How to Maximize the Impact of Online Fundraising
Online fundraising has become an increasingly popular way for non-profit organizations to raise funds for their missions. With the growing number of online donors, it's important to know how to maximize the impact of your online fundraising efforts. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your online fundraising campaigns:
Set clear and measurable goals: Most nonprofits try various online giving strategies with no intended benchmarks or expectations of return on investment. It's important to define your fundraising goals and set realistic targets that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will help you to monitor progress and make data-driven decisions. The first attempt at online fundraising won't be perfect, so data will help you dial it in over time.
Develop a compelling message: There are a TON of great causes we compete with online for dollars. We need to communicate our mission and why it's important to donors. Our message should be clear, concise, and persuasive, and focus on how their donation will make a difference. Demonstrating specific impact is key.
Leverage social media: Social media is a powerful tool for reaching a large audience, so it's important to create a social media strategy to promote your campaign. Share your message on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and encourage your followers to share your posts to increase your reach. Social media without a plan is a huge time waster, so strategy first!
Create an engaging website: Your website is the hub of your online fundraising campaign, so make sure it's easy to navigate and visually appealing. Your website should include a clear call to action, donation options, and a way to track progress towards your fundraising goals. This may include upfront costs or funds for a refresh, but the return on investment for the brand and great SEO (search engine optimization) can be powerful.
Use email marketing: Email marketing is an effective way to reach potential donors, keep current donors engaged, and share updates on your fundraising progress. Personalize your emails and make them visually appealing to increase engagement, and understand that information is the key goal, not solicitation in every email. Most of the communication to your email list should be how you are helping the community, and limited communication should be "ask" specific.
Provide incentives: Some people are more likely to donate when they feel like they are receiving something in return. Offer incentives, such as branded merchandise or recognition, to encourage donations. Not everyone will want the recognition or the gift item, but some people like the idea of supporting but also getting a digital or physical reminder of your brand
Say thank you: Don't forget to show your appreciation to your donors. Sending a personalized thank-you message can go a long way in building a lasting relationship with your supporters. People can spot an auto generated email a mile away, and it's all too often impersonal. Try to find ways to personalize or customize your thank you's (maybe even with a phone call to a live person!) Do this to put yourself ahead of 95% of nonprofits out there.
Online fundraising can be a highly effective way to raise funds for your non-profit organization, but it requires careful planning and execution. Trial and error without a strong plan in place is hardly worth the time investment when you can be instead talking to real people one-on-one. By following these tips, you can maximize the impact of your online fundraising campaigns and achieve your fundraising goals.
Don't know where to start? We can help! Send us a message to set up a quick chat about optimizing your online giving!
