Top Ten Tips for Managing Your Fundraiser Once it is Live

Here is the last in the series of blogs designed to give you a deeper understanding of how you can get your fundraiser to reach its maximum potential.

This blog, is probably the one you need to focus on most, as is quite often the one part of crowdfunding that gets neglected. We have compiled a checklist which should help to ensure you keep your fundraiser fresh, appealing and connected.

1.   Schedule sharing your link

Once you have considered how long you are running your fundraiser, you should schedule a minimum of three ‘link shares’ where you appeal directly for people to donate.

Your first will naturally be when you launch your fundraiser. Your second should be about midway through your campaign. Your third should be in the last two weeks of your campaign. This will make your fundraiser structured and will not make donors feel like they are being harassed to donate to your cause.

In between these shares, you should be regularly sharing your link as an addendum to some news – such as you’ve reached the 25% or 50% mark, or you’ve added some great rewards or have some exciting news to share about your campaign. These should be shared several times a week if possible – particularly on Twitter, where a tweet could easily be missed.

 

If you are not sure that you are striking the right balance in promoting your campaign, ask a friend or family member whether your shares are too much for your particular circle of contacts.

 

 

2.   Add updates

If you aren’t maintaining an interest in your fundraiser, how can you expect your donors to? Adding updates is one of the best ways of demonstrating how committed you are to your fundraiser. It also provides more depth and interest to your fundraiser, and provides the perfect opportunity to share your link.

 

 

 

3.   Change photos

Changing photos or adding more photos keeps your fundraiser current. You can add new photos that show what your donations are already helping you to achieve, or can help support any updates or news you want to share.

 

 

 

4.   Add a video

If you haven’t added a video, it is never too late. Our full editing options allow you to add a video at any time. They don’t need to be professional. We have seen some deeply moving and thoughtful videos recorded and uploaded from mobile phones.

 

 

 

5.   Change or add rewards

Rewards are a great way to thank fundraisers for their donations. Many donors do not want rewards, they are just happy to help your cause. But for others, it connects them to you and your campaign and offers tangible appreciation.

 

 

 

6.   Network

Beyond family, friends and work colleagues, many of us don’t think we have any more local contacts. But what about your local sport centre, the school your children attend, local businesses and shops? Don’t underestimate how receptive local community can be to assist.

 

 

 

7.   Take your fundraiser offline

We don’t mean cancel it – we mean incorporate a little bit of ‘old fashioned’ fundraising. Sponsored walks, garage sales, cake stalls at a local car boot sale – anything to keep your fundraiser in the spotlight.

 

 

 

8.   Connect with your donors

We have a variety of ways to connect with your donors – from personalised thanks via email and checkout messages through to responding to messages of support on your comments tabs. Taking a little time each week to connect with them builds a really interesting fundraising page, and encourages new donors to be a part of it.

 

 

 

9.   Consider help

If you find time is short, consider asking a friend, family member or colleague to come on board as a team member to manage one aspect of your fundraiser. The phrase ‘two heads are better than one’ is very apt. Perhaps they can organise your offline fundraising (see point 7), or manage replying to your messages of support.

 

 

 

 

 

10.   Watch your deadline

Once your deadline passes, you will not be able to receive further donations. If your fundraiser is still actively receiving donations, it would be a shame, after all your hard work, to miss out on willing donations. You are able to extend your fundraiser an unlimited amount of times, so if you can see your deadline approach simply edit the end date.

 

 

 

This blog completes our series on how to really elevate your fundraiser. So if you think you are ready to put these tips into action, click on the link below, and start fundraising today!

 

Visit GoGetFunding & Start Your Own Campaign >