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Whenever there is talk about GoFundMe campaigns, one question always comes up: How do you promote your GoFundMe page effectively? It’s a great question because GoFundMe campaigns rarely succeed without some strategic marketing.
Advertising is often the key to drawing attention to your campaign and getting donors interested. Before we dive into tips to increase views and donations, here are some insights from GoFundMe’s Support page:
- People who know you or have a personal connection to your cause are your biggest sources of donations.
- Most GoFundMe donors don’t browse the platform for new campaigns. Sharing your campaign via email, social media, and online communities is a more reliable way to attract traffic.
- GoFundMe campaigns that gain viral and media attention usually start as local successes.
- Donations from strangers typically come in after a campaign has already seen success in its community.
- Your campaign won’t appear in GoFundMe’s search results until you’ve raised at least $500 in online donations, are verified on Facebook, and have an appropriate photo or video. This means you’ll need to do some marketing before you become visible on the site.
Based on these facts, it’s clear you can’t just wait for generous strangers to find your campaign. To create a viral GoFundMe success story, you must start with your own community. Focus your promotional efforts on friends, family, and local connections before reaching out to strangers.
So, how can you improve your chances of raising money from your community and potentially attracting viral attention? Here’s what you can do:
1. Prime Your Network
Not everyone in your social network knows about GoFundMe or how to donate online. Instead of just posting on Facebook, reach out personally to friends and family. Reconnect, catch up, and share your fundraising plans. A personal message, email, or call can go a long way in educating people about your campaign and raising awareness.
2. Tag and Thank
Use social media to thank each person who donates publicly. Mentioning them in a Facebook update not only makes them feel appreciated but also spreads the word about your campaign. It’s a great way to remind others about your fundraiser and keep it in the spotlight.
3. You Must Ask to Receive
People rarely share campaigns on their own, so you need to ask them. Requesting friends and family to vouch for your fundraiser can help attract donations from their networks. It can be intimidating, but asking for shares and donations is crucial. Nurture these relationships, and even if someone declines, it’s usually no big deal.
4. Think Local
Leverage your local community involvement to reach a broader audience. Whether it’s your local church, community groups, or local newspapers, don’t hesitate to ask for their support. Visibility in your community can translate into donations and shares for your campaign.
5. When to Consider Long Shots
Once you’ve worked hard within your network, it doesn’t hurt to share your story online or with journalists as a human-interest piece. While only a few campaigns go viral, reaching out to a wider audience can still make a significant impact.
Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are one of the best ways to help your GoFundMe campaign go viral. A well-made video can convey your story compellingly and engagingly, making it easier for people to understand your cause and feel motivated to contribute. Share your video on social media, your GoFundMe page, and anywhere else potential donors might see it.
Press Release Writing and Mainstream Media Distribution
Have the experts at CrowdFundingExposure.com write a professional press release and distribute it through mainstream and mass media. This is another excellent way to get your GoFundMe campaign to go viral. A well-crafted press release can attract media attention and reach a broader audience, increasing the likelihood of donations from people outside your immediate network.
Conclusion
The key to promoting your GoFundMe page is to start with the people closest to you. They’re more likely to resonate with your cause, so share your story and ask for their support. A compelling story and a well-crafted pitch are essential for success.
If you’re looking for more guidance, check out my Crowdfunding Exposure Treasure Chest program. It includes fundraising email templates, a comprehensive checklist workbook, step-by-step crowdfunding videos, and other resources to help you raise more funds on GoFundMe. Also, don’t miss my FREE GoFundMe course, which breaks down the path to success step-by-step.
Good luck, and remember: the best way to get exposure is with CrowdFundingExposure.com!
