Organizing teams may be familiar with peer-to-peer texting as a way to fundraise and mobilize voters, but that’s not the only way peer-to-peer texting is used. This texting solution is a versatile tool for organizations and campaigns looking to connect with their supporters in a meaningful way and increase overall impact!
Follow these tips on how to use peer-to-peer texting to increase supporter engagement:
1. Text supporters to opt-in to a broadcast texting list.
Organizers that understand how to use peer-to-peer texting will know that keeping supporters updated with the latest information on events and news is a big priority. And while supporters may be enthusiastic about staying updated, it’s not always easy to make sure supporters get the information they need. Supporters may not want to inundate their email inbox with more incoming messages. Even those who subscribe to emails may find important communications from organizations and campaigns get buried among other messages.
This is where broadcast texting makes a difference: organizers can send one text message to thousands of subscribers in a few minutes, making communication with supporters much easier. As a result, it’s a good idea for organizations to increase the size of their broadcast texting list, and they can use peer-to-peer texting to do it.
Volunteers can send out peer-to-peer texts that encourage supporters to opt-in to a broadcast texting list, with instructions on joining. With the use of shortcodes and opt-in keywords, opting in can be as quick as a couple of clicks!
2. Re-engage former volunteers with a gentle reminder.
Sometimes, volunteers stop taking consistent action for various reasons. While this is perfectly normal, it’s worth the effort to reach out to these supporters and encourage them to get involved again. After all, they are valuable members of the community, especially because they care deeply for the cause they used to volunteer for.
Organizing teams considering how to use peer-to-peer texting can use the tool to re-engage with former volunteers. Since peer-to-peer texting is a volunteer-led tool, it can provide a strong connection between a current and former volunteer that adds more value to the outreach.
The current estimated national value of a volunteer’s hour is just above $25, which means volunteers are particularly valuable to an organization's or campaign's operations. Former volunteers also need less training, which means their contributed time leads to more impact. Organizing teams should prioritize re-engaging former volunteers, especially through peer-to-peer texting.
3. Set up recurring text banks to give current volunteers an easy way to take action.
Volunteers are the ultimate supporters of an organization or campaign, and organizers need to lay out the best and easiest way for volunteers to take action. Volunteer engagement works best when both parties fully understand the expectations and impact of the volunteers’ work.
Regularly scheduled peer-to-peer text banks allow volunteers to set aside time to volunteer. Because text banking is so easy and simple, volunteers will be more inclined to engage in the opportunity and enjoy the time they contribute to the organization or campaign.
Plus, recurring text banks can be organized as social events. Whether through bi-weekly community events or even virtual calls, volunteers can enjoy the time connecting with other volunteers while sending texts.
After all, most volunteers work with only one cause. To maximize the time that the volunteers contribute and increase their engagement, stay predictable and make things fun!
Supporter engagement is an essential part of creating a sustainable movement, and peer-to-peer texting is one of the tools that organizations and campaigns can leverage for impactful outreach. Organizers wondering how to use peer-to-peer texting to increase supporter engagement can strategize with these points in mind!
