Want to Win a Cause That Matters? The Science of Online Petitions Says This Approach Works Best.

Creating an online petition might seem like a small step, but done right, it can have monumental impact. After years of running our own activism nonprofit, we've learned that crafting a powerful petition involves more than just asking for support—it’s about connecting emotionally, targeting the right decision-makers, and presenting a clear, actionable goal. Let’s break down how to make your petition stand out and get results.

What is an online petition?

An online petition is a written request for a change sent to someone in authority. When people sign, it shows the weight of public support for a cause.

Learn the difference between a New/Mode Smart Petition and other Online Petitions. 

But not all petitions are created equal. According to experts, the most successful petitions follow a proven formula. They combine emotional appeal, clarity, and urgency with a direct call to action.

The main steps to create a successful online petition

Step 1: Nail Down Your Issue

The best petitions are laser-focused. Choose a cause that resonates deeply with you—perhaps protecting wildlife, fighting climate change, or improving local healthcare. Narrow it down to a specific, actionable goal.

For instance, instead of a general plea to "Save the Environment," you might advocate for "Banning the Logging of Old-Growth Forests in Humboldt County."

Be clear about the change you’re requesting and why it matters. Paint a vivid picture of the issue’s impact, and make it easy for supporters to understand what’s at stake.

Pro Tip: Give background information on your issue. Explain why change is needed and what action you want from decision-makers. See how some Browse New/Mode Winning Campaigns for Inspiration 

Step 2: Craft a Headline and CTA That Demands Attention

Your headline is the first thing potential supporters will see—it has to grab them immediately. Aim for clarity, emotion, and urgency.

For example:
"Ban Logging in Humboldt County: Protect Ancient Forests Before It’s Too Late!"

Adding a sense of time sensitivity or emphasizing the human (or environmental) impact can make your headline even more compelling. Use action words to the title and body of your online petition so supporters know how they are helping. 

Browse New/Mode Winning Campaigns for Inspiration 

Step 3: Make It Personal and Emotional

Facts and statistics are important, but they’re not enough to inspire action on their own. People are motivated by stories that show the real-world impact of your cause.

When you give supporters the cold, hard facts about why they should care about your cause, they might not make the emotional connection needed to take action. 

Connecting with your audience emotionally is essential so they can better understand the impact and the risks if you are unsuccessful in your campaign.

Example: If the Healthcare Foundation loses, seniors' lives may be shorter, and thousands of patients could miss out on treatments. If we win, seniors' lives could be better, and thousands of patients would gain access to life-saving medicines. 

Stress the importance of immediate action and outline ways for the supporter to be further involved. 

Discover more online activism tools to help you engage supporters and win your cause. 

Step 4: Target the Right Decision-Maker

A petition is only as effective as its audience. Identify the person or organization with the power to create the change you’re advocating for. This could be a politician, a corporate leader, or a community board.

Gather background information on your chosen decision-maker to include in your petition. This will show you who they are and why they’re the right person to act. Learn more about targeting your message.

Why it matters: The decision-maker is the person who will actually act on your petition. Tailoring your message to them increases your chances of success.

For example, if you’re campaigning to stop deforestation, you might address your petition to a state governor or a logging company’s CEO.

Pro Tip: When you use platforms like New/Mode, decision-makers are automatically notified when someone signs your petition, keeping the pressure on them to act.

Step 5: Provide a Clear Call to Action

Once you’ve outlined the problem, tell supporters exactly how they can help. Use action-oriented language that empowers them.

For instance:

• “Sign now to show your support for banning logging in Humboldt County. Together, we can protect these forests before it’s too late.”

The Do’s and Don’ts of creating an image for your online petition 

A strong image can make or break your petition. Think of it as your billboard—you only have a few seconds to grab attention.

Do:

• Use high-quality, emotionally resonant images.
• Keep it simple and uncluttered.

Don’t:

• Use images with text or poor resolution.

For example, a striking photo of an ancient forest under threat will immediately convey the urgency of your cause.

Final Words

• Write a clear message about the change you want and why it’s essential.
• Choose the person or group that can make the change.
• Asking others to sign the online petition to show their support.
• Delivering the online petition to the decision-maker.

While writing a petition can be intimidating, the steps are clear and easy. Our campaign advisors are here to help. Start by creating an online petition for free.

We can’t wait to see how you will make the world a better place. 

Additional Resources

Does your campaign include these five things?

Building Momentum 🙋 A free guide on activating supporters

Free Report: Full Spectrum of Engagement