Online Auction Software: Key Features & Tools You Need
By Whit Hunter
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Online auctions are a unique way to raise funds for your school, organization, or nonprofit. They keep your audience engaged while helping you make more funds with less effort than some other fundraising initiatives.
With an online auction software like BetterWorld, you’re only minutes away from creating a popular and successful auction! To learn more about how BetterWorld can help your organization specifically, reach out to our knowledgeable staff for a free demonstration.
Why Host an Online Auction?
Online auctions are usually very successful. Whether live, silent, or in-person, these auctions are flexible. Whichever option fits your schedule and budget will work!
Your audience will love getting to know more about your organization while browsing through your desirable auction items. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. Your organization gets the word out about your mission while raising money for your cause and your donors get the chance to walk away with some incredible prizes.
10 Key Features to Look for in Online Auction Software
The ease of organizing your online auction depends almost entirely on which online auction software you choose. Here is a good list of some key features and online auction tools you should look for when selecting software to use.
1. Easy to Set Up
A platform that is intuitive and easy to use will save you time during the setup process! With a site like BetterWorld, you can start your online auction in just minutes. Add an event title, upload a graphic, and write a few short lines about your organization. Then you’re ready to go!
In addition to an easy setup, you’ll want to look for an online auction platform that makes adding items and captions as simple as possible. Some platforms even offer a library of free stock photos to make adding your items even easier!
2. Copyable Items
Speaking of an easy setup, look for a platform that allows you to copy your auction item listings. This way, the next time you host an online auction, the work of entering your most popular items is already done for you.
This will save you the time of entering them all again while also reminding you of which items brought in the most money. Once you know this, you can purposefully add them to your new online auction to ensure success and profitability.
3. Text Message Notifications
The most exciting part of any type of auction is when the bids start going up. Who doesn’t love that rush you feel when you’re involved in an auction for an item you want?
You can build this excitement through text message bid notifications if you choose an online auction platform that gives you the ability to send text message notifications to your donors when they are outbid. Not only will this create a buzz around your auction but it will also pull in more money for your cause!
4. Video Integration
Online auctions are fun no matter what but events with videos and livestream options are even better! Video integrations help your bidders to feel as if they are live at your event.
Look for an online auction software that offers this option. You can use it to livestream popular auctions, drive excitement around high-dollar items, or weave your organization’s story into your event.
5. Online Item Donation Form
It’s great when donors give you items to include in your online auction. It is even better when they can upload them to your platform themselves!
This will save you time and effort while also helping your volunteers to feel more connected to your organization.
Want to raise more from your auction? Try BetterWorld’s Auction Tool for FREE!
Seamless online and in-person actions that raise more
Incredibly easy to set up, backed by an amazing support team
Thoughtful automations that save you dozens of hours
Thousands of dollars of “Instant Items” you can use in your auction at no cost
6. Low Cost of Use
You’re looking for online silent auction software so that you can raise money, not spend it, right?
One of the most important aspects to consider is the cost of each software program. Some, like BetterWorld, are entirely free for nonprofit organizations. The only thing you would be responsible for is a small credit card fee. Most platforms will also give your donors the option of covering that free, making the service completely free for you.
7. Social Media Integrations
A big aspect of a successful online auction is tied to how much exposure the event gets. One of the easiest ways to gain exposure is through social media. On social media, everyone in your network can contribute to your cause, regardless of where they are in the world.
Make this easier on you and your participants by choosing an online auction platform with social media integrations for all of the big social media platforms. With one or two clicks of your mouse, you should be able to share your fundraiser with your friends and family.
8. Established Automations
As you browse through different online auction platforms, take notice of their automations. At the end of your auction, will the program draw your winners? Once winners are selected, check into whether the program will automatically send out invoices and payment reminders.
Finding a platform that automates tasks like this and other bookkeeping tasks will eliminate the time and effort usually spent on tedious tasks during online fundraising.
9. Advertising Policy
When you host an event or fundraiser, you want the majority of the attention to be on your organization. You want to keep your donors focused on your online auction and your organization's mission.
Keep their eyes on your page by choosing a platform that does not allow outside advertisements. Things like large banner ads will only distract your audience. They also clutter your sight and take away from the professionally-designed platform.
10. Donor Privacy
Donor privacy is always of the utmost importance, especially when handling their financial information. Make sure whichever platform you decide to use is encrypted, secure, and trustworthy. Choose one that promises to never sell any information of yours’ or your donors’.
Choose BetterWorld
If you want an online auction platform that checks all of these boxes (and more!), reach out to our friendly BetterWorld team. We would be happy to set up a free demonstration to give you a behind-the-scenes look at our incredible platform. We know you will love it for all of your nonprofit fundraising needs!

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