Use social media to help you smash your fundraising targets

You don’t have to be a social media guru for it to help improve your fundraising. If you’re looking for more friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you, it’s an invaluable tool that can help you smash your target.

• Give your fundraising event a catchy name

Starting out with a memorable name is a great way to grab everyone’s attention. You might even stand a better chance of getting coverage from local press and radio too.

• Create an event on your Facebook page

If you have a fundraising event set up here, you can keep sharing it with your friends and get more people to come along. Make sure to keep updating the page and drum up the excitement by teasing what everyone can expect.

• Use your contacts

Tag them in posts and tweets. They can then tell other people about your fundraising, meaning you’ll get more people donating.

• Respond quickly

If people take the time to comment on any of your social media pages, then like, retweet and share quickly. This keeps your social media ‘live’ and exciting. It’ll make people want to revisit and share themselves.

• It’s all about the photos and videos

Drive interest in your event or challenge by uploading photos and videos. Show how your training is going, mention any new raffle prizes, say thank you to your suppliers. It all makes it much more fun and keeps people coming back!

Did you know?

Fundraising success is just a click away! Sharing your page on Facebook generates an average donation of £5.

Hosties 4 Heroes | Fundraising Top Tips

Hosties 4 Heroes have been fundraising for Help for Heroes since 2012. Organised by Sophy Mahon, these ladies are serving aircrew with Virgin Airlines. When not on flying duties, they take on several challenges a year in support of Help for Heroes. “Shaking up a cocktail of mud and glamour” as they describe it, they really understand social media and use every platform possible. Read their top tips below.

Don’t be afraid to be a bit wacky and OTT

“You want people to like and follow you and pick up every post you make, so you have to grab their attention quickly!”

Use your contacts

“Do not underestimate the power of social media. It lets you quickly and easily share donation links with your followers and friends. You never know who might be really supportive and useful to you.”

Shout about it locally

“Get your local paper and radio station on board to help you spread the word. Don’t forget to include a website and phone number so that people know how to get in touch for more information.

“Finally, remember to let people know how you’ve done, how much fun you’ve had, remind them there is still time to donate and say thank you!”