Making LinkedIn Count: How Edulution turned engagement into real-world opportunities with the Social for Good Accelerator
The backstory
Edulution is a small but mighty charity delivering education programmes across Zambia, Namibia and South Africa. With a mix of remote staff, volunteers, and limited resources, social media was just one of many plates being spun — often without the time or confidence to test new ideas.
We spoke to Hannah Isbister, the only paid comms person on the team. She was already doing a great job with what they had — but knew there was more potential.
“Before I joined the course we were largely focused on Facebook and Instagram, and we had quite cohesive strategies and a good audience that consistently engaged with content. But I was looking to expand that across different platforms and explore paid social media opportunities
She also wanted to explore how other platforms — like LinkedIn or TikTok — could fit into their work, without feeling like just another thing on the to-do list.
Hannah joined the Social for Good Accelerator to find out what was possible, and how to approach social with more clarity, purpose and confidence.
“I wanted to understand how to maximise a small budget with paid advertising, and whether it was worth it as a charity - especially when we’d only ever focused on organic reach.”
How it went down
The Accelerator brings together weekly video lessons, live sessions and hands-on resources — designed for people juggling a million things and trying to make social media work in the real world.
Hannah found the format easy to follow and packed with useful, charity-specific advice. But the real turning point? The module on LinkedIn.
“It was a surprise! I didn’t expect LinkedIn to be my favourite — but I’ve completely changed how I think about it.”
She learned how to shift from reactive to proactive engagement — using LinkedIn not just to post updates, but to actively build connections. It was a mindset shift that made social feel less like a box-ticking task and more like a tool for real impact.
“It gave me permission to see LinkedIn as a place worth investing in — even with limited time. And it’s helped position Edulution as a credible voice in both the EdTech and charity sectors.”
It also changed how Hannah felt in her role — giving her the tools and confidence to advocate for new approaches internally.
“It gave me the confidence to advocate for paid social at leadership level. I could explain how it worked, why it mattered, and how we could use it ethically — even on a small budget.”
The results
For Hannah and the team at Edulution, the Accelerator didn’t just unlock new skills — it sparked real growth and visibility.
They now approach social media with a clearer strategy and a renewed sense of confidence. One of the biggest shifts has been how they use LinkedIn — not just to post, but to actively engage with their sector and community.
“We’ve already accessed grant money and been invited to speak at an international EdTech event — just from showing up on LinkedIn in a more consistent and engaged way.”
It also changed how Hannah feels in her role — helping her lead conversations internally about strategy and investment.
“It gave me the confidence to advocate for paid social at leadership level. I could explain how it worked, why it mattered, and how we could use it ethically — even on a small budget.”
+177% increase in LinkedIn impressions
+385% increase in content reactions
A strategy that includes paid social — with internal buy-in
Greater visibility across the EdTech and charity sectors
A mindset shift from “posting content” to building community
They’ve secured new funding and a keynote speaking invitation through proactive engagement on LinkedIn
Biggest takeaway from the Accelerator
“Community building is equally important, if not more important, than content reach and interactions, especially for charities and nonprofit organisations that are doing good in the world.”
Here's what they said
“The Social for Good Accelerator has definitely expanded my confidence and my knowledge of a multitude of platforms — ones I hadn’t even considered before, because I didn’t know if they fit with our strategy.
It’s also a great place to connect with other community-based and charity professionals. It was exciting to learn from them and from the experts in the Social for Good team — their advice on how charities can maximise the social space and make it a nicer place to be, one that prioritises community engagement and uses platforms ethically.”
— Hannah Isbister, Edulution
Want to see results like this too?
If you're a charity that wants to stop reacting and start connecting, the Social for Good Accelerator was built for you. Learn from charity social media specialists, join a community of peers, and walk away with a social strategy you’ll actually use.