Helping others is very rewarding for you, your business, and your workers, associates, and clients, as you see those you help reap benefits while earning some recognition for your company’s efforts.
Check out the words from inspirational pro-Zig Ziglar:
“If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.”
Here are tips to help with your fundraiser marketing campaigns.
1. FLYERS
Create flyers for bulletin boards of the organization involved in fundraising and for local area stores, shopping centers, community centers, and other places. The flyer includes complete contact information with your website, email address, and phone number.
To save on full-color printing, print with standard black ink on colored paper. Along the bottom of the flyer, have tear-out tabs with your website link and phone number so people can tear them off and take them home. Tip: Pull off the first tab to get the motion in action. Otherwise, passers-by will think your flyer is too pretty to tear and won’t take any strips home for follow-up.
2. COORDINATE
Make sure the group or organization you are helping takes part, too. Have them cross-promote, linking your fundraiser web page to their website. Create a particular email message for them to send to co-workers, clients, and other contacts.
And help by submitting a newsletter article about the fundraiser to their company newsletter. Speak often with the person coordinating the fundraiser within the organization to develop and follow through with your joint marketing plans.
3. PRESS RELEASE
Announce your fundraiser to local media: print, radio, and television. Having digital photos to supplement and plenty of information for follow-up in a media kit online is excellent for quick reference and handy downloads.
Attach a link to your media kit alongside your press release. Having someone who can communicate effectively in different scenarios is advantageous. Radio and television hosts may want to interview someone about the event. If you have an open house or kick-off event, invite the media, too.
Have media kits to distribute (in print and on CDs). So, reach out and help others with fundraiser marketing. Helping others is a great way to help yourself in the process. And do remember to include your website and email address on all your marketing tools.
15 Proven Tips to Turbocharge Your Fundraiser Marketing for Unprecedented Success
Hello, changemakers! So, when avoiding social interaction, you want to raise some serious capital for a cause as close to your heart as your smartphone. Well, guess what? You’ve got to market like you’ve never sold before. Think of your fundraising campaign as the Star Wars franchise of the charity world—epic, action-packed, and with a cast of characters people can’t help but love (or love to hate).
1. Tell a Captivating Story
For the Newbies:
The “why” behind your fundraising campaign is crucial. Everyone has a story, but how you tell it can distinguish between a snore-fest and a blockbuster. We’re talking about a compelling narrative arc with twists, triumphs, and maybe even a cute mascot (because who doesn’t love a furry sidekick?).
Start by pinpointing the heart of your story: the people or issues you’re aiming to help. Introduce your audience to these elements as if you’re writing the first chapter of a book they won’t be able to put down.
For the Old Hats:
You’ve been around the fundraising block a few times. You now have testimonials, follow-up stories, and success metrics that can add layers to your original narrative. Use these to refresh and deepen your account.
Create video diaries, blog post updates, or even an entire section of your website dedicated to the ongoing story of your cause. You’re not just writing the sequel; you’re creating a whole story universe that can spawn spin-offs, prequels, and more.
2. Use Multi-Channel Marketing
Greenhorns:
Relying on just one channel for your fundraising marketing is like cooking a gourmet meal but only using salt. Bland! Social media platforms offer easy ways to share bite-sized information and updates, while email campaigns can deliver more in-depth content.
Refrain from discounting traditional methods like flyers, community bulletin boards, or good old-fashioned word of mouth. A diversified strategy is the spice of life, or in this case, the spice of a successful fundraiser.
Pros:
Alright, Mr. or Ms. Marketing Maestro, you have lots of data. You know who engages with your emails, who’s most active on your social media channels, and who attends in-person events.
It’s time to go all Sherlock Holmes and use those insights to refine your approach. Identify the platforms that give you the most ROI and focus your energy there. But don’t be too myopic. Always leave room to test emerging platforms because you need to find where you might find your next group of loyal supporters.
3. Master the Art of the Ask
New Players:
It’s positive to seek donations, although it’s comparable to proposing marriage without a first date. Preposterous, right? Be specific about what you’re asking for. Need $5,000 for a community garden project? Break it down.
Show people where their money is going, from the seeds and soil to the educational programs for the local school. Make them feel they’re part of something more significant, like they’re investing in a blockbuster movie and not just a two-minute YouTube video.
Seasoned Veterans:
You’ve been at this for a while, so generic pleas for financial support are beneath you. Segment your audience and personalize your “ask” to make it resonate. Did someone donate during your last fundraiser? Thank them and let them know the impact of their previous donation before asking again.
Tailor your approach to first-time donors, repeat donors, and high-value donors. Think of it as a VIP experience; they’re not just getting general admission tickets; they’re getting backstage passes to something epic.
4. Leverage Influencers
The Young Bloods:
Influencers can turbocharge your fundraiser faster than you can say “retweet.” Start small. Look for micro-influencers who are passionate about your mission and have a follower base that aligns with your target audience. A shared post or two from these folks can expand your reach faster than a caffeine-addicted teenager can text.
The Industry Titans:
Why settle for a rowboat when you can hijack a yacht? Secure endorsements from high-profile influencers or celebrities. A tweet from Taylor Swift or a shoutout from Elon Musk can turn your fundraiser into a viral sensation. And when that happens, you’re not just sailing; you’re cruising in the big leagues.
5. Use Video Content
New Recruits:
Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days. A heartfelt, authentic video can often speak louder than a thousand words—or a thousand Instagram posts. Start simple. Capture testimonies from those who have benefited from your cause or showcase the problem that needs solving. Your video doesn’t need to win any Oscars; it just needs to win hearts.
The Film Festival Winners:
You’ve got a budget, you’ve got a team, and you’ve got high expectations. Generate top-notch videos for integration into your email campaigns, social media platforms, and website. Use drone shots, animations, or whatever cutting-edge tech you can get your hands on.
Aim for the emotional jugular while also showcasing the breadth and impact of your work. In other words, this is your chance to make the “Avengers: Endgame” of fundraising videos.
6. Public Speaking Engagements
Beginners:
Every TED Talk sensation had to start somewhere, and small community events are your somewhere. Local schools, Rotary Clubs, and community centers are all excellent places to hone your public speaking skills and get your message out. Think of it as the open mic night of fundraising; it’s a tough crowd, but it’s where you cut your teeth.
The Keynote Speakers:
You’re the Beyoncé of the fundraising world, and it’s time to own that stage. It would help if you were targeting more significant events, industry conferences, and even televised opportunities. Each engagement should educate and inspire, turning everyone in the audience into a potential donor or ambassador for your cause.
7. Make Donating Easy
The Novices:
You’ve lost the game if donating feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Your donation page should be clear, simple, and quick to navigate. The fewer clicks between your supporters and the completion of their donation, the better.
The Experts:
Remember how Amazon revolutionized online shopping with its “1-Click” feature? It’s time to take a leaf out of their book. Offer multiple payment options, including digital wallets. Implement a subscription donation model for recurring support. Turn it into a seamless, enjoyable experience that donors almost forget they’re parting with their money.
8. Keep Donors Engaged
Rookie Mistake to Avoid:
Thanks for your money, goodbye! This approach is as appealing as a one-season TV show with a cliffhanger ending. Keep your donors in the loop. Regular updates about their funds’ utilization can convert one-time contributors into loyal supporters.
Elite Strategy:
It is where Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems come in handy. Segment your donor list to send out personalized updates and thank-you messages. Some of your supporters are ripe for upgrading to more significant donations or becoming volunteers. Your communications should make them feel like insiders with VIP passes to your cause’s backstage action.
9. Gamify Fundraising
The Amateurs:
Gamification isn’t just for video games and corporate training programs. Turn fundraising milestones into levels, reward donors with unique badges, and create a leaderboard to spur competition. Hey, if it works for Fortnite, it can work for philanthropy!
The Game Masters:
Use advanced metrics to track your most engaged supporters. Introduce premium rewards, tiered donation levels, and unlockable content. Encourage your audience, from casual supporters to die-hard, top-tier donors, to rise through the ranks. We’re talking elite rewards beyond a shoutout in your newsletter—think exclusive events, limited-edition merchandise, or opportunities to visit your project site.
10. Add a Sense of Urgency
First Timers:
Nothing kicks people into gear like a ticking clock. Create short, intense bursts of fundraising activities, such as a 24-hour donation drive, to encourage immediate action. It’s the QVC of fundraising: act now, or miss out!
The Time Lords:
Why count the hours when you can create a whole event around it? Think of major televised charity events like Comic Relief in the U.K. or Hand in Hand in the U.S. They make sense of the occasion beyond a simple deadline. Go big with a live-streamed event featuring notable speakers, entertainment, and real-time donation tracking.
11. High-Value Donors
Fresh Faces:
Identify potential high-value donors by looking at people already engaged with your cause. Contact them personally to discuss how they could make a more significant impact. You’re not just panning for gold; you’re going straight for the motherlode.
Old Money:
You’ve already got a Rolodex of wealthy donors, so why not use it? Personalize your high-value donor strategies by creating specialized events or opportunities catering to their interests and capacities.
Corporate sponsorship packages with different tiers can also lure in the big fish. Think of it as crafting a premium wine list for a fine dining restaurant—you’re offering something for the more discerning palates.
12. Partnerships and Sponsorships
Just Starting:
Forming a partnership with a local business can be a win-win situation. You get increased visibility and potential donations while they showcase their community involvement. It’s like having a guest appearance on a popular TV show; you gain their fanbase while adding fresh energy to the regular programming.
The Hollywood Players:
Your Rolodex is filled with more than potential high-value donors and has contacts for critical decision-makers at major companies. Leverage these connections to secure sponsorships or partnerships that can catapult your fundraiser into the stratosphere. It isn’t just a guest appearance; it’s a full-on crossover event with a star-studded cast.
13. Experiential Events
For the New Kids on the Block:
Begin with small-scale, intimate events that create a tangible connection between the donors and your cause. Think of it as a community bake sale but upgraded. Imagine a cooking class where the funds go to provide clean water or a local art show that benefits educational programs. The goal is to connect the dots between the donation and the impact, making it real for your supporters.
For the All-Stars:
Step up your event game to high-profile galas, celebrity appearances, and immersive experiences that redefine the very concept of a fundraising event. Imagine virtual reality experiences transporting donors to the locations and lives they’re impacting or augmented reality art auctions. You’re not hosting an event; you’re crafting an experience akin to a high-end theme park—thrills, chills, and warm fuzzies included.
14. Maximize PR Opportunities
The Fresh Faces:
Local media can be your best friend, amplifier, and megaphone to the masses. Start by drafting a compelling press release that tells your story succinctly and engagingly. Distribute it to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV networks. Even if you only get a minor feature, that’s a start. Remember, even Star Wars was once just a script in George Lucas’s drawer.
The Media Moguls:
For those who have been in the game long enough, your PR shouldn’t just be a sideshow but a main event. Craft a comprehensive PR strategy, including press kits, pre-scheduled interviews, and regular press releases that update the media on each milestone you reach. You’re not just making headlines; you’re dominating the news cycle.
15. Measure, Tweak, Repeat
For the Rookies:
New to analytics? Don’t fret. Even essential tools like Google Analytics can provide more than enough data. Track how people find your website, which pages they’re spending the most time on, and, most importantly, where they’re dropping off. It isn’t just aimless scrolling; it’s valuable reconnaissance.
For the Wall Street Analysts:
By now, you should have custom dashboards that would make a Fortune 500 company blush. Use real-time data and advanced metrics to refine your approach constantly. Implement A/B testing on your emails, donation pages, and social media posts to determine what ticks your supporters’ boxes. You’re not just playing the stock market; you’re setting the trends that others will follow.
Wrapping It Up
So, there is a bona fide array of ways to make your fundraiser the hottest ticket in town. Whether you’re a newbie learning the ropes or a seasoned pro with more campaigns than a five-star general, these tips are your roadmap to fundraising glory. Now go out there and show the world that your cause is worth every penny—and then some!
