Digital fundraising campaigns move FAST, especially if you are working in the direct response vertical. Campaigns are built in a matter of hours in certain instances. And even though moving fast is important, moving with precision is paramount.

The dynamic nature of digital fundraising leaves quite a few open doors for mistakes to creep through. In the throes of an urgent campaign deployment, it’s typical to jump from A to Z without much thought for any of the parts and pieces in between.

No amount of urgency should compromise the work product of your campaign. One of the most helpful ways to ensure everything is ready to roll is to utilize a checklist. Don’t just rely on your memory, actually produce a document that outlines the necessary checks for your campaigns, AND be sure to keep it up to date!

Here are some of the items on my checklist:

• Check your spelling.
• Check all elements of your donation pages! Does the content make sense for the campaign?
  • Donation page
  • Confirmation page
  • Autoresponder
• Ensure all brand guidelines are being followed for all elements.
• Secure the appropriate rights for any visual creative that you are deploying.
• Check your source codes and UTMs. Have they been recorded in the client’s tracking sheet?
• Links, Links, Links!
  • Are email links correct?
  • Are social links correct?
  • Are web links correct?
• Set up paid search and social with the appropriate keywords and targeting. Have you refined performance based on results? Is the budget appropriate for the goal?
• Check your spelling.
• Match email sender to email signer.
• Make sure you are utilizing the correct email template.
• An internal review by multiple team members. (We use three sets of eyes.)
• Test your material on multiple device sizes and types.
• Client sign-off before launch.
• Move other organizational efforts to prevent conflict and inbox crowding.
• Coordinate other media efforts, if applicable.
• Set up any vanity URLs or QR code links for direct mail campaigns associated with your campaign.
• Check your spelling one more time for good measure. 🙂

What are some items that you use on your list?

Send us a message at hello@theharringtonagency.com if you need help setting up your checklist.