The decision has been made: your next raffle will have a digital touch. Great idea! Digital tools may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but there is really no need to be afraid of them. In this article, we explain step-by-step how to set up an online or hybrid raffle and what you can expect from it.
Why choose an online or hybrid raffle?
1. You can start immediately With online sales, you do not have to wait for paper tickets to be printed and delivered. Once everything is set up, you can immediately begin promoting and fundraising.
2. You reach more people With a sharing link distributed via social media, email, or a QR code on a flyer, you reach a much larger audience than through traditional sales. Furthermore, people can pay directly with their debit card — convenient for everyone.
3. No more geographical boundaries Online payments make it possible to reach donors from all over the world. Think of former members living elsewhere, family members abroad, or people who simply sympathize with your cause. The circle of potential participants suddenly becomes much larger.
4. Better financial oversight Traditional ticket sales via volunteers are effective, but keeping track of all income is a challenge. With online payment, all proceeds go directly into your association’s account. Through a platform like Loteraise, you can also see in real time how much has already been collected — no more loose notes or small change.
5. Convenience for the participant Are you organizing an event where tickets are sold? Then participants can simply pay themselves via their smartphone, without someone needing to stand next to them with a cash box. This saves time and hassle.
6. Digital prizes as an extra Online raffles are perfectly suited for digital prizes such as gift cards. These are easy to arrange and attractive to a wide audience — which benefits participation.
Bonus tip: via a platform like Loteraise, you can also give participants the option to make a small extra donation during checkout. Committed participants are often happy to do so.
How to set up an online or hybrid raffle
Step 1: Determining the basics
Start with the same questions as for a regular raffle:
- ✅ What is the goal of the fundraiser?
- ✅ When is the draw?
- ✅ What are the prizes, and what is the grand prize?
- ✅ How much does a ticket cost?
- ✅ How much do you want to raise?
Because you will also be communicating online, it is also useful to know:
- ✅ On which social media platforms is your association active?
- ✅ Where is your target audience most likely to be found?
Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are the most popular platforms among associations. Facebook is particularly strong for reaching groups and creating events. Ensure you are active on at least one of these platforms and post regularly.
Step 2: Setting up the tools
Payments: Do you already have a website? Then create a separate page for the raffle. Link a payment solution to it, such as Mollie or Buckaroo, so that visitors can purchase tickets directly.
No website or no desire for technical hassle? Then a ready-made platform like Loteraise is a perfect solution. With a few clicks, you have a personalized raffle page online, including payment functionality.
Promotional material: A good communication strategy is at least as important as the raffle itself. Prepare the following:
- ✅ Images for social media
- ✅ A short video about your association and volunteers
- ✅ A video featuring sponsors
- ✅ Information about the draw: when, where, and whether it can be followed live
Communication: when and how?
Divide your communication across three moments:
1. At the launch Make it count! Clearly state the goal, how much you want to raise, and how people can participate. Ensure a good first impression.
2. During the term Keep your audience engaged by regularly sharing how much has already been raised and how much is still needed. Share the videos you prepared in the meantime.
3. In the final days Indicate that sales are nearly closing. Remind people of the date and time of the draw, and whether it can be followed live. Conclude with a thank you to volunteers and participants.
You really do not need to post something every day — that tends to be counterproductive. For a duration of one month, one or two posts per week is more than enough.
An online or hybrid raffle takes less time than you might think and offers significantly more possibilities than the traditional approach. With the right tools, it is also surprisingly simple to set everything up.
Would you like to know more or do you need help setting up your raffle? Please feel free to take a look at our website or contact us — we are happy to assist you!
