Fundraising can be difficult without the right tools. One of the most important tools of crowdfunding is learning how to maintain good donor relationships. By communicating with your donors you not only get better results but also make your supporters feel valued. Here are the best tools for learning how to write a fundraiser update.
The first step to writing an update is to recognise how your donors have helped so far. It’s critical to be grateful and sincere. Often times we don’t realise how important a simple “Thank You” is to many people. After you have thanked everyone, let them know how close you are to your goal. When you write your updates, remember to include your custom hashtag. Link to your social media pages and any blog posts you may be writing about your crowdfunding journey. Once you have given a brief update on your fundraising goals, it is time to really connect with your supporters.
Kaitlyn used her GoFundMe to tell an amazing story: a homeless addict named Aeric returned her purse when she thought it was gone forever; he told her he wanted to get clean and she vowed to help. But it was through her updates that the real story took place. She let her donors know every step of Aeric’s recovery and she sent out links to her Facebook page for the fundraiser. Her supporters have followed developments for nearly a year through photos, links and inspirational content.
With his parents’ help, 8-year-old Paul started a GoFundMe so his friend Kamden could get a new wheelchair. In 10 months, Paul has posted 25 updates with photos, videos, important developments and links. He’s shared good news and bad, but every update is filled with gratitude and optimism. His from-the-heart updates keep donors emotionally involved in the story and lets them know where their money is going.
After giving a good update on your fundraiser, let your donors know how else they can help: this can include showing up to a fundraising event or sharing your cause with others. Remember that people really want to support you. Read our tips and ideas for more inspiration for your fundraiser. If you haven’t already, launch your fundraiser today.