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Charity Auctions & Social Media - 12 Ways to Promote Your Auction Using Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn

By: Sherry Truhlar Click author's name for more of his/her articles

A free and simple way to get information out about your cause and auction is through social media. The social media applications that are most popular for attracting guests are blogs,LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Creating "something to write" can be overwhelming for some people, so to get you (or your volunteer P.R. person) started, below is a list of specific suggestions on what to write.

1. Announce donations: When a donation arrives, announce the item, thank the donor, and provide a link back to the donor's website. Be sure to include a photo, if possible.

2. Ask for a donation to round out a package: "We need a florist to donate a bouquet to complete our Mother's Day package."

3. Testimonials: Auction fundraisers should be mission-focused. Keep your supporters updated with successes. For instance, "Peggy is off the streets, thanks to our non-profit," or "Jeremy credits St. Stephens's art teacher in giving him the confidence to pursue art in college."

4. Event Preparations: Share a photo of the decor committee drawing backdrops for the auction, or the Gala Chairs meeting to send out invitations. This shows that others are getting involved and making plans to attend the event.

5. Special announcements: Share news. "In just three weeks, we've surpassed 50 raffle ticket sales." Or, "Only 200 seats left before sell-out!"

6. Apply gentle pressure to past donors: A post such as, "We sold a lovely 2-night stay at the Fairmont last year, and are hoping they'll donate again," might work. Include a link to the hotel, and then contact the hotel so they see how you are treating them kindly - even before they donate.

7. Answer questions: Make the questions up, if you need to. "A new family to our school asked what was appropriate to wear to the auction. Here's our response, along with three photos of past guests."

8. Create a list: You can create a list on almost anything. "Top 5 Reasons to Attend our Gala." "Three Ways You Can Volunteer That Will Take Less Than 2 Hours per Week."

9. Seek specific volunteers: "Any math lovers out there? We need an auction clerk, and your primary job is recording numbers at the auction. Any takers?"

10. Link to relevant websites: "In 55 days, our auction will be raising money for cancer research. Here's a link to fascinating article written by XYZ about the need for a cure."

11. Support your supporters: When you notice that one of your supporters (e.g. a school parent, a Board member, an auction donor) is mentioned in the paper, link to it and promote it. "Parent Joe Smith just got promoted and here's the link. Way to go, Joe! We look forward to congratulating you in person at the gala next Saturday."

12. Call to action: Try to encourage audience participation (or at least get the audience to consider participating). Something like, "Early-bird pricing on gala tickets ends tomorrow," or "Get your gala dress at Lord & Taylor this weekend. The store has special occasion dresses on sale."

These tips will get you started. In no time at all you will have new information!

Copyright (c) 2009 Red Apple Auctions LLC

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Want to see PHOTOS of the great (and not-so-great) ideas benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar encounters on a weekly basis? Sherry shares photos and explains practical and new auction techniques in her popular FREE auction Ezine. If you are a volunteer auction chair or auction planner seeking guidance on how to maximize your charity auction revenue, sign-up today at www.RedAppleAuctions.com . As a bonus, you'll receive her Annual Auction Item Guide, featuring "The Top 100 Items Sold at Benefits." Visit www.RedAppleAuctions.com .