Creating online campaigns in Swell is super simple! In this Just 1 Thing from Swell, we talked about why you might want to add them to your fundraising calendar, some common types, how to create them, and some tips for success.
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How to create online campaigns
Video and Transcript
Why Online Campaigns?
An online campaign is a time-limited fundraising effort that takes place entirely online, allowing you to reach beyond your event guests and activate your network through storytelling, social sharing, and peer-to-peer engagement. There are a few reasons you might want to consider them. Here are a few:
- Fast and easy to launch
- Expand your reach
- Create new engagement opportunities.
Common Types and Examples
Online campaigns come in many shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the most common types we see:
Flash Campaigns are really fast and usually in response to an immediate need, which is why they’re often referred to as crisis campaigns. This campaign is not usually part of your normal fundraising schedule, but having one or two concepts in your back pocket to pull out in case you need them is a great idea!
Champion Campaigns: Although this type of campaign can have an in-person element like a kickoff meeting or celebratory finale, it can also be entirely online. The basic premise here is that you have a small group of well-networked champions or supporters who love your cause. You give them the tools (and sometimes the competitive motivation) they need to succeed and ask them to reach out to their personal and/or professional networks on your behalf. Incorporating peer-to-peer competition generally works really well with these types of campaigns.
Annual Appeals: Some examples include Giving Tuesday or other year-end fundraisers.
Tributes or Occasion Campaigns: These are generally celebratory or memorial in nature. Maybe you’re celebrating your organization’s anniversary or a beloved board member, or an employee’s retirement.
Examples:
How to Create an Online Campaign
This slide contains the basic steps to create your campaign. For a detailed walkthrough, see Steps to Build an Online Campaign.
Tips for Running a Successful Online Campaign
- Communicate your why
- Know who
- Give fundraisers the tools they need
- Use competition to your advantage
- Say thank you publicly and privately
Resources
Past Just 1 Thing from Swell Sessions:
- Just 1 Thing from Swell: Flash Fundraising
- Just 1 Thing from Swell: Spotlighting Your Champions
- Just 1 Thing from Swell: Communication Tips for Champion Campaigns
From the Blog:
- How to Successfully Run a Champion Campaign with Swell
- What to Do When Your Board Asks for an Online Fundraising Campaign
- Peer to Peer Fundraising: A Guide for Nonprofits
To Equip Your Champions:
For Your Planning:
- Resources and Steps for Planning Your Online Peer-to-Peer Campaign
- Fundraising Toolkit
- Sample Email to Prospective Fundraisers
- Sample Email to Community on Launch Day
- Online Campaign Calendar(This one is a Google sheet. You'll need to make a copy to edit it). Instructions for the Online Campaign Content Calendar.
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