Raids on Whatnot can be exciting but overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure how to handle them. Whether you’re new to Whatnot or a seasoned seller, having a game plan for raids can make all the difference in turning those new viewers into repeat buyers.
As someone who does frequent “booster raids” to support sellers (especially Premium Members of Vizzuals.com), I’ve seen how different sellers respond to raids—and the results can vary drastically. Here are my thoughts on what to do when you get a raid, based on my experiences. Feel free to adapt these strategies to your own style!
1. Always Thank the Person Who Raided You
First things first: show your gratitude! The person who raided you went out of their way to send their audience to your show. A simple, heartfelt thank-you can go a long way in building relationships.
How to do it:
• Verbally thank them on your stream.
• Encourage your viewers to follow the raider and bookmark their shows.
• Ask your mods to highlight the raider’s username in the chat.
Ignoring a raid can come off as ungrateful, and it might discourage people from raiding you again in the future.
2. Avoid Calling Out the Raid Size
It’s tempting to acknowledge the number of people in a raid, but tread carefully. If the raid size is small, mentioning it can unintentionally embarrass the person who raided you.
Instead, focus on welcoming the new viewers without emphasizing the numbers. Remember, even a few new buyers can make a huge impact on your show.
3. Don’t Automatically Do Giveaways
Giveaways are a popular way to engage new viewers, but they’re not always the best strategy—especially for smaller raids.
Here’s why:
• If the raid is small (fewer than 15 people), a giveaway might not be worth the cost.
• Giveaways can attract people who only stay for the prize and leave right after.
For larger raids, giveaways can be a great tool to gain followers and encourage purchases. Just be strategic about when and how you use them.
4. Run Items Quickly After the Raid
When a raid happens, don’t freeze up. Instead, start running items right away.
Most people on Whatnot are there to shop or be entertained. If your stream isn’t engaging, new viewers will move on to another show. Running items immediately gives them a reason to stay and explore what you have to offer.
5. Don’t Overdo the Thank-Yous
While it’s important to thank the raider, keep it brief. Spending too much time thanking them or talking about the raid can bore your audience and make new viewers leave. Strike a balance between showing gratitude and keeping the momentum of your show.
6. Stay Calm During Large Raids
Large raids (think 100+ viewers) can be intimidating, but don’t let the nerves take over. Treat a big raid like any other, but with a bit of extra strategy:
• Consider doing a giveaway to keep people engaged.
• Run a few high-interest items while the giveaway timer is running to showcase what you have.
• Focus on entertaining your audience and keeping them engaged.
Even if you lose some viewers, retaining a portion of the raid can lead to meaningful sales.
7. Consider a $1 Auction for Big Raids
If you get a significant raid, think about auctioning off an item for $1 or at a low starting bid.
Why?
• It creates excitement and engagement.
• New buyers might take advantage of discounted shipping to purchase more.
Choose an item you can afford to let go of and use it to hook new customers.
8. Adapt and Experiment
These are just my personal opinions based on experience. If something you’re already doing works, stick with it. But if raids aren’t turning into results, consider tweaking your approach and experimenting to see what resonates with your audience.
Your Turn
What strategies have worked for you during and after raids? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s share ideas and grow together!
For more tips and seller support, check out Vizzuals.com.
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