Best of the ISP-Lists

Profit from Charity

Members of the ISP-Marketing list share ideas for working with local charities to obtain public relations exposure. Do well by doing good.

[September 28, 2000]

On the ISP-Marketing list in September, ESP asked for guidance:

"What have other ISPs had success with in terms of public relations programs and community sponsorship? I want to make the best possible choices with my marketing budget, and PR seems to be more and more important these days."

A wide range of respondents offered a number of different ideas:

[DD noted] "I have chosen charities that I like, as well as charities that have provided me with a lot of marketing exposure. It's important to remember that many times, the larger non-profits produce Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for both radio and television, which would be ideal for you."

[CW suggested] "I speak periodically about various Internet topics at the local Chamber of Commerce and at various user groups in town. I do it mainly as a community service and to learn to be a better public speaker, but an ancillary benefit is that we almost always get a few new accounts out of each event. You may want to contact your local chamber and user groups. They almost always jump at the chance to have someone speak for free about the Internet."

[EA offered] "I have a client that offers groups their software for charitable auctions. What about offering access as an auction item to the Lions Club or The Rotary or United Appeal when they do auctions or other fundraising? The novelty of it would be of interest to the community, and would get you tons of free advertising."

[BP added] "Try co-sponsoring with your local radio stations at their events. Some stations have a listener appreciation day when they invite all their listeners to come out and have fun, eat hotdogs, etc. Jump on board with them and do some giveaways. If you have any parades, rent a minivan and have some magnetic signs with your logo and take part. Hand out flyers, bumper stickers, and candy. We've actually had great success with events of this type. Get together with your local businesses. Give to receive."

Related articles

Volunteering for Fun and Profit  Jason Zigmont
[March 24, 2000] You've heard about doing well by doing good? Well, guess what? It works!

'Tis the Season  Jason Zigmont
[December 10, 1999] Getting into the holiday spirit, why not do some good for your business—and for the community you serve. The two go hand in hand.

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