In today’s world of instant communication, using the timelines of your friends’ Facebook and Instagram pages is a great way to increase your COTA community campaign’s fundraising totals. And when your friends pass the information to their friends, the message spreads quickly and effectively. It is a simple and inexpensive way to share your COTA story and donation link.
The key to success in electronic communication is to spread the word and share the link to the COTA campaign website consistently. Here are some viral fundraising suggestions to consider:
- Keep the message simple. This will allow friends to read and share it quickly and easily. If the message is too long or too complicated, it may not be shared.
- Include visuals. Messages with visuals, like pictures or videos, typically receive the most engagement and are more likely to be shared.
- Make it relevant and timely. The message should have a sense of urgency so others will recognize the importance of sharing the information quickly.
- State your call-to-action clearly. The first paragraph should tell readers everything they need to know. In fact, by the end of the first sentence, a reader should know why they are being asked to help. Direct readers to your COTA community campaign website for more information and to donate to the COTA community campaign.
- Encourage sharing the message. Social scientists tell us that each person has at least 10 people in their close network of friends and family. When a friend gets a request from you, they will be motivated to act. Ask that friend to share the social media post or forward the email, and you will be telling your story to at least 10 other potential COTA contributors. The impact of your communication continues to increase each time the message is shared.
Visit the Fundraising Resources tab for more social media strategy tips. Remember to send all materials to CampaignInfo@cota.org before posting to ensure IRS compliance. And always remember to tag COTA and use #COTAHope on your social media posts so we can follow your viral efforts!
