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Oct 16
An engraved brick fundraising campaign can be a very profitable way to raise money. Marketing your brick campaign can be a bit tricky if you do not know where to start or do not have the funds available for marketing.
You often hear the phrase it takes money to make money but this is not always true. A great way to market your memorial brick fundraiser without spending any money is by having the media work for you.
WHY NEWSPAPERS ARE THE PERFECT MEDIUM TO ADVERTISE
First, write a detailed press release describing your project and the purpose of your fundraiser. Once you are happy with what you wrote you could then distribute it to local newspapers and media outlets in your town and neighboring cities.
A press release is a statement sent to newspapers giving information about your fundraising project. Press releases use the inverted pyramid form of writing. The most important information should be right in the opening with more specific details to follow.
Newspapers often write small articles using just the information provided in a press release. If an editor takes an interest in the project, they may have one of their reporters contact the organization to interview people involved in your buy a brick campaign and they may write a longer article or a feature story. Newspapers are not the only media outlets that use press releases for their content. Magazines, local online directories and e-zines may also pick up the story because of your press release.
BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR PRESS RELEASE:
• Why you are conducting an engraved brick fundraiser
• How much money are you looking to raise using a brick engraving program
• What will the money raised selling the engraved bricks pay for
• When will you start your engraved brick campaign
• What is the deadline for donors to order their engraved bricks and(or) laser engraved tiles
• You will also want to include some general information on your organization
• How do you purchase a personalized engraved tile or custom engraved brick
• Contact information for the person directly in charge of your fundraising project
MEDIA RELEASES AND SOCIAL MEDIA INCREASE THE PROFITABILITY OF BRICK FUNDRAISERS
To obtain free advertising from local TV and radio stations create a media release. A media release will have the same information provided in your press release, along with pictures or video of your engraved bricks as well as pictures or video of your engraved brick project if the initial brick installation has been completed. Pictures and video can provide powerful images to potential donors compelling them to help support your brick fundraising efforts. Sharing these via social media and encouraging others to share them will help to rally more support for your brick fundraising campaign.
As a brick engraving company with over 18 years of experience, we have seen many of our clients create short videos that help explain and promote their buy a brick campaign.When a story is picked up about your brick promotion from one of your releases whether it be a newspaper article, story in a magazine, or a news clip from a local or national TV or radio station this will give you yet another opportunity to get even more free advertising. Make sure to share the links to the news article on your free donor website from Polar Engraving, your organizations website and other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. Promoting the story by writing about it in your blog and emailing your mailing list will help foster the relationship you have with your current donors.
If you need help with the structure of your press release or need help building your media list here are 14 free resources. You can also find more marketing tips and free tools at Polar University.
Are you ready to start your most rewarding and profitable fundraising campaign ever? Contact Polar Engraving at 800-546-7993 your best source for custom brick and tile engraving.