4 Easy Ways to Promote Your Fundraiser

The big day is almost here!

You’ve booked the venue and sorted through most of the logistics.

Now, you’re ready to get the word out to your supporters and get them as hyped as you are.

For your event to be a successful, strong promotion is essential. From email marketing to word-of-mouth, you should plan to cover all your bases to make your fundraiser a success.

Need some help getting started? Follow these four steps for to fill your fundraising event.

Join us for a free webinar: Create a Successful Email Marketing Plan for Your Nonprofit in 15 Minutes or Less.

1. Plan a three-part email series

Email marketing should be at the core of your event promotion strategy.

Keep in mind most of your supporters need to hear about your fundraising event multiple times before they commit, so plan to send at least three emails:

Event Announcement – This initial email serves as your Save the Date. Send as soon as the date is nailed down, so your attendees can plan ahead.
Event Reminder – When you have more of the event logistics solidified, send an email invitation that highlights the main attractions of your fundraiser.
Last-Chance Email – Create a sense of urgency with your subscribers to boost last-minute RSVPs.

Keep all your emails short and sweet, so readers can make a snap decision and act fast. Focus on a picture, paragraph, and call-to-action in your emails — then provide more details on your event landing page.

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With the majority of emails now read on a mobile device, make sure you’re using a mobile-responsive email template and that people can RSVP on a mobile device.

2. Extend your reach with social media

While email marketing allows you to reach your audience directly in the inbox, social media is a little trickier. Social media algorithms restrict the number of people you can reach on most channels.

Focus on visual content, which performs best on channels like Facebook and Instagram. Consider making a short Facebook Live video or Instagram Story to show how your organization is prepping for your big event.

Tip: Don’t forget to include a link to your event landing page or details for how viewers can sign up.

You can also look for opportunities to repurpose photos from last year’s event. Share a photo with a caption that relives a great memory, then encourage people to sign up for this year’s event.

3. Encourage staff, speakers, and registrants to amplify your promotion

Remember, event promotion should be a team effort; the responsibility shouldn’t fall on you alone.

Send a quick email letting your staff know how they can help you out. You can even draft some sample social media posts, so they know exactly what to share.

If you have speakers coming to your event, see if they’ll share your event details with their audience, as well.

Lastly, remind your supporters to share your social media updates or forward your emails to broaden your reach.

4. Submit your event details to local media outlets

Even if you don’t want to write a full-blown press release, submit your event to local event sites.

Adding your fundraising event to a couple local event calendars will get you in front of a targeted audience who’s actively looking for something to do.

Ready, Set, Grow!

More RSVPs mean more donations, so don’t skimp on your event promotion. By completing all four of these steps, your guest list will be packed with enthusiastic supporters in no time.