Technology and its varying advancements have greatly benefited many businesses and organizations. Where fundraising is concerned, in the past, organizations resorted to physical events and index cards to keep track of every donor. Today, virtual fundraising tools have made the process much easier.
When coordinating a fundraising campaign, it helps to use a good range of marketing techniques to guarantee high donor revenue. On that note, this article offers four of the best online marketing tips to implement to boost your fundraising campaign.
1. Use Multichannel Marketing
The multichannel approach is a great way to diversify your fundraising income. In this digital age, many people spend their time on a variety of platforms. They move from one platform to the next on different types of devices, checking for updates and new notifications. Using multiple marketing mediums such as websites, social media, and email is a great way to diversify where your funds come from.
You may even take things further and opt for the direct marketing approach. For example, you can use an SMS donation service. With such a service you can reach a wider variety of people, from a broader range of backgrounds, than you perhaps would solely online – since there are more mobile phone users than internet users.
2. Sell Special Edition Merchandise
Another great way to raise more money for your fundraising campaign while promoting your event is by selling merchandise. Selling branded items such as shirts, mugs and caps helps extend your reach to many people whilst making a bold statement for your cause. These items, while being used by those already on board with the organization, will raise awareness and may start new conversations that can progress into new contributions and donations.
In addition to bringing in more potential donors, limited edition items add a special appeal to your organization. Stating that these items are limited creates a sense of urgency and desirability around them, encouraging people to make purchases before it’s too late.
3. Let Social Media Work for You
For many organizations and businesses, social media platforms are solely used for marketing goods and services. While this is good, when used correctly, social media platforms can help boost your fundraising campaign, improve engagement with your brand, and increase the number of event attendees.
Most social media platforms allow you to use existing hashtags and create new ones for the event or campaign. You can then encourage all potential attendees to use this hashtag to get the word out. The hashtag can also be included in their photo captions so that everyone else can see them.
4. Engage Supporters Early
Effective fundraising marketing is only made possible with early engagement. Expert marketers for fundraising events suggest that engagement for events should be done approximately 90-180 days before the actual event. This gives your supporters enough time to spread the news to friends, family, and followers.
During the days leading up to the event, you can engage your supporters through peer-to-peer fundraising, early-bird specials, and early auctions of raffles. These are great ways to help kick start your event and create traction with your revenue.
All in all, fundraising and planning for events are done better when the best marketing strategies are implemented. With these tips in your bag, you’re sure to engage with your audience better and encourage higher attendance rates for your event.
