--- title: The Best Supporter Journeys Start with Great Thanking | Woods Valldata description: Great thanking means reaching the right supporters with the right message at the right time SmartThank from Woods Valldata helps you get there image: https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/hubfs/older%20lady%20sitting%20with%20young%20carer%20smiling%20and%20sharing%20a%20moment%20WV%20Brand.jpg --- [![logo](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/logo.svg)](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/) - [About](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/about/) - [How we work](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/about/how-we-work/) - [Our people](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/about/our-people/) - [Compliance](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/about/compliance/) - [Careers](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/about/careers/) - [Services](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/) - [Response handling](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/response-handling/) - [Lottery](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/lottery/) - [Affinity](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/affinity-lottery/) - [Aspire](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/lottery/aspire/) - [Advantage](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/lottery/advantage/) - [Raffle](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/raffle/) - [Fulfilment](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/fulfillment/) - [Direct Debit](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/direct-debit/) - [Data strategy](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/data-strategy/) - [Case studies](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/case-studies/) - [Resources](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/resources/) - [Insights](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/resources/?_resource_category=insights) - [Blog](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog?__hstc=147199208.9e5ab3d8a0ca3a3f5a12ec2a1f7616ec.1686240030480.1687955986587.1687958199477.32&__hssc=147199208.7.1687958199477&__hsfp=3372006991) - [Events & webinars](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/resources/?_resource_category=events-webinars) - [Glossary](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/glossary/) - [My account](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/my-account/) - [Get in touch](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/contact/) ![woods valldata](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/hubfs/older%20lady%20sitting%20with%20young%20carer%20smiling%20and%20sharing%20a%20moment%20WV%20Brand.jpg) # The Best Supporter Journeys Start with Great Thanking Published by [Helen Halahan](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/author/helen-halahan) on Oct 23, 2025, 10:00:00 AM ## Thanking is a Strategic Touchpoint That Drives Loyalty and Repeat Giving Thanking is the foundation of your supporter journey. It could be the first time you interact with a new supporter, or a time when a supporter feels most engaged with your charity following an interaction. It’s essential you get that next action right, and out the door fast! It’s something we talked about in [our Supporter Journeys and Thanking webinar which you can watch now on demand](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/supporter-journeys-thanking-webinar-2025-woods-valldata). In this blog we look at what you need to get started with great thanking. Main take-outs: 1. Thanking is an essential step in retention 2. Use your data 3. Take time to get it right 4. It can feel complicated but there are solutions Why Retention Matters More Than Ever We’ve been talking about the importance of retention for some time now. Just take a quick look back at some of our blogs [like this one from 2020](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/the-key-to-effective-supporter-journeys)! Today, it’s essential. Helen Daw, Head of Data Strategy and Insight at Woods Valldata explains: “Acquisition is hard. Keeping the supporters we’ve got, and hopefully growing them, is vital so we can move them onto higher value, more long-term income-generating products.” In a climate where response rates are down ([CAF 2025](https://www.cafonline.org/insights/research/uk-giving-report/uk-giving-report-2025)), [retention strategies help build relationships with existing supporters and increase lifetime value – you can read more about this in this blog.](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-retention-and-stewardship-in-ig-fundraising) Thank is the first step in a more detailed supporter journey. If you do nothing else towards retention, a considered and considerate ‘thank you’ goes a long way. ## Automation Creates Value Automating your thanking means you can personalise your communications at scale. But first you need to have the right information at hand. Some examples might be: - Preferred channel - History including tenure and average gift - Last gift or last interaction (that you’re thanking against) - Whether they are a Gift Aider - Whether they are in your legacy programme Their connection to your cause and any relevant information relating to this i.e. an animal shelter might keep a record of their dog’s name. Once you have these data building blocks you can personalise your thanking and make your supporters feel seen and valued by your charity. It’s worth taking the time to do this. John Grain as part of the Secret Giver Scheme cited in 2018 that: “Often an inspiring 'thank you' will be one of the most memorable engagements our Givers have. Thus, it achieves a very high recall versus other interactions.” ![older lady sitting with young carer smiling and sharing a moment WV Brand](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/older%20lady%20sitting%20with%20young%20carer%20smiling%20and%20sharing%20a%20moment%20WV%20Brand.jpg?width=686&height=386&name=older%20lady%20sitting%20with%20young%20carer%20smiling%20and%20sharing%20a%20moment%20WV%20Brand.jpg) ## The Power of Thanking: Don't Overlook the Basics A beautifully crafted thank you letter can be transformative. “Four out of five people who give say that a beautifully crafted acknowledgement letter is all it takes to want to give again,” shared Chris Allum from Guide Dogs during the [Supporter Journeys and Thanking webinar](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/supporter-journeys-thanking-webinar-2025-woods-valldata). “As fundraisers, we need to work harder on thanking, not just on the appeal. Sometimes less is more.” That’s where A/B testing or fallow-cell analysis comes in. Make sure you’re constantly reviewing what has the biggest impact for what segment of supporters. Thanking isn’t just an admin task—it’s a strategic touchpoint that drives loyalty and repeat giving. But it can feel complicated to add the personal touch to so many variables. ## Woods Valldata Makes it Simple Getting it right is easier with the right partner. [Woods Valldata’s Response Handling Services](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/response-handling/) support large-scale fundraising programmes, ensuring every supporter receives timely, accurate, and compliant communications. For smaller and medium-sized charities, [ResponseGo offers a simple, scalable, and affordable solution](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/responsego/)—making professional response handling accessible to all. When it comes to thanking, [SmartThank takes the complexity out of personalised thanking](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/smartthank-making-complex-thanking-simple/). With hundreds of variable text options, SmartThank ensures every supporter feels valued, driving loyalty and repeat giving. And for the wider journey? Why not reach out to a specialist like [Sequoia Insights](https://sequoia-insights.com/) who will help you develop a journey that works for you and your supporters. Ready to take your thanking to the next level? [Contact Woods Valldata today](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/contact/) to learn more about our Response Handling, ResponseGo, and SmartThank solutions. And don’t forget to [watch our Supporter Journeys & Thanking webinar on demand](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/supporter-journeys-thanking-webinar-2025-woods-valldata) for even more expert insights!   [![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/7160118/64d43182-b39b-4867-afbe-151dddfa6964.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/7160118/64d43182-b39b-4867-afbe-151dddfa6964) Tags: [charity fundraising](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/tag/charity-fundraising), [Fulfilment](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/tag/fulfilment), [Appeal response handling](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/tag/appeal-response-handling), [Response Handling](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/tag/response-handling), [Income Generation for Charities](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/tag/income-generation-for-charities), [creating a fundraising strategy](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/tag/creating-a-fundraising-strategy) Please share this blog... - [mailto:?body=https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/the-best-supporter-journeys-start-with-great-thanking-woods-valldata](mailto:?body=https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/the-best-supporter-journeys-start-with-great-thanking-woods-valldata) - - [Back to Blog](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog) ### Categories ### Archives - [March 2020 (5)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/03) - [May 2022 (4)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/05) - [October 2022 (4)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/10) - [January 2023 (4)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/01) - [June 2023 (4)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/06) - [May 2024 (4)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/05) - [June 2024 (4)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/06) - [January 2026 (4)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/01) - [March 2021 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/03) - [April 2021 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/04) - [July 2023 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/07) - [August 2023 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/08) - [April 2024 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/04) - [July 2024 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/07) - [November 2025 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/11) - [August 2026 (3)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/08) - [June 2020 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/06) - [August 2020 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/08) - [October 2020 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/10) - [November 2020 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/11) - [November 2021 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/11) - [January 2022 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/01) - [February 2022 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/02) - [February 2023 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/02) - [March 2023 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/03) - [September 2023 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/09) - [December 2023 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/12) - [February 2024 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/02) - [March 2024 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/03) - [February 2025 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/02) - [July 2025 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/07) - [December 2025 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/12) - [March 2026 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/03) - [April 2026 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/04) - [May 2026 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/05) - [July 2026 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/07) - [September 2026 (2)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/09) - [June 2015 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2015/06) - [November 2017 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2017/11) - [February 2020 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/02) - [April 2020 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/04) - [May 2020 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/05) - [July 2020 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/07) - [September 2020 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2020/09) - [May 2021 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/05) - [June 2021 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/06) - [August 2021 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/08) - [September 2021 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/09) - [October 2021 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/10) - [December 2021 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2021/12) - [March 2022 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/03) - [April 2022 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/04) - [June 2022 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/06) - [July 2022 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/07) - [August 2022 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/08) - [September 2022 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2022/09) - [May 2023 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/05) - [October 2023 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/10) - [November 2023 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2023/11) - [January 2024 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/01) - [September 2024 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/09) - [January 2025 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/01) - [March 2025 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/03) - [September 2025 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/09) - [October 2025 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/10) - [February 2026 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/02) - [June 2026 (1)](https://info.woodsvalldata.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/06) see all ## Related Articles ![WV logo](https://woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/05/WV_logo_2.png.webp) At Woods Valldata, we’re here for you and there for your supporters. We offer an unparalleled range of outsourced fundraising services giving your supporters the best possible experience and helping you grow your fundraising programmes. We’re your Partners in Possibility #### Contact Info Lansdowne House, Bumpers Way, Chippenham, SN14 6NG [01249 653444](tel:01249653444) [charities@woodsvalldata.co.uk](mailto:charities@woodsvalldata.co.uk) #### Quick links - [Services](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/) - [About](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/about/) - [Contact](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk) - [Careers](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/about/careers/) #### Blog posts ![Group-3](https://woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Group-3.svg) ![iof-logo](https://woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iof-logo.svg) ![Lotteries-Council-Platnum-Member-white](https://woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lotteries-Council-Platnum-Member-white.svg) ![gc-logo](https://woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gc-logo.svg) ![PCI-logo](https://woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PCI-logo.svg) ![27001-Logo](https://woodsvalldata.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/27001-Logo.gif) 2023 Copyright Woods Group Ltd (trading as Woods valldata). Company number 03665861, VAT number GB991231322 - [Privacy](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/privacy-policy/) - [Cookies](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/cookie-policy/) - [Terms of use](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/terms-of-use/) - [Site map](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/site-map/) [![Resolution design logo](https://resolutionlabs.co.uk/cdn/resolution-dot-white-logo.svg)](https://resolutiondesign.co.uk) ## Affinity [Affinity Lottery](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/affinity-lottery/) is the ideal solution for charities looking for the joys to be had in acquiring and building relationships with players without the operational administrative burden.  This option enables your charity to increase player acquisition and boost your fundraising from the very first draw – with a prize fund with a £25,000 top prize at no cost or risk to your organisation. Perfect for: - Testing if lottery is right for your charity - When charity admin and financial resources are limited - Charities and societies of any size **[Book a demo.](https://meetings.hubspot.com/gemma-ward?__hstc=147199208.9e5ab3d8a0ca3a3f5a12ec2a1f7616ec.1686240030480.1687955986587.1687958199477.32&__hssc=147199208.1.1687958199477&__hsfp=3372006991)** Find out if Affinity Lottery is your perfect fit. [Get more info on Affinity Lottery including our ROI calculator](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/affinity-lottery/) ## Aspire Owned by you and managed by us, Aspire Lottery is perfect for charities and not-for-profits looking to increase regular giving income from a different type of supporter.   Your Aspire lottery is unique to you, perfectly matched to your cause and ready to go to deliver increased fundraising income to your charity.  Perfect for: - Quickly and easily setting up your own lottery - Migrating a small to medium sized lottery to a more intuitive platform **[Book a demo.](https://meetings.hubspot.com/julia-seidel?__hstc=147199208.9e5ab3d8a0ca3a3f5a12ec2a1f7616ec.1686240030480.1687955986587.1687958199477.32&__hssc=147199208.1.1687958199477&__hsfp=3372006991)** Find out if Aspire Lottery is your perfect fit. [Get more info on Aspire Lottery](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/lottery/aspire/) ## Advantage Advantage Lottery is the best weekly lottery product to take you and your fundraising efforts to a higher level!   It’s customisable and adaptable to fit with the growth needs of your programme and offers greater freedom in how you run your lottery, whilst giving you everything needed to help it reach its full potential.  Perfect for: - Charities who want to make their lottery unique - Migrating a medium to large sized lottery to benefit from Woods Valldata’s experience and expertise **[Chat to us.](https://meetings.hubspot.com/julia-seidel?__hstc=147199208.9e5ab3d8a0ca3a3f5a12ec2a1f7616ec.1686240030480.1687955986587.1687958199477.32&__hssc=147199208.1.1687958199477&__hsfp=3372006991)** Let’s take your lottery to the next level. [Get more info on Advantage Lottery](https://www.woodsvalldata.co.uk/services/lottery/advantage/)