Tips for successful email fundraising

Email fundraising is tough. If you thought the postal mailbox was crowded, it’s nothing compared to the email inbox. You need to pull all the triggers to have a chance at raising funds by email.

Here’s some help from Copyblogger — 37 Tips for Writing Emails that Get Opened, Read, and Clicked.

Here are my favorites from the list:

• Write as if you’re emailing one person only.
  
• Quit wasting people’s time. Only email when you have something truly valuable or helpful to say.
  
• Use your actual name as your from address.
  
• Promise something good.
  
• Pique curiosity.
  
• Quit cleverness.
  
• Learn from the masters.
  
• Don’t follow a strict formula.
  
• Add a personal touch.
  
• Use the word you.
  
• Develop a natural voice.
  
• Add personality.
  
• Stop being dull.
  
• Highlight benefits.
  
• Show what readers will miss.
  
• Present a clear deadline.
  
• Insert multiple links (to the same page). B
  
• Have an impeccably clear call to action.
  
• Use the power of the PS.