Making a marketing plan

OVCIA & StratCom

• February:
  • Orange & Blue Day site goes live
  • CCC Direct Mail Solicitations with “Save the Date” note in the p.s.
  • CCC Renewal Emails
  • Orange & Blue Day “Save the Date” postcard to non-donors
• March:
  • Illinois’ social media accounts: “Save the Date” post
  • Social media posts “Get Ready For Tomorrow!”

Suggestions for units

• Email creation and approval
• Work with your CCO and/or Social Media Expert on social media strategy
  • Learn more about campus social media
• Leadership Involvement
  • Invite prominent faculty/leaders to record short videos or make early/challenge/matching gifts to inspire others to join the campaign
• Invite faculty, staff, close supporters, and students to sign up as Social Advocates
• Secure early gifts, matching gifts, and challenge gifts from Champions

OVCIA & StratCom

• Orange & Blue Day mass solicitation emails from OVCIA
• UIF Engagement Center text messaging for acquisition
• Gratavid stewardship videos
• Illinois’ social media accounts will post for Orange & Blue Day 
• All gifts receive gift acknowledgement email immediately
• All incomplete gifts receive a reminder email

Suggestions for units

• Email solicitations for your campaign
• 1:1 Emails and personal messages to your close supporters and friends to remind them to give and share your campaign
• Promote your campaign and any challenges on social media. Don’t forget to remind your Social Advocates to share your posts too.
• Consider video testimonials on social media of how gifts impact your group
• Consider videos from donors explaining why they are passionate about supporting your campaign
• Aim for same-day thank you’s for large gifts to your campaign on social media or through personalized emails and texts
• Real-time progress posts on social media (i.e. “We’re halfway to our goal!”)

OVCIA & StratCom

• Thank you and initial results messaging on social media
• Final results/thank you email from OVCIA 
• Campaign leaders will receive a list of gifts through your page
• Thank you message from Chancellor to Champions

First-time donors receive:

• 1-month after first gift:
  • Thank you email
• 3-months after first gift:
  • 2nd ask frame magnet
• 1 year after first gift:
  • Anniversary card 
• Continued standard donor stewardship throughout the year by OVCIA

Suggestions for units

• Send a thank you email to your students and faculty/staff for participating
• Celebrate your team for all their hard work
• Create and share your own thank-you video on social media
• Special thank you notes for donors, advocates, and champions
• Share your specific results in an infographic or fun photo on social media
• Share the campaign results in any newsletters or emails
• Update your audiences on the impact of the funds raised during Orange & Blue Day throughout the year