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How to Create an Online Auction Fundraiser? 7 Easy Steps

By Whit Hunter

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We know that organizing a fundraising auction can be difficult, but with the emergence of online auction tools, it can be done quickly and easily.

An online auction fundraiser is a great way to raise money for a charitable cause or organization, and it's a great way to get people involved.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through a simple yet working process to hold an online auction fundraiser. We will also discuss some tips you should know to make it a success.

So, here is a list of steps to follow in order to turn your regular online auction fundraiser into super-fundraiser:

1. Use an Online Auction Platform

If you're holding an online auction and not using an auction platform - you're missing out on a big opportunity.

This is because an online auction platform can provide you with the necessary tools and features to boost your productivity and  make your fundraiser a success.

One great option is BetterWorld - which is fast, secure, and has all the possible tools you need to host a perfect online auction fundraiser.

Here are some reasons why using an online auction platform is a great idea:

  • It's Convenient: With an online auction platform, you can hold your fundraiser from anywhere and at any time. You don't need to worry about finding a physical location or setting up a live event. All you need is an internet connection and a device (phone, tablet, or PC), and you're ready to go.
  • It's Cost-Effective: Hosting a traditional auction fundraiser can be expensive. You need to rent a venue, pay for decorations, and hire staff to manage the event. With an online auction platform, you can eliminate most of these costs. And guess what? BetterWorld is absolutely FREE to use - which means you don't have to pay anything to host your online auction.
  • It's User-Friendly: Online auction platforms are designed to be user-friendly, even for those who have never hosted an auction before. On BetterWorld, you can easily set up your auction on, add items, and manage bids with just a few clicks.
  • It expands your reach: With an online auction platform, you can reach a wider audience beyond your local community. Anyone with an internet connection can participate in your fundraiser, no matter where they are located. This can increase the number of bidders and help you raise more funds for your cause.

Now that you've chosen an online auction platform, the next step is to set up your auction. This involves creating an auction listing, adding items for bid, and setting the rules and guidelines for your auction.

Here are some easy steps to follow to help you set up your online auction:

2. Name Your Auction

One important step when setting up your online auction is to name your auction. The name you choose should be catchy, informative, and relevant to your cause. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect name for your auction:

  • Keep the name short and simple: Choose a name that is easy to remember and easy to type.  No one wants to read long or complicated names that may be difficult to read or spell.
  • Make it relevant: Your auction name should clearly communicate the cause you are supporting. Use keywords that describe your fundraiser or the items up for bid. You may go through different free keyword research platforms to get an idea. For example, if you're raising money for a school, you might name your auction "School Fundraiser Auction."
  • Be creative: Use your imagination to come up with a fun and catchy name that will grab people's attention and compel them to donate. You could use puns or wordplay to make your auction name more memorable.
  • Highlight the benefits: Make sure your online auction name highlights the benefits of participating in your fundraiser. People should know what they are donating for. For example, you could include phrases like "Bid for a Good Cause" or "Support Our Community."
  • Test it out: Once you've come up with a few potential names, test them out with friends and family to get their feedback. You may also do A/B testing and launch multiple campaigns with different names to know which one is performing well.

3. Choose the Auction Launch Time

Choosing the right time to start your auction campaign can make or break its success chances. You want to make sure that you have enough time to promote your fundraiser and generate interest, but you also want to avoid launching your campaign during a busy season when people may be distracted by other events or holidays.

Let's talk about some tips to help you choose the best time to launch your campaign.

First, If your fundraiser is related to a specific event or cause, such as a holiday or awareness month, you may want to launch your campaign during that time to capitalize on the increased awareness and attention.

Second, check to see if there are any similar fundraising events or auctions happening in your area or online around the same time you're planning to launch your campaign. You don't want to compete with other fundraisers for the same audience.

Third, ask yourself --- Are you ready to launch your campaign yet? Make sure you have enough time to plan and promote your auction. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks to prepare your campaign, gather items for bid, and promote your fundraiser to your network and beyond.

Finally, the launch time of your auction fundraiser may depend on the demographics of your target audience and when they are most likely to be active online and able to participate in your auction. For example, if your audience is primarily parents, you may want to avoid launching your campaign during the back-to-school season since they are more likely busy.

4. Establish a Fundraising Goal

Next, you'll set the goal for your fundraising auction event.

A fundraising auction without a goal is - a ship without a destination. It can still sail, but it won't know where to go or how to get there.

Without a goal, you're less unlikely to achieve the auction's full potential and will likely miss out on the potential to raise more money.

Here are some tips to help you establish a fundraising goal for your auction:

  • Set a realistic goal: Avoid setting an overly ambitious goal that may be difficult to reach, as it may demotivate your team and potential bidders.
  • Break it down: Consider breaking down your fundraising goal into smaller, more manageable milestones.
  • Align the goal with your cause: Your fundraising goal should align with the purpose of your cause and the impact you want to make.

You can find hundreds of useful resources on BetterWorld's platform that will help you reach your goal.

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5. Add an Image

An image is worth a thousand words --- They rightly say so.

A well-chosen image can catch a bidder's attention, and give him a better idea of the item they are bidding on. Hence, creating a more engaging and attractive listing.

Make sure you show the item clearly with a neutral background if possible. If you're auctioning a high-value item, it's good to add multiple images with different angles, aspects, and features.

It's also recommended to use colors and visuals that are consistent with your brand to create a cohesive and professional look.

6. Write an Auction Description

Start your description with a hook that captures people's attention and gets them to participate.

Think of it as the 'elevator pitch' of your auction --- it's your chance to explain why your event is worth attending, and to get people excited to take part.

It's also your opportunity to share important details, like the cause you're supporting, the types of items being auctioned, and any additional incentives for participating.

So don't be shy --- write an attention-grabbing, engaging description that entices potential bidders and leaves them wanting more. After all, the more people you get involved, the more successful your auction will be!

Conclusion

In a nutshell, if you're looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly, user-friendly and powerful way to generate donations for a good cause, an online auction fundraiser is your go-to!

To make sure it's a success, opt for an auction platform like BetterWorld that has all the tools you need to run your auction with ease. Get your fundraiser off the ground by picking a name, setting a fundraising goal, and marketing it to your connections and beyond.

Ready, set, auction!

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Whit Hunter
AUTHOR

About Whit Hunter

Whit Hunter is the co-founder of BetterWorld, the free, easy-to-use online fundraising platform. His passion for empowering nonprofits and tech expertise have shaped BetterWorld’s mission to make fundraising more accessible and efficient.

Whit's innovative vision has helped countless organizations raise more funds and reach their goals, driving BetterWorld’s ongoing success.

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