ExecutiveChronicles | How to Get Free Advertising for Your Charity or Non-Profit | Charities and non-profits are no strangers to using their status to help raise money, provide services, or even bring in goods for their cause. What may feel more unfamiliar, however, is getting free advertising. Yes, getting locals to share your story or cause is free, but getting the word out there in the first place typically cost a pretty penny. The good news, however, is that there are many very effective ways to get free advertising that goes well beyond a person’s personal social media, and this guide will help you get started.
Apply for Google Ad Grants
As a charity or non-profit organization, you have the unique benefit of being able to apply for a Google Ad Grant, which can give you up to $10,000 per month in free online advertising through Google’s PPC platform. This program is available in over 50 countries, and it is an excellent way to increase your visibility and attract more visitors to your website.
To apply for this Google grant, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria and follow the application process. You can find more information on either Google’s website, or by hiring a digital marketing agency that specializes in charity marketing. While you’ll need to pay for their services, having the cost of the PPC campaign taken off your shoulders can help you send your money further and get better results than if you were to attempt it on your own.
Plan an In-Person or Digital Fundraiser
Organizing a fundraiser or fundraising event is a simple, effective way to get free advertising for your charity or non-profit. This can be anything from a sponsored walk or run to a charity auction or a gala event. By publicizing your fundraiser in local media and social media platforms, you can reach a wider audience and raise awareness of your organization’s work. Planning a local event tends to have a snowball effect, particularly if you encourage attendees to share it with their personal network.
Get in Touch with Local News Media
Another way to get free advertising for your charity or non-profit is by reaching out to local news media. This can include newspapers, radio stations, and television channels that may be interested in covering your organization’s activities or events. You can send a press release or make a phone call to the relevant media outlets to introduce yourself and your organization. Don’t forget about local businesses, either. By partnering together, you can promote your cause for free.
Create an Organic Social Media Marketing Strategy
Social media platforms are excellent tools for non-profit organizations to get free advertising. Creating a strong presence on these platforms and sharing updates on your organization’s activities can attract more followers and increase engagement with your audience. Use clear call-to-actions, make use of the free tools on these platforms, and work on hyping up your cause to get more people to share and donate. To create a social media strategy, you’ll need to consider your target audience and the types of content that will resonate with them.
Guest Post and Use PR
Finally, you can get free advertising for your charity or non-profit by guest posting on relevant blogs or websites or by writing articles for local media. This can be an effective way to share your organization’s story and attract more supporters. In addition to guest posting, you can also use PR tactics such as pitching to journalists or creating press releases to get your organization’s message in front of a wider audience.
