Useful tips

Useful tipsTips for help seekers › 6 writing tips that will generate more responses to your request for help

6 writing tips that will generate more responses to your request for help

Whether you are looking for company, a handy Harry or smart advice. Finding someone starts with asking the right question. With our smart platform we e-match your question to everyone who fits!

To find your match(ser) faster, we have put together these writing tips that will ensure more reactions:

Inspirational title and image
????‍♂️ Nice introduction
???? The core: clear and personal
????️ Practical: how often and when
???? Name the benefits
????Keep it small

1. An inspiring title and image

On the overview page of our site you often see about 20 questions at the same time. The title and image of your question are therefore the way to stand out.

????Title Tips:

  • Think short and sweet : 3 to 8 words is best. So stick to the core of your question. Doesn't work? Then it is probably better to split your question into several questions. The clearer it is what you are looking for, the easier it is to find a match.
  • Be clear what you are looking for. So not 'Volunteer wanted' but eg 'Who lets Rakker out on Sunday?'
  • Avoid generic terms. For example, the word "volunteer" is not necessary to include in the title, if you are on a volunteer platform. Also avoid overly complex words, technical terms or reference terms.

????️Image tips:

  • Choose the best from our database. When you post your question on our site, you automatically get a number of options for the image. Choose the best one, or refresh for new suggestions.
  • Upload your own image. Your own image stands out, so if you have a nice one, add it!

2. Nice introduction

In addition to the title and image, the overview also shows the first few sentences. Here you can entice the visitor to view your question. A few ideas to put in your first sentence(s):

  • Why this is important or what you achieve with it. People who view the overview want to make a difference, so respond to that need by making this clear right away.
  • What exactly your question means. For example, a summary 'Next month we are organizing a neighborhood cleanup, will you join us for an hour? We arrange the material and the route'.
  • What makes your question unique. For example, something personal, without sharing personal data. For example: 'I would like to take a walk in nature once a month, but I can't read the route myself'.

3. The core: clear and personal

When people look at your question, it's smart to be as clear as possible about what you need. Also explain why this is necessary. Sometimes it is useful to share what is not needed. The more information, the greater the chance of a good match.

But reality check for yourself: don't assume that you will find the ideal candidate just like that. Leave room to help everyone from their own talent and strength. So do not forget to indicate what is flexible, to coordinate in consultation and what options are available. Free space and flexibility makes doing good things much easier and more accessible.

Show your personality in your writing style. Or share some personal information. People want to help people, they are not looking for work ;-). Of course you don't have to share all personal information. For example, tell them that you love going for walks in the woods with your dog, but leave out where his dog bed lives.

Finally, you can share something about what the next step looks like. What happens to you when someone responds? For example, are you going to meet online together to get acquainted?

Finally: make sure your text is easy to read :

  • Don't use too long sentences or difficult words
  • Use paragraphs and headings
  • Use bullet points where necessary (too much is also not good ;-))

4. Practical: how often and when

Sometimes it's very simple: you just want to know if something fits into your already busy schedule. The same applies to doing something good and volunteering.

Always clearly state in your call what you need when and/or how often. And especially where the space is here in terms of frequency, day/time or intensity. That greatly increases the number of responses!

5. Name the benefits

We all know that helping is always good for you. Science shows that it ranges from physical benefits (happiness substances, longer life) to psychological effects (self-confidence, sense of purpose). So let that also be reflected in your text.

What does helping mean? A pleasant conversation? Shared life experience? Meet new people? Really make a difference for someone who can't do it without help?

You can also reflect this in your writing style. Write in a positive way. A joke, anecdote, nice description of what you experience when you help or share something personal works well.

6. Start small

Asking for help is quite difficult. It may be the hardest thing in life to do. But there are hundreds of people on this platform who want to help. So just dare to ask.

If it's exciting, just start small. You don't have to meet a new best friend right away. Start with a simpler little question. For example, ask for help with a chore around the house. If there is a mutual click, you can then decide to do something fun too. With a small question, the threshold for the other person to respond is also much smaller!

Need more inspiration? Also read the 10 writing tips for volunteer vacancies, especially for social organizations!

Did this article answer your question?