Some nonprofits shy away from using promotional products because they want every dollar going towards the mission. This is admirable and, in some ways, smart when there are so many accusations of irresponsible spending. But promotional items and promotional marketing are investments in your mission and can be done for less than you think. The same way you might buy a printer or new computer to get your message out — promotional marketing can help you do the same.
3 Ways Your Nonprofit Needs to Use Promotional Marketing
Word of mouth marketing is a great way for people to learn about you and your mission, but in order to get people to talk about you, they have to know about you. Nonprofit marketing is important and promotional products can get you noticed and talked about.
Top of Mind Recognition
You’re doing great work and there are people who need your non-profit’s help, but if they don’t know about you, they can’t seek your assistance. Creating a promotional product that fits your mission and keeps you top of mind means people will turn to you when they need help. These items can also assist those who might refer others to your group.
Promotional products are essential when you attend conferences, community festivals, give presentations, and any time you’re out in public promoting your mission. Long after your presentation is over, or long after that person has left the event where they met you, they’ll remember your non-profit because of of your promotional product.
Launching a New Initiative
Sometimes your non-profit decides to support a different side of the mission, appeal to a new audience, or create a new initiative. When you do, that’s akin to a new product launch and needs to be marketed. That marketing strategy should involve promotional marketing as well. The Red Cross did this when they launched their Pillowcase Project.
Rewards for Volunteerism
When you present volunteers with small tokens of appreciation or t-shirts for their service, you are doing two things. You’re giving them a thank you gift and you’re obligating them to you. You gave them something, now they need to give you something — as in their time. Salespeople use this concept (the law of reciprocity) all the time in their approach and it’s one that can work for your nonprofit marketing as well.
Plus, every time they wear or display that item, more people are learning about your mission and asking them about their experience. It’s a good incentive and prompt for them to become ambassadors for you and your cause. Even if they’re not speaking about it, people will see the promotional item and ask.
There are plenty of lives who need the service of your non-profit and the most effective way to begin to reach them is through marketing. If they don’t know you, you can’t help.
Are you wondering what kinds of promotional products would be best for your nonprofit? Call us today and a member of the Think-Quik team will help you find something perfect.
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