Are you planning to create an online fundraiser? You can make the most out of your effort with some smart planning. Of course, creating an online fundraising store will still take some time and effort. Once you decide to create a fundraiser, you\’ll have to take steps to move forward. Many people jump right in without outlining a proper plan. The doesn\’t usually lead to the best results.
First things first, it helps to keep a clear goal in mind. If you know what you want, it will be easier for you to outline the steps you need to take. Have a look at the following nine factors to help you get started.
1. Block Off Some Time
Most of us have a limited amount of time to create a fundraising store, so we have to be realistic about our schedule. We all have many personal and professional commitments to take care of on a daily basis. With that in mind, it pays to use our time as wisely as possible. Once you have everything up and running it will be a breeze, but be sure to block off some time to get your fundraising store launched.
2. How to Choose a Deadline
Whatever the project is, it usually helps to have a deadline in place. If you want to raise more money for your cause, this isn\’t a bad idea. Although, if your objective is mainly to raise awareness, you might not have a specified deadline. In general, timelines help us to stay more organized, regardless of our goals.
3. Set a Budget
Your fundraising store may need a budget, too. For example, if you plan on paying for any marketing ads. Of course, the great thing about virtual shops and events is that you won\’t have in-person costs. You can save money on things like food and the location because it\’s all online. You may decide that you want to hire someone to help you with social media promotion, though. Running a successful marketing campaign can make all the difference when you launch your fundraising store.
4. Do You Need a Team?
Depending on how much money you\’re hoping to raise, you might also want to consider putting together a team to help you. This can really improve the exposure for your fundraising store. You can share your thoughts on social networking sites to find other people who care about the same cause. Discuss your plan and try to utilize all the available resources. This kind of networking is much easier now that the Internet is available. You can schedule a time to talk to your team every week to stay on track.
5. Understanding Your Audience
Before any further planning takes place, you\’ll need a clear understanding of your target audience. Who is your fundraising store for? Without a clear picture of your target audience, the marketing side of things won\’t be as successful as it could be, so take some time to think about this. It will help you customize your store\’s image to attract the right people.
6. Polish Your Communication Skills
If you\’re planning a virtual event to kick off your fundraiser store, you\’ll also need to be a good communicator. Communication skills can help you in most aspects of your life, and this is no exception. You\’ll need to communicate a clear marketing message, and also be able to have useful discussions with your team as well. If you can share your goals with enthusiasm, you can inspire your team and your audience. This is a recipe for success.
7. Promote Your Event
If you\’re planning a virtual event, your team should plan for the launch date well in advance. An online charity event can help to promote your fundraising store. When it comes to organizing a virtual event, you\’ll need to focus on certain aspects, similar to an in-person event. For example, make sure your Internet speed is fast enough. Slow speeds can cause lag times when you\’re streaming live. You\’ll also need to decide how to make the event engaging, especially since it will take place online. A well-planned event can grab more attention for your new fundraising store.
8. Use the Right Marketing Strategy
You will have to market your online store like any new brand or in-person shop. Marketing is a must if you want better exposure. You\’ll also need a carefully crafted message in order to convince your target audience that the fundraiser is worthy of their time and money. Thanks to the web, you\’re sure to find many helpful ways to market the launch of your new store. But you can use both offline and online marketing tools. Some of your options include: print media, email marketing, blogging, social media, local newspapers, and word of mouth. All of these options can help you reach a wider audience.
Implementing proven marketing strategies will help you draw the right attention for your online store. If you don\’t feel confident about these steps, there are many free marketing blogs online that are a great resource to help you learn more. A few marketing tips can go a long way when it comes to launching your virtual shop.
9. Don\’t Forget to Say \”Thank You\”
Many organizers forget to thank the people who contributed to the success of their fundraiser. This is easy to do when you have a lot to think about. So, make sure to take the time to thank your team, and anyone else who helped you to promote or launch your virtual storefront. Remember, people who feel appreciated are willing to go above and beyond to help you.
It may seem like a small gesture, but thank you cards can really make people feel good about volunteering their time for a cause. You can also consider ordering some custom apparel for your team members and have your brand logo printed on it.
Taking the time to thank people can also inspire them to contribute to your cause again in the future. So, make time to appreciate their efforts and the difference it made.
Products For Your Fundraising Store
Now that you have a plan, you\’re ready to get started. Choose your team, logo, and the best name for your storefront. Confidence and proper planning make for a successful fundraiser. Of course, you also need products for your fundraising shop. BYOG Logo can help stock those virtual shelves. To learn more, contact the BYOG team at (925) 829-3950, or click this link.
