By Michael Palmrose
One of the keys to any successful fundraising campaign is utilizing all donation generating avenues available. With new technologies comes new avenues like video live streaming. In this video by Justin Wheeler, he describes in great detail the benefits of using live streaming in your next campaign.
But understanding the importance of a live stream and knowing how to successfully execute one are two different problems entirely. Here are some important factors when setting up your next live stream fundraising endeavor.
1. Make sure the stream will be technically sound
If a live stream looks or sounds bad, viewers and potential donors will click away immediately. The key is to meet some minimum quality standards. And that starts with at least one HD camera and a high quality microphone, especially if the speaker of the event will be providing critical instructions on how to donate during the live stream. The closer you can get your production to national broadcast standards, the more likely you are to attract and retain viewers, which means more contributions. Ideally, you would want multiple cameras in order to transition between them to provide variety in your broadcast. You may also want to consider having a dedicated camera on the “fundraising goal visual” as your fundraising goals rise up throughout the duration of the fundraiser. Also, having a designated microphone for each speaker will ensure that everyone is heard clearly without having to scramble to get them on a microphone. One way to ensure the best possible standards is to hire a production company to handle the technical side. This takes the stress of producing it yourself and allowing you to focus on your mission of getting viewers engaged.
2. Choose a live stream platform that allows for viewer engagement
These days, philanthropic individuals have a wide variety of causes they can donate to. Engaging them in a meaningful and personal way is a key to garnering their support. Live streaming is a fantastic way to not only get their attention but to also make their individual contribution stand out. Utilizing the latest technology, viewers can, with the click of a button, instantly donate and send a message of support. And only a few minutes later, that message could be read live on the air. Also, if someone is hesitant about donating and has questions about what their donation can do or the cause they are supporting, those questions can be answered in real time through a chat window. Imagine a fundraising phone call, but instead of only reaching one person at a time, you could potentially be talking with thousands of people, yet still have that one on one connection that is so important to getting supporters connected with the cause.
3. Set goals and update viewers on progress
One of the top benefits of live streaming a fundraising event is that viewers can see in real time how much progress is being made toward a total amount of donations. The key is to set a reasonable goal, one that you believe you can reach in the allotted time you will be on air. If you do fly past your original goal, you can always set a new one to encourage new viewers to continue to donate. Using the latest web-based technology, all of this can be seen on screen in real time. This makes the viewers feel like they are part of a community, a group effort to make a difference. This can be a strong motivator in getting those outliers to join in and help out.
Great examples of live stream charities
A wonderful example of the power of a live stream charity drive is the Jingle Jam. This annual Christmastime event hosted by the YouTube gaming channel The Yogscast, raises millions of dollars every year to benefit a multitude of charities.
Another example would be the GamesDoneQuick live streams which also annually raise millions of dollars and consistently draw tens of thousands of viewers to their streams.
Or there is the incredible one-day donation total of DrLupo who raised over $2.3 million for St Jude Children’s Hostipal in less than 24 hours.
All of these examples show the fundraising potential. You may not raise millions in a day, but with the right equipment, engagement, and goals, you and your charity can immediately see the benefits of live streaming.