Why do I need crowdfunding

Top Tips on Running a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

• You have the option to share your story through words, images and video. Whichever you choose, make sure you tell your story authentically, in your own words, so that your supporters can see your passion. Crowdfunding campaigns come in all shapes and sizes, so this will look different for everyone – you might find humour the best way to communicate your message, or speaking a heartfelt message might be the best choice for you.

• When writing your words or video script, it's important to focus on 'why' you're fundraising, rather than how much or what for – by telling your supporters why the cause is important to you, you'll be making it important to them too.

Make it skim-easy

Use headings, paragraphs and images or videos to break up your story and make it easy for your supporters to follow – as a rule of thumb, you have 3 seconds to capture your audience and make them want to read more, so make sure the highlights stand out.

If you're stuck for ideas and not sure where to start, we've made you a handy checklist:

1. Who is the fundraiser for?

2. What happened, where and when?

3. Why is it important to you to help?

4. where you interact with the Website, through the use of browser 'cookies' or trackers;

5. How will the funds help the situation? (Breakdown the costs of your fundraising goal so supporters know exactly where their money is going)

Once you've answered these questions, try reading it aloud so you can hear what your supporters will hear – don't forget, even professional writers go through a few drafts before they hit perfection!

Choose a great name

It's a busy world so you need a name that will stop people in their tracks and give them a reason to take a few minutes to read more. Use your campaign name to clearly identify the cause or person you're raising funds for and a short, inspiring description of why.

Use plenty of images and videos

A picture paints a thousand words" – it's a famous saying for a reason. Choosing the right images and videos for your campaign can make a real difference to the support you receive by making an emotional connection. The right images can also inspire your supporters to share your campaign on social media, getting you more attention and more funds.

Shout about it - become a marketing guru

Share it far and wide (and repeatedly)

• In the fast-paced world of social media, not everyone will get the chance to see your campaign the first time you post it. Make sure you post your campaign several times to give your supporters the best chance to see your link.

• On Facebook, you can pin your post to the top of your profile, so people can easily find it again if they saw it while they were scrolling.

• You can even consider making your own hashtag, so your followers can easily find and share your campaign on social media and post their own updates and opinions.

Keep up to date

Through your iCause portal, you can share updates about your campaign to keep your supporters engaged (and remind them to donate if they haven't already). Exciting updates will make your campaign even more shareable, and give supporters a reason to post about it on their own social networks. And as you get closer to your fundraising goal, don't forget to share updates to celebrate with all the people who have helped you get there – that's what crowdfunding is all about after all.

1. Are you struggling to think of updates? Consider these:

2. A new image or video of the person or cause you're fundraising for.

3. A quote from a supporter.

4. A video or photo of a supporter.

5. An update on funds raised so far and how close you are to your goal.

6. A thank you for the number of shares or likes your campaign has had to date.

7. Any challenges or setbacks you're facing.

Every time you post an update on your campaign page, don't forget to share the link on social media, SMS and email to get your campaign all the attention it deserves!

Take it offline

Even though crowdfunding gets its superpower online, don't ignore your offline community. There are a number of effective ways to get more attention for your campaign offline. You could consider:

1. Talking to people in your workplace.

2. Leaving leaflets in local businesses.

3. Advertising at events.

4. Using print advertising.

5. Letterbox drops

6. News articles or television interviews

7. Including a postal address so supporters can mail donations if they prefer.

Be the heart of your causes community

Get social

The most successful crowdfunding campaigns take their supporters on a journey. Social media is the perfect place to do this – share your campaign and updates on all your social platforms and encourage your supporters to do the same. Make sure you like and comment every time a supporter posts about your campaign and create a unique hashtag so you can easily search for posts about your cause.

Consider an event

Fundraising events are a great way to motivate your community of supporters and build meaningful, face-to-face connections. If it's appropriate for your fundraiser, consider planning an event (our Event Manager will make it easy!)

Write a blog

Harness the power of storytelling and link your campaign to a blog. This gives you the opportunity to really take your supporters inside your journey and build a community of people that care as deeply as you do

Become a PR whiz

Let's face it, the world can be a bit gloomy, but feel-good stories about successful crowdfunding can break up the news cycle and give people something to smile about. Follow our tips to get your fundraiser in the news:

1. Write a press release that includes:

   1. a summary of your campaign

   2. a link to your icause page

   3. your contact details

   4. a compelling hook so that journalists can't resist

2. Find newspaper and television journalists to send it to by searching for similar stories and contacting the journalists that covered them. Alternatively, find the submission details on news outlets' websites (but this can make your chances of getting covered a bit lower).

3. Consider using a press release distribution service to get your story picked up. These are paid services and fees vary, so make sure you do your research.

Don't forget – if you've pitched yourself to the media, you need to be prepared for the interviews that follow. If you're fundraising for a person or organisation, make sure you have their permission first as journalists will probably want to talk to them too.

Show your gratitude

This is so important for so many reasons, most of all because it captures the essence of crowdfunding – a community of people coming together to help someone in need. Making your supporters feel appreciated will not only create good vibes but might inspire them to donate again. At the end of your campaign, share photos and videos to show how they've helped and the real, life-changing difference that crowdfunding can make.