Don't underestimate the power of a direct message. Most donors just want to be invited into the story. Texting someone directly is one of the best ways to gain momentum early.
Think of three or four people who would rally behind you and donate once you launch. Getting your first 3 donors within the first 48 hours greatly increases the likelihood of hitting your campaign goal.
How to Do It in HopeGives
- Go to your campaign and click Share.
- Copy the link, or click the Text Message or WhatsApp button. This automatically opens the native app for you.
- Open your messenger, paste the link if it isn't already there, and be specific with your invite.
An Example Message
"Hi John, hope you are doing well. We just launched a campaign to raise the funds to get us back to the field. We're looking for partners to help us raise our final $1,000. Would you consider partnering with us? We would also greatly appreciate your prayer. And if anyone else comes to mind who might want to partner too, please feel free to share this campaign with them."
The 4 Circles
When sharing, keep these 4 circles in mind:
- Start with the three or four people you know best.
- Then reach out to your wider community: a pastor, a friend.
- If you're messaging on Facebook or Instagram, include the people who follow you.
- Ask them to share with their circle. Your friends know people you don't, and those people will hear about it from someone they trust.
Best Practices
- Don't be afraid to ask directly. Most people want to be invited into the story.
- Add urgency with a date and a goal. Example: "We're trying to hit $1,000 by October 31. Would you consider giving $50?" Being specific makes it easy for them to say yes.
- Before you start promoting, create your contact list based on the 4 circles above.
Helpful Resources
- Canva — a free tool if you want to attach a simple graphic or photo to your message