Want to know one of the best tools to help you engage with your bidders?
... Custom Text Messages ...
Texts are the quickest, easiest and one of the most effective forms of communication for online giving.
Don't believe me? Let's look at some stats:
- In the past year, mobile giving donations have increased by 205%
- The average donation size for text-to-donate fundraisers is $107
- 90% of text message reminders are read in 3 minutes
- 49% of mobile donations pledges came from text links
Don’t Just Text — Turn It Into Bids
You already know how powerful custom SMS can be for auction reminders and engagement. Now convert that reach into action — launch your auction so each message becomes a moment of bidding momentum.
Launch Your Bid-Boosting AuctionIf you are not using texting to engage with your bidders, you are missing out on HALF of your donation pie!
Interested now?
Great! Let's get going...
We have provided you with TOP 5 custom templates PROVEN to get you RESULTS.
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TEMPLATE 1: Auction Starting Soon
PURPOSE: To welcome your guests to your auction and direct them to your landing page.
TEXT: Hi [%Receiver Name%], The [%Organization Name%] auction is starting soon. View items now! TXT STOP to stop, HELP for help. STD MSG&DATA rates apply. [%Auction Bypass Login%]
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TEMPLATE 2: Make a Donation
PURPOSE: Encourage giving in addition to or in lieu of bidding on auction items.
TEXT: Hi {%Receiver Name%}, You can really help our cause by making a donation to {%Organization Name%}. We truly appreciate your support! {%Donation Page Link%}
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TEMPLATE 3: No Bids Alert
PURPOSE: Highlight items that have yet to receive bids. Never let an item go unsold!
TEXT: Hi {%Receiver Name%}, There are still great items with NO BIDS! Check them out now. {%No Bid Items Link%}
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TEMPLATE 4: Closing Soon
PURPOSE: Keep your audience informed of your auction closing time to ensure they place all final bids.
TEXT: Hi {%Receiver Name%}, The {%Organization Name%} silent auction will be closing at {%Auction End Time%} Get your final bids in NOW: {%Auction Link%}
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TEMPLATE 5: Donation Request for Non-Winners
PURPOSE: Let everyone be a winner even if they lose their bidding war by prompting them to make a cash donation.
TEXT: Hi {%Receiver Name%}, Didn’t win in our silent auction? You can still be a winner tonight by donating in support of {%Organization Name%}, THANK YOU! {%Donation Page Link%}
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Like the idea? Want to put it into action? Follow the steps below:
STEP 1: Add your Attendees. You will need their name, phone number and email to schedule the auction starting soon message and pre-register them for your auction.
Here's how: Make it simple and download our sample file! Enter the bidder information in the relevant fields and import your csv sample file. Please do not rearrange any columns in the sample file as your data will not properly load.
To import: Visit your Auction Dashboard > Live Event Options > Attendees > Choose File > Click Import
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Now, to schedule messages, please follow the below steps:
STEP 2: Visit your Auction Dashboard > Auction Options > Text Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use texting to boost auction awareness and bids?
SMS has ~instant open rates and puts your auction link where supporters already are—their phones. Short, timely texts lift registration, repeat bidding, and last-hour participation, especially when paired with outbid alerts.
How do we build an SMS list fast before the auction launches?
- Add a mobile number + SMS opt-in checkbox on registration.
- Use a keyword (“Text BID to join”) on flyers, emails, and social.
- Collect opt-ins at events with QR code signage to a short form.
What compliance basics do we need to follow for texting? (General information)
Get express consent, disclose message frequency, and include STOP/HELP language in initial and periodic messages. Respect quiet hours and honor opt-outs immediately. This is general information, not legal advice.
Should we use a short code, 10DLC, or toll-free number? (General information)
- 10DLC: Local-looking number; good deliverability for most nonprofits.
- Toll-free: Easy recognition; supports higher volumes after verification.
- Short code: Premium volume/throughput but higher cost/lead time.
Choose based on budget, volume, and lead time. General information only.
What’s an effective texting cadence for an auction campaign?
- Launch day: “Registration is open” with the short link.
- Mid-campaign: 1–2 nudges, highlight top items.
- Final 24 hours: morning reminder + last-hour countdown.
- Post-close: thanks + pickup/shipping instructions (winners only).
What should each auction text include, and do you have an example?
- Hook: urgency or benefit.
- Action: “Register,” “Bid now,” or “Watchlist.”
- Short link: direct to mobile auction page.
Example: “⏰ Bidding is live! Don’t miss the chef dinner & weekend getaway. Tap to register & bid: your.link/auction Reply STOP to opt out.”
How do outbid and closing alerts via SMS increase revenue?
Real-time texts pull bidders back at key moments. Enable outbid alerts, “ending soon” notices, and auto-extend updates so hot items keep climbing without manual refresh.
What are good last-hour countdown messages to send?
- “60 mins left! Secure your top item before time extends: your.link/auction”
- “Final 15 mins on Category X. Check your watchlist: your.link/watch”
- “You’re not the top bidder on [Item]. Tap to rebid: your.link/item123”
Should we send images (MMS) in auction texts?
MMS can lift clicks for marquee items (trip photo, gift basket collage). Use sparingly—images increase size/cost and may throttle throughput. Reserve MMS for launch and final push.
How should we segment our texts for better results?
- Not registered: registration link + top item teaser.
- Registered, no bids: “Start with these 3 popular items.”
- Active bidders: watchlist + outbid/closing nudges.
Does personalization help in SMS for auctions?
Yes—merge first names and reference watched items or categories. Keep messages short and scannable; one personalized nudge often beats multiple generic blasts.
How do we track clicks and revenue from texts? (General information)
Add UTM parameters to your short links (source=sms). Compare registrations, bids, and conversions by message type and segment. General information, not analytics advice.
When should we send texts—and avoid sending them? (General information)
- Aim for early evening or lunch hours in the recipient’s time zone.
- Limit to 1–2 messages per day except during last-hour windows.
- Respect quiet hours and provide clear opt-out instructions.
General information, not legal advice.
What’s the simplest way to A/B test SMS messages for an auction?
Test one variable at a time (hook, emoji, item mention). Send to small splits first, then roll out the winner to the remaining audience. Measure click-through and completed bids.
How do keyword campaigns work at in-person events or sponsor sites?
Display “Text BID to [number]” on posters and table tents. The auto-reply sends your auction link and captures consent so you can send future reminders.
Do texting tools integrate with auction platforms for outbid alerts and links?
Most auction platforms support SMS for registration links, outbid alerts, and closing notices. Enable watchlists, verify sender settings, and test flows on mobile before launch.
Which KPIs show that texting is driving more bids during the event?
- Click-through rate and % of sessions from SMS.
- New registrations after each text send.
- Bids per item and revenue during countdown windows.
How much does fundraising texting typically cost? (General information)
Expect per-message fees that vary by route (10DLC, toll-free, short code) and whether you use MMS. Many tools offer volume tiers. Model sends × cost vs. expected incremental revenue. General information, not financial advice.
How do we handle STOP/HELP and one-to-one replies? (General information)
Your tool should automatically process STOP/UNSUBSCRIBE and send HELP info. Assign an inbox owner to answer questions (links not working, pickup details). General information, not legal advice.
Do you have a quick checklist for auction texting success?
- Opt-in points: registration, keyword, QR form.
- Sender verified; STOP/HELP language included.
- Launch, mid-campaign, and final-hour templates ready.
- Outbid & “ending soon” alerts tested on mobile.
- Segments built (unregistered, no bids, active bidders).
- Short links with UTMs; KPIs dashboard live.
💡 Try this in ChatGPT
- Summarize the article "5 Custom Text Messages Proven to Drive Auction Traffic" from https://ghost.charityauctionstoday.com/p/how-to-use-texting-to-increase-auction-awareness-and-bids/ in 3 bullet points for a board update.
- Turn the article "5 Custom Text Messages Proven to Drive Auction Traffic" (https://ghost.charityauctionstoday.com/p/how-to-use-texting-to-increase-auction-awareness-and-bids/) into a 60-second talking script with one example and one CTA.
- Extract 5 SEO keywords and 3 internal link ideas from "5 Custom Text Messages Proven to Drive Auction Traffic": https://ghost.charityauctionstoday.com/p/how-to-use-texting-to-increase-auction-awareness-and-bids/.
- Create 3 tweet ideas and a LinkedIn post that expand on this text-to-give topic using the article at https://ghost.charityauctionstoday.com/p/how-to-use-texting-to-increase-auction-awareness-and-bids/.
Tip: Paste the whole prompt (with the URL) so the AI can fetch context.
