The typical campaign raises a third of its total in the first 72 hours, then flatlines. The difference between campaigns that stall and campaigns that climb is almost always the same thing: updates. Every update is a new reason for past donors to share and new visitors to give.
1. The milestone update
When you cross 25%, 50%, or 75% of goal, say so — and thank the people who got you there. Milestones convert because they signal momentum, and momentum is the strongest social proof a campaign has. If you've set up stretch goals on your campaign page, each one you hit is a ready-made update.
2. The "where the money went" update
Post a photo of the receipt, the repaired roof, the first treatment session. Nothing re-activates lapsed donors like evidence their money did what you said it would. This is also the update most likely to be shared by donors to their own networks.
3. The personal progress update
How is the person at the center of the campaign actually doing? A two-paragraph update with one new photo outperforms a long essay. Write it like a text message to a friend who has been asking.
4. The deadline update
Real deadlines move money: a surgery date, a rent due date, an end-of-month matching offer. If your campaign has a genuine time constraint, every update should mention it. If an employer is matching donations, remind donors to check the employer-match tool at checkout — it can double a gift at no cost to them.
5. The thank-you roll call
Once a week, thank recent donors by first name (or "Anonymous"). Donors who feel seen give again — repeat donations make up a meaningful share of most successful campaigns, and they almost always follow a thank-you.
Cadence that works
- Days 1–7: every other day while momentum is highest.
- Weeks 2–4: twice a week, alternating formats.
- After week 4: weekly, anchored to milestones and real news.
- Always: within 24 hours of any major development, good or bad.
Every update you publish on CharitMe notifies your donors automatically and appears on your public campaign page — so each one is working for you even while you sleep.