# Picking My Nominated Raffle Name

### Overview

Your nominated raffle name creates your unique raffle webpage URL in this format:

`rafflelink.com.au/your-chosen-name`

This URL is how supporters will find and access your raffle, so it needs to be memorable and relevant.

**It can be changed after registration, but should not be changed once activated to avoid confusing your followers**

### Technical Requirements

* Maximum 20 characters
* All lowercase letters
* No spaces allowed
* Must be unique (cannot use a name that's been used before)
* Alphanumeric characters only (letters and numbers)
* Hyphens (-) allowed

### Best Practices

#### DO:

* Keep it short and memorable
* Make it relevant to your cause
* Include the year if it's an annual event
* Use clear abbreviations if needed
* Test that it's easy to type and share

#### DON'T:

* Use spaces (use hyphens instead)
* Use special characters (@#$%&\*)
* Use uppercase letters
* Make it too long or complicated
* Use generic terms that could be common

### Examples

#### Good Examples:

* School Raffle:
  * `stmarys2024`
  * `sps-carnival`
  * `year6-grad`
* Sports Club:
  * `tigers-2024`
  * `netball-spring`
  * `juniors-fund`
* Community Events:
  * `rotary-may24`
  * `lions-spring`
  * `artsfest24`
* Charity Events:
  * `cancer-run24`
  * `heartappeal`
  * `savekoalas`

#### Poor Examples:

* ❌ `School Raffle 2024` (contains spaces)
* ❌ `St.Mary's` (contains special characters)
* ❌ `SPORTSFUNDRAISER` (uppercase letters)
* ❌ `ThisIsWayTooLongToBeAGoodURL` (too long)
* ❌ `raffle` (too generic)

### Tips for Choosing Your Name

1. Consider Your Audience
   * Will they remember it?
   * Can they type it easily?
   * Is it easy to share verbally?
2. Think About Promotion
   * Will it fit on printed materials?
   * Is it easy to include in social media?
   * Can it be clearly announced at events?
3. Future-Proof Your Name
   * Add the year for annual events
   * Consider if you'll run multiple raffles
   * Make it specific to this campaign

### Common Naming Patterns

* \[organization]-\[year]
* \[event]-\[season]
* \[cause]-\[date]
* \[school]-\[event]
* \[team]-\[purpose]

### Important Notes

* Once set, the URL cannot be changed
* Test your URL name for typos before submitting
* Check that it reads clearly when all run together
* Consider how it looks on promotional materials
* Make sure all stakeholders agree on the name

### Checklist Before Submitting

*  20 characters or less
*  All lowercase
*  No spaces
*  Relevant to your cause
*  Easy to remember
*  Easy to type
*  Makes sense when spoken aloud
*  Suitable for all promotional materials