How to Start a Fundraising Website or Blog

• A separate site or blog gives you high level of control over how the world sees your cause and adds an air of professionalism.

• If you create your own website or blog, be aware that it will take extra time, energy, and possibly money to promote and keep up.

• One way to streamline efforts is to take advantage of platforms, like WordPress, Tumblr, and Medium—many of which come with existing communities.

Tell your story


People like to know the who, what, where, when, and why of a fundraiser. This helps them identify with you and your cause, continue to follow you, and ultimately make a donation. Your followers are also more likely to spread word of your site if your story is clear and well written.

Choose a domain name


Select a unique domain name that’s related to your fundraiser. On GoFundMe, we recommend using the name of the beneficiary in both the name of your fundraiser and the custom URL of your fundraising page. If your cause is associated with an organization, put the organization name in your domain.

Post updates


Post updates frequently. Always include a link to your fundraiser, so donors can easily access your fundraiser. Add links to your site profile as well, to make it easy for people to learn more about you. If your fundraiser is associated with a recent disaster, posting updates can especially help people find you.

Link to social media


Sharing your site and fundraiser on social media is by far the best way for you and your supporters to send more visitors to your fundraiser. You can integrate Facebook, Twitter, and more into your website with social share buttons. You can also add links to social media accounts on your home page.

Communicate your fundraising goal and timeframe


Share your fundraising goal—and how soon you need to raise funds. This will give supporters a sense of urgency, motivating them to donate and spread the word.

Add your fundraiser widget


Add a GoFundMe widget directly to your website, and donors can go directly to your fundraiser with one click. Just follow our instructions for how to add your fundraiser to a website or blog.

Upload videos and photos


High-quality images and videos create empathy for your cause—with a dramatic effect on your fundraising success. Add new photos and videos to your website regularly to keep followers up to date and involved in your story.

Be authentic


People will engage with you and your cause when you tell your story honestly and transparently. As your fundraiser progresses, don’t be afraid to share setbacks and challenges as well as successes.

Don’t overdesign


Make your site simple and elegant. Remember, though, that it’s content that counts most. For every hour you spend making your site look good, we suggest spending three hours posting updates to your fundraiser and website.