For modern nonprofit organizations operating in an increasingly virtual world, online auction platforms are a must-have tech tool. Auctions are a key part of the nonprofit fundraising landscape. They can offer your NPO a range of benefits including increased revenue, expanding your donor pool, enhancing existing donor engagement, and more.
The best online auction software will help you manage your auction efficiently, whether for virtual or hybrid auctions. But, how do you identify the best virtual auction software solution?
Below, we list the essential features you should look for when trying to choose a top online auction platform for your nonprofit.
Usability and easy navigation should be at the top of your list when selecting an auction system for your NPO.
You want a platform that is easy for you to set up, so you can get it running quickly and start managing all your event logistics. You also want donors and bidders to navigate the software without confusion so that they can get involved without fuss.
This will allow greater participation and make your and the bidders’ experience seamless.
A second aspect of user experience to think about is accessibility. You want to ensure that bidders can track bids, browse items, place their bids, etc. on any device. This makes it important to choose auction software that operates well not just on laptops or desktops but on mobile phones, too.
Mobile bidding features make participation more convenient as bidders can receive notifications and bid updates right on their smartphones.
A huge part of creating a seamless and polished auction experience is to spotlight your brand. An auction is an opportunity to get the public involved in your work and educate them about your brand while raising funds. Opt for an online auction platform that permits you to customize the user experience by adding elements like:
An exceptional auction software provider will offer you a personalized website dedicated to the auction event where you can customize elements like the above.
Pump up the competition with real-time notifications, constant updates, and a live scoreboard. Whether you’re hosting an online, hybrid, or completely virtual live event, real-time data can be the push some bidders need to compete.
With online auction platforms, bidders can get instant notifications right to their phones, telling them when they’ve been outbid. And there’s nothing like some friendly competition to drive charity!
Real-time updates can also give you great insight as your auction event unfolds. If you notice that some items aren’t getting as much attention, you can work to highlight them. Encourage bidders via your social media or prompt live participants to have a look at the item.
If there’s a hot item with lots of competitive bidding, spotlight it for the chance to increase interest in it and grow the bid amount.
Easy event management features are important to consider in your selection. You may need third-party apps to support your organization (i.e. Excel sheets or other documents). Or you may have a preferred payment portal like PayPal that you want to make available to users.
Consider what integrations you need and whether your online auction platform offers them.
In particular, you should ensure you go for an online auction platform with excellent, responsive, and secure payment options. You want payment processing users can trust with their information.
You also want a payment structure that doesn’t have hidden processing fees and offers swift use. Making payment simple will ensure users do not hesitate to place bids.
To help you keep bidders engaged, pick a system that makes this a priority. Look for engagement features such as bidder notifications, bidder reminders, and email communication. Your software should also make it easy for bidders to track bidding via features like watchlists.
Using tools like these and more can help you retain interest in your auction, increase reach, and attract more participants. This is particularly true for virtual auctions where you could even pull participants from across the world.
Looking back on a closed event can give you great insight for future auctions. You can learn more about your audience and find improvement points for upcoming fundraisers. Some of the data you should be able to access after the auction includes bidder information, bidding results, item popularity, engagement metrics, and more.
Analyzing this information can transform how you approach your organization and the management of your future auctions. It can also highlight popular items to gather for higher bids as well as inform you of participants’ experience.
Unless you have a software technician on your team, you may not know how to troubleshoot issues that may come up. When your auction is up and running, any downtime or interruptions in bidding can literally cost you money.
Ensure that you choose an auction software provider that gives you comprehensive technical support when you need it. This should include email and phone assistance, user guides, emergency support, and more.
Auctions are a fundraising gem but they can be a hassle to put together without support. Good online auction software can change this, however, and give you the helping hand you need to make your event a success.
Whether you’re going online, hosting in person, or both, auction software can ease your event coordination and management. Pick a platform with features above and your auction is bound to be a resounding success.
Now, all you have to do is find the best items to keep bidders glued onto their screens. Good luck!
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