In 2024, online giving is no longer optional for churches. Donors of every age want generosity to be simple and convenient. And churches of every size (and budget) can easily take advantage of this technology to simplify tithes and offerings. 

Adopting an online giving platform will help you to increase your donations without significant additional effort. But to really see exponential growth in your online giving, you’ll need a few simple strategies to help engage and grow your donor audience. 

In the following article, we’ll talk about 9 strategies to grow your online giving. 

9 Strategies to Grow Your Online Giving in 2024

#1: Optimize your website for online giving.

Your church website is one of the primary ways that potential donors will engage with you outside of weekend services. It’s where people will go to get more information, check out new events, and of course, donate online. 

That being said, it’s critical that your website is updated, simple to navigate, and most importantly, includes an easy-to-find “Give Now” button (Tithely Websites give you this option!)

Here are a few additional strategies to keep in mind when optimizing your site for online giving:

• Make sure your site is mobile friendly. 
• Include a “Give Now” page as well as a “Give Now” button. 
• Keep your site looking fresh with professional-looking photos and a clean user interface–an outdated page gives the impression of a less-secure website. 

Finally, keep your website updated with the latest events, news, and information about your church. ‍

#2: Use social media, live streaming, and YouTube to reach more donors.

While you might talk about giving at a weekend service (which we’ll cover more below), you’ll also want to use digital channels like Instagram and YouTube to reach donors. Over half of all your church members (likely much more) are on social media, and using these channels to reach them and remind them about giving is a great way to keep engaging them throughout the week. 

To talk about online giving on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, create a series of simple posts that remind your church members of the power of generosity. Then include a link to give on your page or profile. 

You can also use live streaming and other video content you may publish on YouTube to promote online giving. You can include a link to give directly on a YouTube video, and you can even publish a specific video that instructs church members how to give online in just a few simple steps. 

Finally, make sure your presence on social media channels is interesting and engaging! Aside from online giving, publish content that’s useful, edifying, and inspirational for your church members and potential church members. 

#3: Utilize email marketing to keep donors engaged.

Email is still a great way to engage with your church members. A well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, and informative email can build relationship, activate your members to give, and let them know what kind of impact they’re making. 

To increase your online giving through email marketing, segment your donors based on their giving history, interests, and demographics, and send targeted messages that resonate with them. You should also include clear calls-to-action and donation links in your emails to make it easy for donors to give.

#4: Create compelling campaigns and events.

Compelling campaigns and events can motivate donors to give online. A Pledge Campaign to give to your building fund, for example, can create a sense of urgency and inspire donors to take action.

To create effective campaigns and events, identify your target audience, set specific goals, and develop a clear message that resonates with your audience. 

#5: Keep building relationship with donors.

Donor stewardship is the process of building relationships with your donors and showing them how much you appreciate their support. 

To provide excellent donor stewardship, thank your donors promptly and frequently, keep them informed about your work, and show them the impact of their giving. You should also personalize your communication and engage with them on a regular basis.

#6: Show the impact of donations.

Donors want to know that their contributions to your church make a difference. 

To emphasize the impact of donations, provide concrete examples of how your organization is using donations to achieve its mission. This might include a new church facility that’s been built, meals provided to those in crisis around the world, a specific amount given to missions, or even new curriculum that the church has been able to purchase for kid’s ministry. 

You can also use impact stories, testimonials, and social proof to show donors how their contributions are making a difference.

#7: Talk about online giving at church. 

Don’t limit your discussion of online giving to your digital marketing, church website, and social media. Talk about it at church! The time of tithes and offerings is the most logical time to address online giving, but you’ll also want to highlight online giving during church announcements and even during a sermon if applicable. 

#8: Teach people how to give online. 

Giving online should be super intuitive, but it is important to give your church members a series of simple steps they can follow to donate on your website or church app. Provide clear instructions for giving on your website, and you may want to print a postcard with steps that you can distribute at a weekend service. 

#9: Make it as easy as possible for donors to give!

Lastly, it is essential to make it easy for donors to give online. Online giving should be a simple and straightforward process, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface. Choosing the right online giving platform is critical for this final step!

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Give Online with Tithely

Tithely is a free, easy-to-use giving platform that makes it easy for your church members to be generous anywhere, at any time. With options for giving on your website, church app, or even via text, Tithely empowers your church body to be generous in a way that works for them. To learn more about Tithely, click here. 

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