At R&A, we love to give back to our community. Through our experiences, we’ve learned the most effective way to magnify an excellent fundraising opportunity is to utilize the power of social media. (#GivingTuesday, Reading Awareness, and St. Jude Walk/Run are just a few of our recent efforts)
Below, we have provided a few best practices on how social media can assist with campaigns aimed at driving awareness or garnering donations. It’s important to note that social media should never be a solo effort. Much like an effective marketing strategy, it is a combination of tactics (i.e., email or peer-to-peer marketing) that make a fundraising initiative successful. If you are on the hunt for some tips to add to your strategy, here some we found most impactful:
- Social Media Engagement is Crucial. Social media is an effective way of networking as it allows you to start and maintain conversations with potential donors, volunteers and influencers. You aren’t just sharing the organization’s needs or your fundraising goal, but building relationships with your followers and the selected nonprofit. Listen to what others are saying and respond in real time – even if it’s just a “thank you.” The more your network participates in the conversation, the more sharing and retweeting will take place!
- Sharing the Impact Makes it Relatable. When it comes to supporting organizations, many people aren’t sure if they donate enough or what those funds will go to, so it’s important to make it relatable. If you’re asking for $25 from your followers, let them know what $25 can accomplish. Or if you share that your goal is to raise $15,000 for St. Jude, share what the actual costs of running the hospital are (FYI, its over $2 million each day!). If potential donors know the impact their contribution will make to the cause, they’ll be more like to consider donating. The same applies to volunteering. Highlight the impact individuals’ time can provide to the organization. For example, 12 members of the R&A team worked at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore for four hours and helped feed over 200 families in our community!
- How Can Someone Help? Always include a Call to Action. In marketing and real life, you need to tell people what you want them to do; therefore, include a call-to-action in your message. If you want them to spread the word about your cause, ask them to share your event or website. If you want them to donate, be direct and include specific instructions or a link to make it easier.
Through these tactics and other traditional avenues, R&A employees have been able to turn our networks into an army of advocates for causes we passionately support. We hope we’ve empowered you to do the same!
If you’re a nonprofit in need of assistance, please let us know. We’re always on the hunt for new organizations to support. Email us at Info@ReedandAssociatesMarketing.com!
