Crowdfunding often relies heavily on your social connections, but fundraising without social media is certainly still possible. In fact, a lot of people actually find success by using these direct methods of sharing instead. Here’s some alternative ways to share if you don’t have social media.
Text messages
Many people find success by sending a text message individually to each person as a one-on-one conversation rather than a group text. Try using a template for your essential message, but shape it to each individual. It should be clear to recipients that you’re reaching out to them personally. Remember to offer different ways to support you, like sharing your fundraiser over social networks, donating, or both!
Phone calls
This is a great way to connect with friends and family who may not be local. Before reaching out to your list of contacts, try creating a script or jot down the main points of your cause you want to get across. Why is it important to you? What is needed and how will your donations be used? By making your cause feel personal to whoever you’re calling, you could persuade more people to support you because they feel like part of your cause as well.
Emails
Emails are another great opportunity to share your fundraiser with a personal touch. Similar to a letter, they make it easier to go into a bit more detail, which can help persuade any readers on the fence. You can also get creative with the subject line to intrigue people about your cause. For some ideas of what to say, check out this fundraising email template.
Ask a friend to share online
Try to identify any friends who have a following on social media, and ask if they would be open to sharing your fundraiser on your behalf. To help them keep track of how much they’ve raised, you can also add them as a team member to your page.
Hang posters or hand out flyers
Use GoFundMe’s print a poster feature, to post your fundraiser in places around your neighborhood. The flier will include a link to your fundraiser, so anyone who comes across it can navigate to your page.
Handwrite a letter
One way to make your first donors feel special is by writing them a personalized note with your fundraiser link and leaving it in their mailbox. Since writing notes can take time, this strategy is great to use at the beginning of your campaign to kick start your effort.
Seek out a community
Relationships are at the heart of fundraising, so it may be worth getting to know more people in your area if you’re having trouble finding donors. Local Facebook or Meetup groups, religious organizations, sports clubs, and some online communities can be a great way to start building a community for your cause.
