3 Psychological Tips to Convince People to Give

Photo via Mindfulone on Flickr

Launching a fundraiser with Booster has lots of natural advantages. Booster has executed thousands of campaigns, shipped hundreds of thousands of t-shirts and raised millions of dollars for good causes. It’s great too that your fundraiser has a built-in incentive for supporters: they get a great t-shirt that you designed.

Still, it helps to understand why people donate to crowdfunding campaigns – a few psychological tips – so you can persuade more people to support your campaign and raise more money for your cause.

Here are three ways to influence more people to support your campaign.

Take the Risk Out of It

People are cautious, and are always wary of fundraising scams. That’s why it’s important to kick off your fundraiser by reaching out to people that know and trust you. Your friends on Facebook are a great place to start.

But just don’t ask them to buy a shirt and support your campaign. Ask them to spread the word with their networks. People support campaigns from people they know. And while they may balk at buying a t-shirt from you, a request from a friend, family member or colleague may seal the deal.

A few other risk factors to address:

• Assure people that this isn’t Booster’s first rodeo. Booster has raised millions for good causes. They’re also backed by one of the largest t-shirt companies in the world, CustomInk.
• Explain to people how Booster works. For example, the recipient of donations will receive the monies raised after the campaign closes.
• Beyond the standard 2.9% charge for processing (which goes to the credit card companies, not Booster) Booster doesn’t charge an additional fee when supporters make donations through the platform.

Make People Feel a Tad Guilty

Let’s face it, we often do things – especially good deeds – because we feel guilty. After a big, expensive meal you might feel guilty when you see someone begging on the streets. So you give him a few dollars.

According to this researcher, people try to alleviate guilt through prosocial behavior. But be careful! Trying to make people feel too guilty can backfire.

Instead, give your potential supporters a gentle nudge:

• Remind them that supporting a campaign will cost less than their weekly coffee habit, or that new tie or shirt they’ve been eyeing.
• Point out how lucky they are! Their home was spared, or their children are healthy or their pets have a safe place to sleep.
• Make it hard for people to say no. Be as specific and as tangible as you can about who you are helping. Include their names, pictures and stories.

Use People’s Names When You Ask Them to Donate

One of the reasons the Ice Bucket Challenge was so effective is because people didn’t stop with pouring cold water on themselves. They challenged others to do it. They put people on the spot – and people hate to disappoint their friends and family.

When a friend challenged me to participate I immediately folded and donated $75 to the ALS Association. I had to act. Plus, I didn’t want to pour ice-cold water on myself!

It takes time and guts, but make a point to ask people by name to support your Booster fundraiser. Remember, it’s all for a good cause!