How to Make Online Fundraisers Work for You

Tips to help you maximize your online sales.

Purchasing items online has become a well-accepted way to buy. People have busy schedules, and online shopping is a fast and convenient way to acquire goods. After all, the items are delivered right to their doorstep, so why wouldn't they prefer to make an online purchase?

How do some schools successfully raise thousands of dollars online and others don't? Maybe it's because some sponsors aren't convinced that online selling is effective. After all, most of the money has historically been made by selling out of a brochure; perhaps they aren't convinced yet.

Another reason is perhaps they aren't sure how to incorporate online selling into their fundraiser. However, the ultimate goal is to maximize brochure and online sales because they complement each other. Here's how groups can increase sales using online fundraisers.

Utilize Online Sales Tools

Groups can benefit from the additional money made through online sales. However, the program must be implemented correctly. Our sponsors receive step-by-step instructions on integrating online selling into their sales. The goal is to get as many students to register as possible. Registered students receive prize credit and the school profits from their online sales. Each group is encouraged to provide the instruction letter to their parents.

How to Promote Online Fundraisers

The online selling process should be discussed at the kickoff and throughout the fundraiser. Once registered, sellers need to be reminded to consistently:

• Send emails inviting friends and family to visit the online store
• Share their online ordering information with people they come in contact with
• Use social media to get the word out

Track Online Fundraiser Progress

Sponsors should also regularly update their students on their online sales progress. This will encourage additional selling. Not only should students know how the entire school is doing, but who the top 5 to 10 students are as well. Some school fundraising companies will provide the group with online access to their specific internet sales, or requests for this information can be made by the sponsor to the company.

We know which groups benefit the most from online sales. They constantly monitor and share their online sales progress.

See our brochure fundraisers.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.