I am organizing a vendor fair in December and want to really go all out on the advertising this time. However, my budget doesn't allow for tv/radio advertising. I am posting info everywhere on the web, doing a press release, facebook, a print ad in the community paper and flyers at places that will accept them (hard to find!) Any suggestions on how to really spread the word other than what I've mentioned? I need new ideas!
Try having your local Chamber of Commerce help you advertise and announce it at their next meeting. Also, post flyers at the library, and ask each of the vendors from the vendor fair to advertise for you. Some of them may have connections that you don't have (i.e., TV, radio, etc.)
You don't say if there is any particular demographic that you are trying to reach, but I work for a publication, Family Times, that distributes papers throughout the 7-county metro. You could advertise to reach the entire readership or do an insert targeted to a certain area. www.familytimesinc.com.
Hi L.,
I would possibly be interested in your vendor fair. I sell product and am always looking for a good venue. Please send me details! ____@____.com/yljohn.
I don't know what your budget is but you may be able to afford some online advertising, other then what you have done so far. My husband owns an online advertising company. If this is something you are interested in hearing more about to see if it fits your needs you can email me at ____@____.com luck!
K.
Hi L.:
Depending on where you want to reach people, A great publication is Tidbits of the North Metro... It is really well read in the Anoka area and ads are full color and very reasonably priced. They have over a 2 week shelf life, so each ad goes a long way. The guy to call is Dean Prince. His number is ###-###-####. I do most of his ad design, so I may even get to work with you.
In addition to that you may consider doing a direct mail piece to your target audience or dropping postcards in the free mail slots of areas that you want to reach.
I really think that you are on the right track with FB postings and web presence. You could add an email blast to that if you have a list or you can consider buying one to target an even greater online audience.
If you need any other help with placement or design please respond back to me. I am happy to assist if I can!
H.
Can you talk to the local chamber.
They sometines have a way to advertise on the radio for free.
Is there a scrolling sign you can post information on?
What about a local information channel on the tv that scrolls the calendar of current/upcoming events.
Posters about town. Use regulsr size paper of a bright color. Hang them everywhere.
Ask the local fitness club for a place to put information for a couple days to get the word out.
You don't mention your industry or audience but trying to target certain industry thought leaders and/or bloggers to write about the event is great word of mouth advertising. Having a Facebook brand page and Twitter account are other great ways to get your message out. If it's an event related to moms or kids there are great event calendars you could get on. Also, for lower marketing budgets I also recommend looking into Google ad words. You can preset a budget and buy google search terms related to your event and location. This is a very targeted way to get customers who already might have an interest or be searching for you.
