This time two years ago, many charities were frantically redesigning their digital fundraising strategy. The situation now is very different from that in 2020 - we’ve all heard the advice to utilise online events or auctions, but the number of people still interested in attending an online pub quiz has all but vanished. Many charities are beginning to feel that their digital fundraising strategy has stagnated, so here are a few tips to refresh your strategy.
1. Donation progress bar
So you have an online donation page, or Giving Page - that’s great! How can you encourage further donations through this page? A donation progress bar provides a goal post for supporters to aim for, empowering donors and visibly demonstrating the difference they have made. This tool also utilises social proof - donors give more when they see others have given too.
To get started: If you don’t have a Giving Page set up with Donr, take a look at our templates. We include a Giving Page with a donation tracker, allowing you to set a fundraising goal for a specific event or campaign and display your progress. Check out some of our case studies to see how other charities use Giving Pages!
2. Optimise everything for mobile
We have mentioned this before, and for a reason - 70% of web traffic is now via mobile devices, with 25% of people donating through their mobile device. Not only that, but Google won’t rank your site as highly if it isn’t mobile friendly. Ensuring that your website and your donation options are all optimised for mobile is essential in minimising drop off, and maximising engagement.
To get started: Check out Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to see how your website scores, and what elements you could improve upon.
3. Mobile Lotteries
Of course we have to mention Mobile Lotteries. A lottery can be used either as a standalone fundraiser, or used to bring in regular income through a weekly society lottery. We take care of all the admin, regulations and technical bits, and best of all, it’s super easy for supporters to enter, with only a mobile phone number required. It’s a great way to diversify your fundraising streams and create regular income.
To get started: Sign up to the free webinar here.
4. Giving Day
Having a dedicated Giving Day that is placed on a day of significance for your charity can be a great opportunity to reach out to supporters and remind them of the importance of your cause. Working with a partner corporation to incorporate a matching gift element to the day can further encourage supporters to give.
To get started: Take a look at this article by The Fundraising Authority that tells you everything you need to know in order to run a successful Giving Day.
5. Upgrade your social media use
Having a good social media strategy can play a massive role in making your digital fundraising successful. It provides you with the opportunity to connect with your donors as well as their wider community. Here are a few ways you can upgrade your social media use:
- Partner up with social media influencers or celebrities who are interested in your cause. This gives you access to a new audience, and potential supporters and donors!
- Try using videos - videos receive up to 12 times more engagement than images or words.
- Demonstrate the difference you are making. Supporters love to see the impact that is being made as a result of their support.
Finally...
Last but certainly not least, the most important thing you can do to upgrade your digital fundraising strategy is to understand your donors - what motivates them, why they give, what their needs are, and how you can meet them. Putting time into learning as much as you can about your supporters will be invaluable, and help you to craft a strategy that works for your charity.