Crafting Compelling Profiles

9 Steps to Creating a Compelling HandUp Profile (and getting lots of donations!)

1. Put on your 'Donor Hat'

As you’re writing, imagine that you’re a donor and think- what about this member or their goal would make you want to donate? Make sure you share whatever you personally find compelling about their story

2. Make it personal

Help donors to connect with the member as a fellow human being by making the profile personal and sharing the member's personal story. When members can relate to the member in any kind of way it will help motivate someone to donate.

Some good areas to start, where are they from? What are their hobbies or favorite things to do? What is their past work experience? 

Check out Eric's profile for a great example, he is an artist and he included a link so people can see his artwork.

3. Keep the need specific

We understand members have many needs all at once, but the power of honing in one specific goal goes beyond donations. When a member is able to complete goals and move a step ahead in their plan, it is really encouraging and helps give members the steam to keep going and achieving more and more goals. It doesn't always work out to try to achieve everything at once, one step at a time is all it takes.

Choose 1-2 specific needs as a goal- not a laundry list of everything that the member might need. We find members are most successful when they are specific on one thing and explain how that thing will help them move forward. We'd suggest using a 'Goal Profile,' as they bring in donations much faster. 

4. Share 'Why?'

Why do they need help in meeting this need? Why is it important and urgent in their life right now?

5. Share what they're already doing

How is the member taking advantage of existing resources (including working with your organization)? What steps are they taking to improve their situation?

6. Emphasize the impact

Share how meeting their need will help them move forward in their life. If compelling, you can also add how not meeting this need will negatively impact them.

Example: Jason is eligible for a promotion and pay increase but the position requires a valid drivers license. Jason is fundraising for past due traffic tickets to reinstate his drivers license so he can get the promotion and bring in more income to stabilize and support his family. 

7. Keep it concise but specific

Try to keep it simple and to the point. Highlight the key items and share the details that matter most. A great story does not necessarily mean a long essay, it can be concise and to the point as long as it has all the right details.

8. Proofread, proofread, proofread!

If you have time, get someone who doesn’t know the member or their situation to proofread the profile to make sure the profile makes sense and is shared in a way that will encourage donations. If you need a second pair of eye's feel free to email Katrina @ support@handup.org - she is available to give advice and suggestions! 

9. Take a video!

Include a video, if possible, of the member sharing their situation. Videos are a powerful way for donors to connect with the member. A video doesn't need to be professional on a nice camera, if you have a smartphone available - this works great! You can create a private youtube account to upload the videos and insert them in the profile.