Let’s face it—getting people to open and interact with fundraising emails can be tough. We’re all competing for attention in crowded inboxes, so finding a way to stand out is key. That’s why we decided to try something new in our latest eNews: a live poll. Spoiler alert: it worked really well.

Our Experiment: Adding a Live Poll

In our latest eNews, we mixed things up by including a live poll. We asked a fun, seasonal question: “What’s your favorite fall beverage?” And the results were clear—Pumpkin Spice won by a landslide! This simple addition led to a 104% increase in our open rate and a 62% boost in our click rate.

This wasn’t just a random spike; it showed us that our audience is eager to engage, not just skim. By giving them something interactive and relevant, we turned a routine email into a more dynamic experience.

What Kinds of Interactive Elements Should I Consider?

Interactive elements like polls, countdown timers, and clickable images make your emails more engaging and personal. They invite your audience to interact with your content. Here are a few examples of how you can use these elements in your fundraising emails:

1. Live Polls: They invite your readers to share their opinions and give you real-time feedback. And don’t forget the follow-up—sharing the results can keep the conversation going.
2. Countdown Timers:  If you’re promoting a limited-time match or a campaign with a deadline, adding a countdown timer is a smart move to visually show the urgency. 
3. Clickable Images and GIFs: Don’t forget that something as normal as a banner or GIF can promote engagement. For example, you can create a clickable image that links to different parts of your website or campaign. 
4. Interactive Quizzes: Quizzes are not only fun but can also be educational. Imagine a quiz that helps your readers learn more about your cause while having a bit of fun. 
5. Donation Thermometers: The classic donation thermometer is a great way to add visual progress towards your fundraising goal. You could consider including it on the donation form, thank you page or even in the email itself using a GIF.

Personalize Your Emails Even More

Beyond adding interactive elements, there are other ways to make your emails feel more personal and engaging. Here are a few ideas inspired by some of the best practices out there:

• Dynamic Content: Personalize your message based on your audience’s past behavior or preferences. For example, if a supporter has previously donated to a specific project, highlight similar initiatives in your email or show imagery that relates to that fund. 
• User-Generated Content: Encourage your supporters to share their stories or photos related to your cause. Featuring this content in your emails not only adds authenticity but also makes your supporters feel more connected and valued.
• Localized Content:  If your organization operates in multiple regions, consider customizing your emails based on location. Highlight events or campaigns that are happening in their area, making your message more relevant and engaging showing you know your audience.

The Bottom Line: Engagement Leads to Donations

Incorporating interactive elements and personalized content into your fundraising emails isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven strategy that can significantly boost engagement which will ultimately lead to more donations. 

If you’re interested in testing any of these ideas in your next campaign, reach out to us—we’d love to help you get started.