Internet boosts charity campaigns
2 June 2008
Time and budget pressed charities could benefit by championing their cause online through widespread internet campaigns.
Communications agency Social Media suggests that the huge popularity and reach of the internet can provide a vital boost for charities looking to raise awareness whilst minimising costs.
More than 61 per cent of households in the UK have internet access, according to a 2007 press release by the Office of National Statistics, a figure which represents over 15 million households.
Social Media company director Henry Palmer said that the internet is a hugely important platform
for non profits, singling out viral ad campaigns as really successful
.
Viral advertising is a subtle form of advertising which 'infects' unaware individuals, attracting their attention via existing networks or forms of communication, such as banner ads or YouTube videos. Charities could find this low cost solution helps them to launch campaigns and spread awareness quickly, to a large audience.
Statistics also suggest that online fundraising is growing hand in hand with the third sector's internet marketing drive. Last year, payments association APACS reported that plastic card charity donations topped £1 billion for 2007 - many of these were online transactions.
