Creating an impactful online petition gives you a better chance of winning on the issues that matter to you. Start with a catchy headline, include an eye-catching image, pick the decision makers to send it to, and tell a convincing story. These steps will help your online petition get noticed and gather more support for your cause.
What is an online petition?
An online petition is a written request for a change sent to someone in authority. When you collect signatures from other people, it shows how much support there is for your cause.
The main steps to create an online petition are:
- 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.
Learn the difference between a New/Mode Smart Petition and other Online Petitions.
Identify the issue you want to solve
The first step in making an online petition is to pick a topic that’s important to you. If you don’t have a specific idea, consider your interests, like protecting animals. Then, try to narrow it down to one particular goal.
Plan out what change you want, how you’ll work to make it happen, and how you’ll know it’s successful. Adding details will help catch people’s attention and encourage them to sign.
Explain your cause in detail, providing background information and outlining the importance of your online petition. Include why it matters and what action you want from decision-makers.
Write an attention-grabbing headline
Craft a catchy title that summarizes your message. Add details like the location, name of your organization, and areas of the world that might be affected by the issue you are trying to draw attention to. This will help your cause align with the right supporters.
Create a call to action that shows how you will solve the problem
Use action words to the title of your online petition so supporters know how they are helping.
Example: Ban the logging of old-growth forests in Humboldt County. Add your voice by signing the petition.
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Emotional Appeal + Urgency
Grab people’s attention by making your headline appeal to supporters' emotions and create a sense of urgency. Make it clear why the issue matters. Include important dates or time limits.
Make sure your petitions get in front of the right decision-makers
The decision maker is the person in authority who can make the change you’re asking for. This could be a politician, an influencer, or a business leader.
Once you know your petition's specific goal, please identify the person (or people) who can help achieve it. When you create an online petition with New/Mode, the decision maker you select will be notified and receive notifications every time your online petition is signed.
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.
Craft a compelling story that showcases the human 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.
The Do’s and Don’ts of creating an image for your online petition
Do - Showcase an image that is simple, high contrast, and appeals to emotion
Don’t - Add an image to your online petition that has text, has visual clutter, or has poor resolution
Remember that your image is your online petition’s billboard, and you only have a few seconds to grab the attention of supporters.
Final Words
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
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