Three ways to keep people interested AFTER an event

All communities have a heart beat. Your nonprofit is the left ventricle, the community is the right ventricle. If you both stop pumping, guess what happens?

Why engage fans after a campaign?

The events over, they gave their money. So why continue to engage?

They’ll know you’re the real deal if they see you care about the issues, even after the campaign is over.

• They’ll continue to trust you.
• You’ll ensure that they get involved in the next campaign.
• You’ll enhance your brand.

Here’s how you know you’re about to flat-line:

Five ways to engage supporters AFTER the campaign

1. Tell them what they did

Don’t unknowingly make them feel like ATMs. They want to heard how they did. They want the details. Share openly how much money was raised, and tell them exactly how it will be spent. And don’t forget to share a few personal stories from the campaign.

2. Get their feedback

Your supporters want to be heard. And guess what: You need their insights!

But be specific – especially on Facebook. “What was the most powerful video you watched on our campaign page?” will get a much better response than “We’re looking for feedback about the campaign. What did you think?”

Once you get replies to a few specific questions, you can get more details.

Why not surveys?

Surveys are good to use in many cases, but are a bit impersonal. If you’re goal is to maintain engagement on Facebook, nothing does it better than lively discussions (phone / email).

3. Tell them what’s next

Strike while the iron is hot they say. The best time to get supporters to join an email list or opt into the next campaign is right after your current campaign.

You don’t have to know all the details about the next event, just that there is one coming. Put out a call for folks to lead friendraising and have them join a segment of your email list called “Friendraisers”.

Give props

One last thought: Don’t forget to thank your star performers. Who took unbelievable initiative during the campaign? Why not call them out with praise on the page?

You’re probably afraid that you’ll come across as playing favorites, but that fear is based on a negative that lives only in your mind. It has nothing to do with the real reasons communities thrive online.

How do you engage after a campaign?