Mastering Support Raising Outreach
This 8-step outreach guide helps you follow to connect with potential supporters. Stay consistent and organized to see better results.
6-Step Outreach Strategy: A Simple
and Clear Plan
Step 1: Initial Call
1. Call: Attempt to reach the person by phone.
• If they don’t answer: Leave a voicemail introducing yourself, expressing your desire to connect, and sharing your phone number.
2. Text Message: Immediately after the voicemail, send a short text saying you called and would love to schedule a time to connect.
3. Email: Within 48 hours, send an email sharing who you are, why you’re reaching out, and offering to set up a meeting. Include a scheduling link (e.g., Calendly).
Step 2: Second Call (2-3 Days Later)
4. Call: Try again to reach them.
• If they don’t answer: Leave a voicemail reminding them you’d love to connect.
5. Text Message: Follow up with another short text reiterating your desire to connect and offering to work around their schedule.
6. Email: Send a second email, perhaps sharing a brief story or update to keep their interest while still asking to schedule a meeting.
Step 3: Social Media Outreach (After Email 2)
7. Social Media Message: If you haven’t heard back via phone, text, or email, reach out with a direct message on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Keep it personal and genuine.
Step 4: Third Call (3-5 Days Later)
8. Call: Try again to reach them.
• If they don’t answer: Leave a voicemail sharing how much you’d love to connect and expressing flexibility in scheduling.
9. Text Message: Send another follow-up text with a friendly reminder to let you know what works best for them.
Step 5: Second Social Media Message
10. Social Media Message: Send a follow-up DM if they haven’t responded to your first one.
Step 6: Final Round of Outreach
11. Call: Make one final attempt to reach them by phone.
• If they don’t answer: Leave a voicemail thanking them for considering connecting and letting them know it’s your last outreach for now.
12. Email: Send a final email acknowledging they may be busy and offering a graceful exit (e.g., “If now isn’t a good time, no worries—just let me know!”).
Key Adjustments to Consider
1. Fewer Calls, More Diverse Channels: If you find phone calls are not effective, shift focus to email and social media after the second or third call.
2. Longer Timeline: Space out outreach attempts over 2-3 weeks to avoid overwhelming the recipient.
3. Clear Exit Option: Include an “off-ramp” in your final email, text, or voicemail (e.g., “If now isn’t the right time, feel free to let me know, and I’ll reach out later.”).
Ideal Strategy:
1. Day 1: Call → Voicemail → Text Message → Email
2. Day 3: Call → Voicemail → Text Message → Email
3. Day 6: Social Media Message
4. Day 8: Call → Voicemail → Text Message
5. Day 10: Social Media Message
6. Day 14: Call → Voicemail → Final Email
Scripts and Templates
Build meaningful connections with your potential donors! Our email, voicemail, and text message templates are designed to help you communicate clearly, show gratitude, and inspire generosity—all while saving you time.
Designed to help you schedule meetings in a warm and relational manner. It ensures a positive and respectful interaction that builds connections.
Save time and make an impact with our pre-written email templates. Perfect for outreach, follow-ups, or expressing gratitude—customize them to suit your needs!
Make every voicemail count! Use our professionally crafted voicemail scripts to leave clear, concise, and effective messages that resonate with your audience.
Communicate quickly and effectively with our ready-to-use text message scripts. Ideal for reminders, updates, or personalized notes to stay connected.
Maximize your outreach on social media with our engaging post and message scripts. Designed to help you connect with donors and raise awareness across platforms.
How Many Times Should You Reach Out Before Someone Responds?
If you’re new to cold calling, texting, emailing, or reaching out on social media, here’s a simple truth: it’s going to take some work. Most people won’t respond after the first attempt—or even the second. But don’t get discouraged! Persistence is key, and success comes with patience.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Numbers
On average, it takes 7-12 touchpoints before someone responds.
80% of responses happen after at least 5 follow-ups.
This means you’ll likely need to try a few different ways to reach out—calling, emailing, texting, or sending a message on social media. People are busy, and distracted, and might not even see your first attempt.
Why Persistence Works
Many people won’t respond the first time because life is busy.
They might not recognize your number or email, or they’re simply waiting for the right moment to engage.
The more (thoughtful) reminders you send, the more likely they are to respond.
What to Expect
Calls: Most people won’t answer on the first call. It might take 3-4 calls before they pick up or call you back.
Emails: It often takes 3-5 emails before someone responds—especially if they’re not expecting your message.
Texts/Social Media: These can sometimes get quicker responses, but don’t rely on them alone.
The Best Approach
Be Consistent: Follow up regularly, but don’t overwhelm people. Space your outreach 3-5 days apart.
Mix It Up: Use different methods—call, email, text, or social media—to increase your chances of connecting.
Keep It Simple: Each message should be clear and respectful. Don’t write novels or sound pushy!
Be Genuine: Share your heart and why you’re reaching out. People respond to real connections.
Reality Check: It Takes Work
Yes, it’s going to take multiple attempts. No, it’s not always easy. But here’s the good news: the work you put in will pay off when you finally connect with someone who’s excited to hear what you have to share.
Final Tip
Remember, not hearing back doesn’t mean “no.” It just means you haven’t reached them at the right time yet. Stay persistent, stay kind, and don’t give up too quickly!