s specific purpose and your request in a concise manner. Simply: Why should they care about your work and how will their contribution make a difference to your research?… To the lives of patients?…To our global health?

Generate Excitement. Brand Your Initiative.
Creating exposure and excitement around any fundraising initiative is crucial. Get creative and set your campaign apart from the rest in biotech world by giving it personality and a distinctive voice on Twitter. An easily recognizable avatar and clever #hashtag can serve as smart and vibrant brand extensions for your campaign.

Celebrate Those Who Are Making a Difference.
Social media is about sharing information but it’s also about generating positive energy around an important cause. Recognize those who are making an impact in your campaign. It could be a researcher, a donor, a volunteer, an investment group, your CEO’s latest presentation, or even a specific product being used in your research. Share your thanks and their significance through a simple tweet, your newsletter, blog or an event. They are the roots of your campaign and online community.

Strengthen the Relationship. Stay Top of Mind.
As part of your every day routine and without leaving your desk, Twitter enables you to regularly engage with your investors and stay top of mind. Sharing timely information enables investors to stay current with your progress. People want to know where their money is going and how it’s making a difference and a simple Tweet can keep them up-to-date. Nurture developing relationships as your ongoing communication builds trust, enables your audience to have a greater sense of your needs and also encourages a more regular and loyal following of your work and your biotech brand.

Is Your Biotech Brand using Twitter? Tell us more.

Melissa Jun Rowley from Mashable.com shared her list of helpful tips for successful Twitter fundraising that inspired this post. Click here to read the her article 10 Tips for Successful Twitter Fundraising

Marc Pitman is the author of fundraisingcoach.com. You may find this introductory article helpful: Twitter for Nonprofits and Fundraising