Your Guide To Creating The Most Compelling Fundraising Videos

There are several ways for an organization to raise funds; however, using videos is the best way to do so. Videos are emotive, generate sentiments, and can be viewed easily by a large set of audience. There’s nothing better than a well-made and compelling video that can help you share your story and touch your audience heartily. Plus, videos are easier to distribute on multiple platforms. However, numerous non-profit organizations aren’t making use of videos since they find it very overwhelming.

Here’s the catch: Creating videos might sound tricky at first, but it is actually quite simple. You do not need a video production degree or a seasoned video professional to create high-quality and engaging videos. Rallying action around a cause that is dear to you can be done very easily with a good script and the right equipment. Let’s take a closer look at all the tips that can help you create the most compelling fundraising videos.

Decide upon the purpose of the fundraising video

Depending on the cause, you’ll need to decide if you need a 30 second or a minute-long video or prepare a longer documentary (usually 10 to 30 minutes long). You can decide this by identifying the purpose of the video. Do you need to raise funds quickly or do you need people to sign a petition as well? Which channels do you plan on using to distribute the video? Once you have decided upon the purpose of the fundraising video, it gets easier to jot down a script for it.

Do not wing the script or the dialogues

You might think that saying something on the spot will work great but you need to add a little more effort than that. If you are looking to compel people to donate funds to your cause you must sound professional, purposeful, clear, and authentic. You need to decide what needs to be said when. You don’t necessarily need a script for this (if you are worried about it looking too scripted and robotic). Simply jot down key points, create a flow to what will be said when, and you are good to go. Remember, storytelling is key if you want your audience to be compelled to support. Deciding upon a good flow to the video is key to telling an emotive and compelling story.

Keep your target audience in mind

Creating a fundraising video just for the sake of it is going to render no good results. You cannot expect to just prepare a video and let it do its magic. Other than determining the purpose of the fundraising video, you also need to keep your target audience in mind. If you are looking at getting businesses to donate to your cause, you might want to shift gears and avoid putting overly emotional scenes. Let businesses know exactly what your cause is and why it should matter to them. If you are looking to compel the common man, you can take a more emotive route. Also, identify the best channels to reach your target audience and focus your efforts there.

Evaluate and gather all the resources you’ll need

Before anything else, you need a good camera, to begin with. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive one in the market; go for the one that offers good quality. Avoid using a smartphone as it doesn’t offer as much flexibility or quality as a professional camera can. Next, make use of some additional lights so that your video doesn’t look dull. You’ll also need to create a small budget and get editing software that can help you add finishing touches to the video. Other than that, keep creatives for photos, logos, and other artwork handy, and you’re good to go.

This adds extra stability to the shot and ensures that the frame isn’t wobbly. Adding this extra touch makes your videos look professional and well-prepared.

Focus on both video and audio quality

While you must make sure that the video is shot in good light, you also need to ensure top-notch audio quality. Use editing software to edit out all unnecessary noise and ambient sounds. Make adjustments for any hissing sounds that usually occur in words that start with an ‘s’. Editing your fundraising video for both video and audio quality is especially important if you have shot it outdoors since the background noise increases tremendously.

Give the video a clear CTA

You wouldn’t want people to watch your video, wish to donate, and not know how to do so. Adding a clear message in your video is paramount. Do not try to hit multiple targets in one go. Choose one strong message, stick to it throughout the video, and create a CTA at the end for the same. You need to spoon-feed your audience this CTA so that they know exactly what action to take once they’ve watched your video. Do you need them to donate at a particular link? Would you appreciate them sharing the video? Mention this in clear and concise terms without fail.

Consider adding subtitles to the fundraising video

Not everyone likes to watch videos with their volume on. Others might be commuting or in their offices and have to watch the video on silent. There are also specially-abled mobile phone users who cannot listen to your video. Not adding subtitles will rob you of support from all such interested people. With subtitles, they can easily follow the course of the video and understand everything you’re talking about. This broadens your reach and helps you spread your message to a wider audience.