Getting the Word Out: Promoting Workshops
Post an announcement on
your organization’s webpage. People come to
your website because they need help or want more
information. If your group does more than just
Trap-Neuter-Return,
make sure to have a link on the homepage for
information about outdoor cats and your
regular workshops. If there is a calendar on the
webpage make sure the workshops are clearly
listed. If your workshop is taking place at the
local shelter, ask them to put an announcement
up in the shelter and on their webpage.
Direct calls for help to
your workshop. Every call from a resident to you
or your group is an opportunity for humane
education. Use the workshops as a chance to empower
the caller to learn more about the cats they care
for or are seeking help with.
Use the internet to find
community event lists. Most communities have
online local event listings. Go to your neighborhood
newspaper’s website or call them to list your
workshop in their community calendar. Newspapers
will often publish the information in print and
online. Other websites to consider are
www.craigslist.org (look for the community
closest to you) and your municipality’s government
site which may have a community calendar as well.
Advertise to online
community groups. Yahoo Groups (www.groups.yahoo.com)
is an excellent resource for finding groups of
people who would be interested in learning more
about outdoor cats. In many areas, neighbors are
coming together online to share information. Use the
search feature and some keywords to look for
community associations, local neighborhood groups,
people interested in animals of all kinds, and
rescue groups. When you find a group, send an
announcement with the details of the workshop to the
list manager or join the list and post it yourself.
Another site you might check out is
www.meetup.com – a great place to post your workshops and create a
sense of community where those that come to
workshops can interact with one another.
Take out a classified ad.
Most communities have more than one newspaper or
publication with classified ads. These ads tend to
be short and charge per letter or word. They are
relatively inexpensive and can help you reach a
different audience of people than you might reach
with online marketing. Make your ad clear and to the
point and direct people to a place where they can
get more information such as a website, e-mail, or
phone number. [Example: “Feeding outdoor cats? We
can help.”]
Some community newspapers may
offer free or reduced rates for public service
events. If your organization is a registered 501c3
not-for-profit organization, let the newspaper know
as they may be able to provide you with free or
heavily discounted rates for advertising.
Create a Flyer. Cafes,
the local library, and the grocery store often have
community bulletin boards – post a flyer at these
types of locations to let people know about the
workshops. Offer stacks of flyers to local pet
shops, veterinary offices, and groomers for their
clients to take.
Contact your local TV news
channel. Local television stations have
community calendars online and will even incorporate
announcements into their newscasts. Call or e-mail
their news desks to see how you can get your
workshop announced. Visit their website and
search for a Community Calendar where you can upload
details about events.
Contact
your local radio stations. Many local radio stations have community calendars
online where you can upload details about events.
Some local stations will include information about
events on the air.
When contacting the news media,
always provide the following information:
• Name of the event
• Date
• Time
• Location, with
specific details (eg. the workshop will be
provided in the basement of St. Kitty Church)
• Indicate that the
event is FREE
• Website of your
organization
• Brief description of
the event
• A phone number where
you can be reached for media questions
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