How to host a virtual raffle

Including exciting prizes

Naturally, exciting prizes motivate raffle ticket sales. Charities need to think creatively, as prizes can draw in audiences not only during the event, but afterwards as well.

Our top tips for prize sourcing are:

• Make use of your networks. Engaging with charity trustees is a great start, as many senior leaders may be willing to donate rare prizes
• Ask corporate partners for donations. Many charities already have existing relationships with businesses who may be able to provide in-kind gifts or donations
• Consider bespoke experiences. Authentic experiences matter to millennials. Tapping into specially curated volunteering can be a way for charities to offer prizes at little cost
• Offer cash prizes from charity proceeds. Cash prizes, like those offered by RNIB, attract larger audiences. Cash prizes can be off-set with ticket sales

Prizes should also form part of your charity digital marketing campaign. If you already have branded products, plush toys, or stationary, add that to the raffle draw. For charities with retail outlets, offering vouchers is another way to entice audiences at minimal cost.

Generating interest on social media and fundraising platforms

Get your digital fundraising engine revved. Much like any other virtual event, charity digital marketing teams should get the word out on the virtual raffle as soon as possible. Generating interest in the virtual raffle includes posting adverts consistently on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Make sure to mention where proceeds are going and what the prizes are.

Digital crowdfunding raffle sites also promote charity causes. Hubspot recommends using Zaffo. The platform creates online raffles, sells tickets, manages campaigns, and takes payment on behalf of charities.

The benefit here is that charities don’t have to invest in specific digital or payment technology. Zaffo’s mobile and online offering is also an opportunity for charities to connect with a broader audience.

Also, don’t forget to check the Gambling Commission’s rules for social media advertising and fundraising.

Drawing on the big day

As the big day for drawing prizes nears, it’s time to think about how it will take place.

Many charities might opt to generate last-minute sales by livestreaming. YouTube is a great place to host charity raffle events. With the livestreaming option, charities can draw winners as part of their digital strategy or event.

The Teenage Cancer Trust uses YouTube as part of their livestreaming digital campaign. The charity’s YouTube channel broadcasts live music and shows to those who donate. Online raffle tickets have been sold to audiences to gain access to The Cure’s full performance, for example. Once the show is over, the online raffle’s winners are announced a few days later.

For charities who don’t want to organise an event around the winners, they can be drawn at random. Online sites like Random Picker ensures that the draw is impartial and done at random.

Reporting the winners

Make sure that your winners get social media coverage. As soon as you’re aware of the winners, tag them in your Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram posts. When your winners receive their prizes, document the event with videos and pictures. Charity digital marketing teams can then recycle the content to promote future raffles.

Finally, don’t forget to thank participants. During the virtual raffle, the online sales process should have collected contact details. Send personalised thanks and keep their details for future marketing opportunities.