Why You Need To Send a Personal Email

New research shows that over half of people fundraising for a big sporting challenge found that sending personal emails to their nearest and dearest saw an increase in donations. So, what do you need to say?

• Be picky

Be thoughtful about who you email – your closest friends, family, colleagues and people you know who care about the cause are most likely to support you. Probably best not to email your estate agent from 3 years ago…

• Keep it snappy

Unless you’re a regular sender of personal emails, the fact the email is from you may be enough for the recipient to open it. Just in case it’s not, though, keep your subject line short to catch their eye.

• Stay personal    

Don’t forget – you’re emailing someone you know well. Lose the business waffle and write as you would speak.

• Don’t waffle

Get straight to the point of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it in a couple of lines. If you want to continue into more detail, that’s fine, but give the reader the opportunity to gain the information they need in a short space of time.

• Be open about your ‘why’

Explain why the charity you’re fundraising for is important to you – if it’s because of a family member or friend, include this – especially if your recipients know the person.

• Don’t forget the link

Put your fundraising link in the email twice, make it bold and difficult to miss – whatever you need to do to get them to click it!

• Say thank you and ask for help

A simple end to your email is to say thanks in advance – it will help to remind them just how valued their donation will be, both to the charity and personally for you.

Including an ask for help will give an option to those who may not be able to afford to donate – ask them to share the link on their social media, come up with some fundraising ideas, or donate some time at an event.

• Include Photos and Videos

If you’re not great at writing, why not record a short video and attach this instead? Either way, make sure you include a couple of photos to demonstrate just how great the charity is or how hard you’re working.

• Share your social

If you’re posting regularly on your social media accounts, include your handles just in case your recipients aren’t already following you.

• Always. Follow. Up.

Regardless of how many people donate, always send a follow-up email to say thank you, tell them how you’re getting on or update them on the event.