When it comes to digital giving, far too many churches and nonprofits take the “If we build it, they will come” approach. Don’t let this be you! Getting the right platform in place is just the first piece of the puzzle.
A successful digital giving program is an ongoing process, but don’t worry, it’s not nearly as arduous as it can sometimes seem. Here are four things you can do today to ensure you are getting all you can out of your online giving and text-to-give solution:
1) Optimize Your Website For Giving: Be proud of your giving page! Don’t hide the link on the footer or on a list of 15 other links. Get that “Donate” button on your homepage. Get it “above the fold.” It doesn’t need to be the first thing a giver sees when he visits your website, but it should be easy to find when he needs it.
2) Communicate Regularly: Tell your supporters about the digital options. And then tell them again. And again. And again. This will ensure that your givers know exactly where and how they can give back to your organization whenever the opportunity presents itself. Maybe this means regular email appeals. Maybe it means social media updates and a banner on your homepage. Maybe it’s a verbal reminder at your next service or event. Maybe all of the above.
3) Encourage Scheduling Giving: Why do we talk about scheduled giving so much? Because it can have a HUGE impact on your bottom line. When communicating with your members and supporters about digital giving, be sure to include regular encouragements to take advantage of recurring giving options. Even as little as $20.00/month can add up in a hurry.
4) Create A New Campaign Or Two: In addition to making donations easier to manage on the backend, new campaigns are a great opportunity to remind your supporters to give online or via text and can be a great way to encourage more of them to engage with the online tools.
These are just four ways your church can get moving forward with digital giving and ignite a surge in participation financially for new projects as well as general funds.
