BULDING THE FUTURE
Chapter XI. Promotional Tools
Free Advertising for Your Organization
Free advertising to promoting your organization is only as far away as your local radio or television station and news media. In most cases, free advertising is also only as far away as your computer. Regardless of which tool you decided to use, remember that "news" is the highest priority. When contacting your local media sources, it important to remember that "local news" is what keeps your local radio and television stations as well as newspapers in business. They will be quicker to spread the word about an organizational meeting in the area, rather than one that is happening 200 miles away.
Are you a member of another organization or group that publishes a monthly newsletter? Many of these groups accept unsolicited material and are willing to publish it for free. Local stores often allow groups to hang a poster or flyer near the door of their business. Remember all those places, such as restaurants and laundry businesses, that have a bulletin board available for posting notices. Be sure to check with your local cable television service for access to its community channel.
Almost every local paper and radio station in the nation provides a section or article (in a newspaper), or a time period in the case of radio and television stations, to tell the community about local events. There is no charge to the organization for running the information. It is a free tool that can help your organization grow.
The quickest way to get in touch with the media to find out how they want their information submitted is to pick up your telephone and give them call. Explain that your organization is planning a local event (the key word here is "local") and ask how to make your submission. Some media require specified forms. If they don't, then it is up to you to be sure the information you submit is complete.
The basic requirements of your submisstion is to be sure you answer the media's favorite questions: who, what, when, where and sometimes why. You must also be sure you include your name and contact information just in case there is a question or problem with your submission.
Basic information Checklist
- ___ Name of Event
- ___ Date of Event
- ___ Time of Event (If there is also an ending time, be sure to include it)
- ___ Place of Event
- ___ A brief explanation of the event (organizational meeting, regular meeting)
- ___ Name of Person submitting the information
- ___ Phone number of the contact person
- ___ Phone number the public can call if they have questions.
Summary
The basic information checklist described above is a form of press release. (Press releases are described in more detail in the next section of this chapter.) The key to getting free advertising for your organization is to be aware of these sources and always be vigilant for other free advertising sources in your area.
© 2001 Metis Nation of the South
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