Getting new volunteers on board is an exciting, yet can be challenging, task. To turn clicks into volunteers you have to start off with an appealing opportunity. Here are three powerful tips that will help you stand out!
1) Come Up with a Captivating Title
First impressions are everything, you need to capture people’s attention. Use your title to describe, in a few words, what the volunteer will be doing. Be sure to keep it around 6 words or 40 characters, as only a portion will be shown in the opportunity overview.
Do:
· Clearly state the position or activity the volunteer will be engaging in (e.g. ‘Event coordinator at homeless shelter' or 'Help develop a marketing strategy')
· Try to emotionally connect people to your cause (e.g. ‘Donate blood and save lives!’)
Don't:
· Use vague or one-worded titles (e.g. ‘volunteer', ‘coordinator’ or ‘employee’)
· Include dates in the title, except if the activity or event takes place on a particular date – if so, add this in brackets and remember to categorise it as an event
· Include the organisation's name, as it will already be shown under the title of the opportunity
2) Pick an Attractive Cover Image
Before picking a cover image think about the cause you stand for or the subject of the event. The right image will do an excellent job to spark the viewers’ interest.
The quality of the image needs to be the highest resolution possible and in .jpg or .png file format.
If you cannot find the right image in your archives or find one of sufficient quality, you could use these stock image websites: unsplash.com pikwizard.com or pexels.com
Do
· Use images that illustrate what your cause or activity is about – it is likely that this is what will make the difference for some people in deciding whether or not they view your vacancy
· If using people in an image/photo, make sure the image/photo is appropriate to the message you’re trying to convey, for example if it’s a holiday play activity make sure the participants look happy!
· Ensure you have permission to use the image
Don’t:
· Use logos or text as your cover photo
· Settle for low quality or irrelevant photos. We know quality images portraying a specific activity may be hard to find so you may choose to communicate the cause you stand for instead
· Use the same image for every type of vacancy or event
3) Write a Comprehensive Description
Congratulations, you have now grabbed a potential volunteer’s interest! All that is left to do is specify what you’ll be expecting from them and the impact they will make. The description should include both an overview of the role or deed and the qualities you look for in a volunteer. Try to keep it between 5-8 lines.
We have developed an easy structure for you to follow:
1 – Explain in detail -
A) What the role or activity entails. Use examples (e.g. “Looking for xxx to do yyy”) (e.g. “Activities include …”) Try and use dynamic words to generate enthusiasm (e.g. “exciting”, “fun”, “fulfilling”).
B) How the volunteers will be making a difference or how they can benefit from doing the activity (e.g. “Benefits include … you are contributing to a day they will never forget“)
2 - Describe your ideal volunteer -
It’s ok to be specific about what you seek in a volunteer, just make sure you clarify which things are required and which are 'nice to have' (e.g. “You will have to be available…” or “It would be great if you have some experience with...”).
Don’t
· Include detail about your organisation, as this will be included in your organisational profile
· Write just one sentence.
Good luck!
We have also written a 'Volunteering Opportunities Checklist' as the essential step by step guide to take you through the whole process.
If you have any questions or would like more support in writing your opportunities, we’d be delighted to help - contact [email protected] or on 01242 858944
Emma Snell, Go Volunteer Glos Manager
With help from our friends at Spark a Change Somerset
May 2022