Every Nonprofit's Guide to Selling Raffle Tickets Effectively

Tickets! Tickets! Come get your tickets! A raffle is a great way to raise money for your nonprofit’s needs, but before you start thinking about prizes and winners, there’s one key step—selling tickets. 

Knowing how to sell raffle tickets can make all the difference. Even the best prizes won’t be enough to drive sales if your approach is off. 

So, how do you make sure your tickets won’t just collect dust? That’s what we’re here to discuss. Let’s break down how to sell raffle tickets in a way that actually works.

1. Sell Raffle Tickets Online

Think beyond paper tickets. Nearly 94 percent of Americans have internet access, and most are used to shopping, donating, and engaging online. Why not use that for your raffle?

Your Nonprofit’s Website can do more than just host a payment form. Turn it into a raffle hub with a live countdown, a progress bar showing ticket sales, and even a spotlight on past winners.

Paid ads can take things further. Instead of waiting for supporters to find your raffle, put it right in front of them. Google Ads can target people searching for fundraisers, while display ads on relevant websites can bring in fresh donors. A small ad budget can make a big difference in ticket sales.

A smooth and engaging digital experience makes it easier to sell raffle tickets online and ensures that more people take part in your online raffle draw without the hassle of in-person sales.

2. Sell Raffle Tickets In-Person

If your event is local, selling tickets in person gives you a direct way to engage with supporters and encourage participation.

People are more likely to buy when they see a real face behind the fundraiser. A conversation, a quick story about why the funds matter, or even a little friendly competition can turn a hesitant passerby into a ticket holder.

Try a “Traveling Raffle,” where volunteers move through crowds at festivals, events, gatherings, farmers’ markets, or school games to make it easy for people to buy on the go. You can also set up a pop-up stand outside a popular coffee shop during the morning rush. 

People waiting in line are already in a spending mindset, which makes them more likely to support your cause.

You can even incorporate technology. For example, you could use a QR code linking to your online raffle draw so that those who don’t carry cash can buy raffle tickets instantly. 

3. Sell Raffle Tickets via Email Marketing

Email is still one of the best ways to reach supporters. Nearly 89.45% of Americans over the age of 15 use email, which means almost 9 out of 10 digital users check their inbox regularly. That makes email a powerful tool for selling raffle tickets for a fundraiser.

Start with a clear subject line that grabs attention. “Win Big & Support [Your Cause]” or “Your Chance to Make a Difference—Get Your Raffle Ticket!” can encourage opens. 

Inside, keep the message short and direct. Explain why the raffle matters, how the funds will be used, and how easy it is to participate.

Adding a clickable button that links to your raffle draw makes purchasing simple. Supporters can sell raffle tickets online to family and friends by forwarding the email, expanding your reach even further. 

A follow-up email before the deadline can remind those who haven’t bought their tickets yet.

4. Sell Raffle Tickets Through Social Media

Scrolling through social media has become a daily habit for most people. Americans spend an average of 2 hours and 14 minutes on social media every day, which means you have plenty of chances to put your raffle in front of the right audience. 

But just posting a link won’t cut it. You need to make it part of their feed in a way that grabs attention.

Turn your raffle into a challenge. Ask supporters to tag three friends who would love to win or post a fun poll where followers guess the most popular prize. 

Instead of relying only on organic posts, use Targeted Ads to reach the right audience. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram let you promote your raffle to specific groups, such as local supporters or people interested in charitable causes. 

Even a small budget can put your fundraiser in front of thousands who might not have found it otherwise.

Making social media feel like more than just an announcement will help you sell raffle tickets online while keeping supporters engaged.

Find out 10 Raffle Basket Ideas that Will Drive Donations & Create Excitement.

5. Sell Raffle Tickets Through Text Messaging (SMS)

People check their phones all day, but they don’t always open emails or social media notifications. That’s where text messaging comes in. 

With an average conversion rate between 21% and 30%, SMS marketing can be up to ten times more effective than email. That makes it a great tool for selling raffle tickets for a fundraiser.

Instead of sending long messages, keep them short and direct. A simple text like, “Support [Your Nonprofit] and win big! Grab your raffle ticket here: [link]” makes it easy for supporters to act. 

You can also send reminders as the deadline gets closer, making sure no one forgets to buy.

To reach even more people, let supporters forward the message to friends and family. Pairing SMS with a mobile-friendly payment page ensures that buying is quick and hassle-free. When looking at how to sell raffle tickets online, don’t overlook the power of a well-timed text.

6. Sell Raffle Tickets Through Local Partnerships

Local businesses and organizations can be some of your best allies when selling raffle tickets for a fundraiser. Partnering with coffee shops, restaurants, or retail stores gives you a chance to reach people who already support local causes.

Instead of just asking businesses to display a flyer, get creative. For example, a bakery could offer a free cookie with every raffle ticket purchase. These small incentives would make it easier for customers to say yes.

Community centers, libraries, and even local sports teams can also help spread the word. A simple sign at their front desk or a mention in their newsletter can boost ticket sales.

If you're looking for how to sell raffle tickets online, these partnerships can still work. Businesses can include your raffle link in their emails or social media posts, reaching even more potential buyers.

7. Use Peer-to-Peer Fundraising for Raffle Ticket Sales

Why sell raffle tickets alone when your supporters can help? Peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives have a 71% success rate, making it a great way to expand your reach. 

Instead of relying on a single team, let volunteers, board members, and past donors sell tickets within their own networks.

Give each participant a personal fundraising page where they can track their sales and share why they support your cause. Adding a little friendly competition—like a leaderboard showing top sellers or a small prize for the person who sells the most can keep engagement high.

Supporters can sell tickets in person or direct people to an online link. The more people involved, the more successful your raffle fundraiser will be.

Pro Tip: BetterWorld makes this easy with free peer-to-peer fundraising tools that let each participant create a personal page, track their sales, and share why they support your cause. 

There are no platform fees, so your nonprofit keeps 100% of the funds raised.

Track and Optimize Raffle Ticket Sales

Monitor ticket sales to see what’s working and what needs improvement. A well-organized system can make your fundraiser more successful. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Use a Tracking System – Keep a digital or written record of every sale. If you sell raffle tickets online, many platforms provide built-in tracking tools.
• Set Sales Goals. Break your overall goal into smaller targets. This will help you determine whether you’re on track and adjust your strategy if necessary.
• Check Sales Trends – Look at when and where most tickets are sold. If online sales are strong, you might want to promote your online raffle draw more.
• Identify Top Sellers – Volunteers or team members who sell the most tickets might have good tips to share. Encourage them to help others improve their sales.
• Follow Up With Supporters – If someone shows interest but doesn’t buy a ticket, send a reminder. If you’re using an online platform, automated follow-ups can help.
• Adjust Marketing Based on Results – If one type of promotion isn’t working, try something new. Social media, email, and in-person events all reach different groups.
• Review and Improve for Next Time – After your fundraiser, look at what worked and what didn’t. Keeping notes will help when you plan your next raffle.

Tips to Boost Raffle Ticket Sales

Here are some simple ways to increase sales and make your fundraiser more successful:

• Make It Easy to Buy – Offer multiple ways to purchase tickets. If you’re selling in person, have cash and card options. 
• Offer a Variety of Ticket Bundles – Selling single tickets is fine, but bundles encourage people to buy more. Try options like “1 for $5 or 5 for $20” to increase sales.
• Early Bird Incentives – Offer a small perk for early ticket buyers. This could be an extra entry, a small gift, or a discount.
• Limited-Time Offers – Create urgency by promoting flash sales or bonus entries. Let people know these deals won’t last long.
• Promote Prizes Clearly – Show what’s up for grabs. If the prize is exciting, more people will want a chance to win. 
• Highlight the Cause – Emphasize how the raffle funds will be used. People are more likely to participate when they see the impact of their support.
• Run a Friendly Competition – Motivate sellers by offering small rewards for those who sell the most tickets. Even something simple, like a gift card or public recognition, can encourage more sales.
• Set a Deadline and Build Urgency – A set end date helps drive last-minute purchases. Remind people when time is running out to get their tickets.
• Run a Final Push Campaign – Send reminders through email, social media, and text messages before the deadline. Let supporters know it's their last chance to enter.
• Re-Target Past Donors – Use email and social media ads to reach people who supported your nonprofit in the past. They may be willing to buy a ticket to help again.

A strong plan makes selling raffle tickets for a fundraiser much easier. You can use a mix of strategies to reach more people and increase ticket sales.

How BetterWorld Helps Nonprofits Run Successful Raffles

You already know how to sell raffle tickets—now, let’s make hosting a successful raffle effortless with BetterWorld!

Our Online Raffle and Giveaway Software takes the stress out of fundraising. You can create a custom raffle, sell tickets online, and accept donations—all in just a few clicks. 

1. Easy-to-use donation pages—Participants can donate or buy tickets hassle-free.
2. Sell more tickets, raise more funds—Reach a wider audience with online fundraising
3. No hidden fees, no setup costs—Every dollar you raise goes to your cause.

And it doesn’t stop at raffles! With BetterWorld’s Free Modern Fundraising for Nonprofits, you get access to multiple fundraising tools that make raising money easier than ever.

Sign up today and start raising funds in minutes—all for free!