Last updated February 28, 2019
Sometimes standing out is hard to do, especially when there are so many great non-profit organisations out there, championing fantastic causes. So how do you rise above and make sure your voice is heard? Here are a few ideas that might get your promotional hat thinking.
Social Media
You have heard it before, but the social media train as well and truly left the station. If you don’t have a seat, you are missing out. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube are all hives of activity waiting to be tapped into. If you don’t know where to start or need help improving the basics of what you have, check out Wild Apricot’s ‘Beginner’s Guide to Social Media’ www.wildapricot.com/articles/bgsm-social-media-resources
Blogs
Blogs, just like this one, allow you to promote your organisation using a conversational tone. You can strip back all the jargon and be real with your audience. Discussing what is happening day to day in your organisation provides insight and understanding. There are plenty of platforms you can use, WordPress, Wix or Weebly. Check out this article for more info www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/how-to-choose-the-best-blogging-platform/
Newsletters
Simple but effective. Whether you are old school and circulate a paper copy or regularly send out an e-newsletter, this tried and true way of promotion is best served hot off the press. Keep your audience up to date, informed and interested in what you have to say. Include relative articles, images, videos, events that all link back to you and your cause. Mailchimp is an awesome online tool for creating and sending newsletters. Have a look here mailchimp.com
Events
Local and national events are a great way to self-promote. Keep an eye out for events that are relevant to your cause and investigate how you can get involved. It may be as simple as popping your flyer into goodie bags at a triathlon event or having a stand at an arts festival. Be creative, you never know who will welcome you with open arms. For events right across the country, theweekend.nz is the place to go.
Paid Advertising
I know we love free stuff but hear me out. If you jump on board with an organisation or company with an already established audience, you are tapping into a well of keen ears without the hard work. This doesn’t have to be a recurring thing, a simple one-off ad in a local mag may get you the momentum you need. You never know where it may lead.
The thing to remember, regardless of the avenue you take, is never stop promoting. Even age-old organisations need to keep climbing the ladder, otherwise they will get knocked off. Be passionate, be vocal, be present and you just might collect a few followers along the way.
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