Online charity auctions allow the nonprofit community to tap into the convenience and immediacy of the Internet for raising funds, but fundraising for a cause can have many variables that affect the success of an event. How can organizations maximize their online charity auctions and ensure they raise as much money as possible? 
Below are tips from the experts at Charity Grow to help charities increase fundraising dollars through their online charity auctions.
1. Get the word out
Excitement is contagious. If charities build excitement and energy prior to the launch of their online auction event, others will be drawn in, as well. An auction no one knows about won’t bring in any funds. In the age of social media, getting the word out has never been easier. Charity fundraisers prior to their event should create promotional flyers and e-mails promoting their auctions. Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, e-mail newsletters a week before the auction goes live gives potential bidders time and the encouragement to take interest in what the charity is planning. Create Twitter hashtags just for the online event. Promoting an online charity auction isn’t just about showcasing items available for bids. It’s the opportunity to remind supporters and potential supporters why their participation makes the work that charity does possible.
2. Diversify the auction items availability but cater to your audience
A variety of charity auction items in an auction increases the chances of gaining larger and more potential bids. Auction Items can range from tickets to sporting events to vacation packages, jewelry to autographed memorabilia. The more options included, the better the chances of someone taking interest in what’s available. It’s equally important to tailor an online charity auction to the audience that will be placing bids. Catering the auction item list to the demographic of the majority of supporters for an organization is a sure way to increase bids.
3. Send out Reminders and Instructions
Given all the information a person is bombarded with every day, it’s easy to forget important information or just ignore it altogether. Reminders are essential to building momentum for an online charity auction and maintaining the interest of potential participants. Along with those reminders, send out any instructions needed for the auction. Charity Grow’s online auction platform requires users to register first before they can bid on an item. Registration takes less than a minute and simply entails a username, e-mail, password and address. That information is NEVER sent out to third-party advertisers or distributors. Personal information is kept secure and only used for the delivery of sold items to winning bidders.
Contact a charity fundraising specialist at 888-232-2500 or email info@charitygrow.com for more information on how your organization can take advantage of the online auction platform created by Charity Grow to raise funds for your cause.