5 Steps to Getting the Most from #GivingTuesday

1. Create a Campaign

A “campaign” doesn’t have to be complex and resource-intensive. It could be as simple as sending out some emails and tweets, but it should have a specific goal, or even a couple of goals. Whatever resources you can devote—time, manpower, funding—can go a long way.

2. Set “SMART” Goals

First coined by George T. Doran in 1981, S.M.A.R.T. is a mnemonic acronym that’s helpful in goal-setting for a variety of projects. Here’s what it stands for and how to apply it to #GivingTuesday:

• Specific – What do you want to achieve on the day?
• Measurable – How do you know if you’re succeeding? Which numbers will you track? Donations? Sign-ups? Website visits?
• Attainable – Shooting for the moon is great, but are you realistically in a position to land there? What’s something you’re confident that your organization can get people to do with the amount of work you’re ready to put in?
• Relevant – Make sure it’s connected to your cause, your audience, and the spirit of #GivingTuesday.
• Time-Based – Give yourself a timeframe to work towards this goal. In this case, there’s one built in: you have one until Tuesday, November 29 to get ready. Then you have 24 hours to get people to take action.

Tip: You’ll probably want to send out posts and emails ahead of time if you’re organizing an in-person event on the day, or even just to tell your subscribers about your online plans to get them primed to participate.

3. Join the Official #GivingTuesday Movement

This movement was created as an online event, so it’s no surprise that it’s well-supported and has an easy-to-use website. Besides simple registration to join the movement, the website offers case studies, suggestions for campaigns, and many additional resources: GivingTuesday.org 

4. Participate in the Conversation

Plan social media posts and emails around your #GivingTuesday campaigns. Make sure to use the “#” (hash sign) so that people following the term on social media will see your posts in their news feeds. Throughout the day, check in on your accounts to see what people are saying to you and other organizations, and chime in.

Want to activate your top supporters even more? Get them involved as ambassadors. Here’s a helpful guide from NPEngage .

5. Give people an easy way to take action!

Whatever your SMART goals are, you’re much more likely to achieve them if you make it easy for your current supporters and new potential ones to take action. Whether you want them to donate, volunteer, sign up for your email list, share your post, or lend their voice to amplify yours, the fewer steps someone has to take, the more likely they are to do what you ask.