6 tips for a successful Peer-to-Peer fundraising platform launch

You've set up a Peer-to-Peer fundraising platform so your supporters can start fundraisers for your organisation. This won't happen by itself. That's why a platform launch is very important. This article will provide you with 6 tips for a successful Peer-to-Peer fundraising platform launch.

1. Set up a launch which makes people excited

Nothing is as demotivating as an empty fundraising platform with no donations on it. You can prevent this by starting your own fundraiser with colleagues from your organisation. This also shows your dedication as an organisation. If you do this before your launch, your platform will already have some real content when you do cut the ribbon.

You can encourage your supporters to start their own fundraisers by linking a competitive element to your peer to peer program. You can reward the people who raise the most, are the most creative or have the most inspiring story. Choose a fitting reward and make it a party. Rewards don't have to cost money, you can express your gratitude in a multitude of ways.

Does your organisation have a dedicated month for Peer-to-Peer fundraising? Use this month to shine a light on your platform. 

2. Make the platform easy to find on your homepage

Peer-to-Peer fundraising programmes are often set up on a standalone platform with a dedicated URL. This makes communication easier. But it's important that potential supporters can find your platform. People need to be able to find your website using Google but perhaps even more important is a link on your corporate website. Your Peer-to-Peer fundraising platform should be easily found on the homepage of your corporate website with a notable button or banner. You don't want your potential fundraiser starters to search too long or even give up.

3. Send a special Peer-to-Peer fundraising newsletter

Set up a newsletter focused on your Peer-to-Peer program. You can introduce this in your regular newsletter to let all your contacts know they can start a fundraiser. People who are interested can sign up separately for a newsletter with all the information surrounding Peer-to-Peer fundraising. Use this newsletter to share stories from supporters, show successes, inform people where their donations are headed, send articles with tips, etc.

4. Spread news via social media

Don't forget to announce your fundraising platform on social media. The benefit of social media is that you can send multiple messages about your fundraising platform. You can share stories from supporters, show the first results, tell what the raised money is spent on, etc. Repetition is a key factor for the success of your Peer-to-Peer fundraising platform and social media is the way to go. As long as you link to your fundraising platform in your messages. Make sure to spread out your messages, you don't want your followers to feel like they are being spammed.

5. Add Peer-to-Peer fundraising as a recurring segment to your general newsletter

Not everyone who reads the first announcement of your fundraising programme will start a fundraiser right away. Add a Peer-to-Peer fundraising segment to your general newsletter. The fundraising platform will stay top of mind, without you having to spend a lot of extra time. You write newsletters anyway.

6. Approach your top supporters 

Do you have donors who've donated more than once? Or people who have supported your organisation multiple times? It's worth approaching them about your Peer-to-Peer fundraising platform. These ambassadors might even want to start a fundraiser or can help spread the news about your platform. If you have supporters with a lot of (online) influence, you should consider influencer marketing for your organisation.