10 Elements for Writing a Great Backabuddy Crowdfunding Story

10 Elements for Writing a Great Backabuddy Crowdfunding Story

Creating a fundraising campaign that successfully raises funds for someone in need starts with crafting a compelling crowdfunding story. Your story is the foundation upon which you can build an emotional connection with potential supporters and inspire them to donate to your cause.

In this guide, we have compiled a list of 10 essential elements to consider when writing a powerful online appeal.

Get inspiration from skilled storytellers

Before penning your story, take some time to explore successful fundraisers and their stories. Look for examples of courageous storytelling that moved you to tears, touched your heart, or left you feeling inspired. Reflect on the specific aspects of these stories that resonate with you and consider how you can incorporate similar elements into your own narrative.

For inspiration take a lot at these campaigns: Sean’s Challenge, Hope & Hunger: Feed the Children of Promiseland, Help Us Keep Our Doors Open

Give your fundraiser a title

The title of your fundraiser is the first introduction to your campaign. It holds immense power as it draws attention to your plight and can encourage potential donors to visit your campaign page. Will you choose a lighthearted approach to grab attention or an emotive one to tug at heartstrings? Whatever you choose, make sure to include the name of your beneficiary and highlight their specific need for fundraising.

Introduce your beneficiary 

Begin your crowdfunding story by introducing the person or people you are fundraising for. Who are they? What is their name, age, and where do they come from? It’s important to provide some meaningful background information about the focal point of your campaign and why they are in need of help. Are they battling a medical condition, facing financial hardship, or have they been presented with an exciting opportunity?

As the storyteller, what is your personal relationship to the beneficiary or the cause? Sharing your personal connection can help build trust and credibility with potential supporters, and allow them to better empathize with your cause.

Judy Smit started African Spirit with a deep desire to celebrate African heritage and craftsmanship while empowering local communities. What began as a passion project quickly grew into a purpose-driven brand, rooted in the belief that storytelling through art, design, and culture can uplift and inspire. Through African Spirit, Judy aims to create meaningful opportunities for artisans and share the soul of Africa with the world.

What lead you to crowdfunding?

Capture the defining moment that motivated you to start your crowdfunding campaign. What specific event or circumstance sparked your decision to seek support from others? Whether it was a personal experience, financial hardship, or sudden crisis, express it in a clear and captivating sentence or two. This will give your story context and provide potential donors with a deeper understanding of the situation, and how the needs, which your crowdfunding campaign hopes to address, came to be.

Your funding needs

It’s crucial to clearly define the need or challenge that you’re raising funds for. Provide specific details about how the issue is affecting the person in need, so potential supporters can understand the gravity and urgency of the situation. To help donors relate to your cause communicate the needs in a tangible way, providing a breakdown of costs where possible.

The Impact of your campaign

It’s important to clearly communicate the positive impact donations will have if the campaign is successful. This could include specific goals you hope to achieve or the positive changes that will occur in the beneficiary’s life. Donors contribute to causes because they are hopeful and empathetic individuals that want to be a part of the solution and know in their hearts that have made a meaningful difference.

Every donation to Nonny’s campaign brings immediate relief to children and families in Promiseland who would otherwise go hungry, especially over weekends when school feeding programs aren’t available. Your support helps Ikhaya Lethu serve hot, nutritious meals to up to 100 people at a time, offering not just food, but dignity, comfort, and hope.

Call to action

Encourage potential supporters to donate to your cause and share your campaign with their networks to help reach a wider audience. Reiterate your gratitude and remind donors of the impact they will help to create for your beneficiary. Additionally include links to your social media channels where donors can receive regular updates on the progress of the campaign.

Editing

It’s important to take the time to edit and refine your message before sharing it with potential supporters. Keep your message short and concise, no longer than 200-500 words, and use paragraphs and comfortable spacing to separate your ideas. To highlight important information, consider bolding, underlining, or italicizing key phrases or words.

It’s also important to maintain a friendly and conversational tone throughout your campaign message. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your story, as it will put donors at ease and encourage them to support you on your fundraising journey.

Before sharing your campaign, be sure to do a quick spelling and grammar check. Consider asking someone you trust to proofread your story for you, as they may be able to catch errors or provide valuable feedback.

Visual Storytelling

Incorporating visual elements such as images, infographics and videos into your crowdfunding story can make your appeal more compelling to donors, as it brings the cause to life and adds a sense of reliability to your cause.

Studies indicate that fundraisers with a video tend to raise 4X more funds than those without, as it can build an emotional connection with potential supporters, increase credibility, and make it easier to convey complex information. When selecting visuals for your campaign, ensure that they are high-quality and relevant to the story you are sharing.

Sean Clarke, a Para-athlete from Johannesburg, provides a great example of an effective crowdfunding video. In his campaign to raise funds for James, a teenager in need of a prosthetic leg, Sean created a short yet impactful video introducing James and his life-long struggles.

Updates & Milestones

To keep your supporters engaged and invested in your crowdfunding campaign, it’s essential to provide regular updates. Let your donors know when you reach important milestones and express your appreciation for their continued support. Share the impact that contributions have made, so that donors may see the measurable difference they have created. Regular updates not only build trust but also motivate continued support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a crowdfunding story is more than a mere appeal for donation it’s about creating a heart-to-heart connection with potential donors.

Showcase the real people behind their struggles and their dreams. Demonstrate the impact funds will have on your beneficiary and be transparent about how funds will be used.

By bravely sharing your story with authenticity and vulnerability, you can inspire others to join your cause and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

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Create a crowdfunding campaign

South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R400 Million.

How To Close Your BackaBuddy Campaign

How To Close Your BackaBuddy Campaign

This is the how-to guide for closing and hiding your BackaBuddy campaign. Understand the process and provide feedback about your experience.

Steps to Close Your Campaign:

  • Log into your profile and go to “My Campaigns.”
  • Select “Manage Campaign” for the campaign you wish to close.
  • Choose a reason for closing and click “Close Campaign.”

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How To Verify Your Campaign & Get Funds

How To Verify Your Campaign & Get Funds

Verifying your BackaBuddy campaign builds trust with your donors and ensures smooth payouts. This guide explains the importance of verification and the simple steps to complete it.

  • Steps to Verify Your Campaign:
    • Log into your profile and go to “My Campaigns.”
    • Select your campaign and navigate to “Manage Campaign.”
    • Click on “Verification” and submit the required documents.

Verify your campaign early to avoid delays in receiving donations.

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How to Add a Team Member to Your BackaBuddy Campaign

How to Add a Team Member to Your BackaBuddy Campaign

Increase your campaign’s success by adding team members! This guide explains how to add collaborators to your campaign, making it easier to reach your fundraising goals together.

  • Steps to Add Team Members:
    • Log in and go to “My Campaigns.”
    • Select your campaign, click “Manage Campaign,” and navigate to “Team Members.”
    • Add up to two team members to assist with your campaign.

 

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How to Activate the Donate Button on Your Campaign

How to Activate the Donate Button on Your Campaign

Learn how to activate the Donate button on your BackaBuddy campaign, ensuring it’s ready to receive donations from supporters. A quick and simple step, activating the Donate button allows you to start fundraising effectively.

  • Steps to Activate the Donate Button:
    • Log in to your profile and access your campaign.
    • Click on “Manage Campaign.”
    • Scroll down and hit “Launch” to activate the Donate button.

Make sure your campaign details are complete and appealing before activating your Donate button—first impressions are powerful.

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For any questions, reach out to your campaign manager for personalised assistance, alternatively contact us, HERE

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How to Edit Your BackaBuddy Campaign to Maximise Success?

How to Edit Your BackaBuddy Campaign to Maximise Success?

Keeping your campaign fresh and engaging is key to reaching your goals. This guide will help you manage and edit your BackaBuddy campaign by updating your story, adding team members, and posting updates to stay connected with supporters.

  • Steps to Edit Your Campaign:
    • Log in to your profile and select “My Campaigns.”
    • Choose the campaign you wish to edit.
    • Update details, images, or add team members as needed.

Share updates on any milestones or news related to your campaign—it helps donors feel involved in your journey!

Watch Our Step-by-Step Guide on YouTube

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Contact Us

For any questions, reach out to your campaign manager for personalised assistance, alternatively contact us, HERE.

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