10 Steps to Online Fundraising Success and 4 Mistakes to Avoid

This afternoon, I’m presenting on this topic at CADCA’s National Leadership Forum, the nation’s largest training conference for community substance abuse professionals.  You can check out the entire presentation HERE.  (While you’re at fundraising123.org, also check out John Kenyon’s More Than a Donate Button: Composing Your Online Fundraising Plan in ‘09 presentation.)  My top ten are:

1. Get the tools (decent website, DonateNow button, email signup, email campaign tool)
2. Put your DonateNow button and website address everywhere
3. Create and fuel your email engine.
4. Now make sure people give: Focus on the AUDIENCE.
5. Answer for prospective donors: why me?
6. Answer: what for?
7. Answer: why now?
8. Answer: who says?
9. Thank early and often.
10.  Do the advanced stuff (like social media)

What to avoid?

1. Thinking a DonateNow button alone is an online fundraising program
2. Putting yourself at the center of every message—that’s where your audience belongs
3. Having a lame, confusing or ill-considered call to action. 
4. Being ungrateful—thank your supporters lavishly, over and over

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