have you considered text message donations?

It was interesting to read in Third Sector this week that mobile communications company Win is waiving its commission on text donations for charities.

Win operate five digit donation numbers (like the one used on Comic Relief night) and allow people to text a short message to the easy to remember number, they’re then charged on their phone bill with the money going to the charity.

According to Third Sector ” … About 30 per cent of every text donation made to sector organisations in the UK is taken in charges by third-party service providers and mobile networks … “

Text (also SMS) message donation is not yet widely used in the sector but if more companies follow Win’s lead then we might see that start to change.

There’s a great Knowledgebase article “Reaching out through mobile” at www.ictknowledgebase.org.uk/reachingoutthroughmobile.

A day at the Social Media Exchange – 2

So, into the second session and i still haven’t digested the learning from the first – i think i’m going to be exhausted tonight!

“using the mobile channel to your benefit – the what, why and how”

I’m slightly worried that i’ve just been asked for my mobile number but i’ve been reassured that it’s all part of the session, fingers crossed!

Apparently the four most used features of a mobile phone are:

• phone (obviously)
• sending text messages
• use as a torch
• use as an alarm clock

80% of people will carry a (web) connected mobile device within 5-10 years

What do you need to think about when launching a mobile fundraising campaign?

• People want a quanitifable object for their money
• They want an instant response
• getting something back
• reward/gratification

What is the journey that people go on when giving through text?

• Receive a call to donate
• Text a keyword to dedicated number
• Acknowledgement of the donation – this may include a link through to a website but be careful as you may lose people
• Money is taken off your monthly bill or pre pay credits
• Mobile companies can take 50% of the donation but work is being done to try and reduce this

Things to remember:

• Pick the right moment to send your text as you can only contact people once or twice before losing them altogether
• Make it as easy as possible for people to give – and include the option to opt out
• Think viral – get people to share with their peers

Some examples of text campaigns:

• IFAW – stop the seal hunt
• BBC World launch in America – interactive billboard
• Make your mark

Text can be used for more than just fundraising, it could be used to keep in touch with activists, renewing membership, recruiting volunteers for an event or thanking people for taking part in something.

Bulk sms is easy to do and not very expensive – use someone like http://www.itagg.com/, http://www.bulksms.co.uk/or http://www.textmarketer.co.uk/.  Search for bulk sms in Google.

I think i’m just about to be texted in the session … waiting … message received.

Off to the next workshop … when’s lunch?