Last updated: 19 Nov, 2019
Published on: 7 Nov, 2018
How to make the most of your donation button
If you want maximise your donation prospects, you gotta work that button, baby! Here’s five fast tips to get the most out of this awesome new feature for PetRescue members.
1. Start with a great photo
Great pics get clicks! So give your pets AND your donation button the best chance of being seen, by using a super cute happy snap for their main profile image. It’s not always easy getting decent photos of wiggly bundles of fur and fluff, so reach out to a volunteer photographer if photography is not your strong point. Some groups have had great success putting the call out on social media, or you can get in touch with us at PetRescue to tap into our network of volunteers - email members@petrescue.org.au to check availability in your area.
2. Think positive, think polished
Keep the tone of your pet profiles positive and professional. It’s simply not the time nor the place to vent about the pet’s previous owner, the state of the world, or how terrible some humans are. Give your profiles a proofread to check spelling and punctuation - people want to feel confident that they are donating to a reputable rescue organisation. Writing and spelling is not everybody's strong point, so get a second pair of peepers on the case if need be!
3. Warm up prospective donors with adopter-friendly processes
If your rescue organisation’s adoption process presents like a series of hoops to jump through, or a long list of demands, you will be facing an uphill battle to get the public to financially support your organisation. If your group comes across as unwelcoming, web visitors and potential adopters will most likely look elsewhere. And if people aren’t going to get a response to their pet enquiries, there’s little chance they will open their wallets in your direction. Keep your language and processes warm, welcoming and respectful.
4. Include an ‘ask’ in your pet profiles
When writing your pet profiles, once you’ve covered off all the reasons a pet is awesome and adoptable, think about adding a donation ‘ask’. Pets that have had extensive rehabilitation and high vet bills are perfect for this - they have a very compelling story. It could be something along the lines of ‘If you can’t foster or adopt right now, please consider making a donation to help cover Melody’s vet care costs, via the purple donation button on this listing.”
5. Get sharing on social
Every profile has social media sharing buttons, so the more you get your pets out there, the more chances you’ll get to woo potential donors. You can even add the donation button to your Facebook page. If you’re currently using another donation platform, it might pay to compare with Shout for Good to see what will give you the most bang for donated bucks!
Hope these tips help! Please keep us posted on your feedback by emailing members@petrescue.org.au.
If your ACNC-registered rescue organisation hasn’t signed up for a donation button yet, here’s all you need to know.
Banner image: Brian from Project Underdog Rescue