Raising awareness for a cause can be very overwhelming for some people. Trying to gather funds for that cause can also be overwhelming. Looking for financial help from some people can be stressful and intimidating, especially if they don’t believe the cause that you’re supporting. Sometimes you just have to go for the gusto and give it your all. These successful cause marketing campaigns are a great way for you to get started and get a better understanding as well as educate yourself. Here are 10 effective ways to raise awareness for a cause.
- APPAREL
There’s no better way to advertise something than to wear it. Caps, t-shirts, wristbands, are a great way to raise awareness for your cause. When people see your t-shirt or your cap, they may become interested and ask you about it. Others may be able to identify and want to connect and associate themselves with your movement. Wearing your advertising apparel alone can be a conversation starter and you may get a donation after the conversation as well. Sometimes people just want to know what the cause is and how you’ll contribute to that cause if they donate. Most people who believe in something will share that very information with their friends. Word of mouth is just as powerful a marketing tool than anything else. Use bright colors and witty copy to get people’s attention.
- SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is also an amazing tool in getting people’s attention. For instance, if you have thousands of friends on Facebook or even Instagram and you ask your friends to share your post and they do, your post can reach thousands of people just by your friends sharing, and their friends sharing. You can research groups on Facebook and if their cause is similar to yours you can join the group and share. Most of these groups have thousands of people in it and a lot of them are overseas, which broadens your audience. Create hashtags. When people click on your hashtag, all of your conversation and post will come up. If it catches their eye they will continue reading and most likely follow you. 47% of Americans learn about causes from social media and online channels. Connecting on social media is not only smart it’s a must
- VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer for the cause you are raising awareness for. Get connected with the other volunteers so that they may be able to assist you for what you need to do. Volunteering can help foster new relationships; not only that, you will get so much satisfaction by volunteering and helping others.
- HOST A FUNDRAISING EVENT
Fundraising events can be fun activities to plan. All depending on what type of fundraiser you will put together make sure to plan accordingly and have a good team behind you to support your efforts.
- DISTRIBUTE BROCHURES AND INSERTS
Creating brochures, inserts and pamphlets is a great marketing strategy. There are so many places that people just hang out at where they can actually pick up literature to read about certain things. Strategically placing your brochures and inserts can make a world of difference when you want to share something. Sometimes people see something on a brochure, and they pick it up so that can look at it later. Make your inserts and pamphlets eye catching with bright colors and let them do the work for you! Include an email address or a telephone number so that if someone wants to inquire about your cause they are able to do so.
- PRESS RELEASES
While press releases are pretty simple and not very flashy, it’s a great way to get your cause out there. Make sure that it’s well written and your information is on point about your cause. There’s nothing worse than trying to raise awareness for something that you don’t know much about. How can you tell others about your cause when your information is limited? Do your research and make sure your information is correct. If you aren’t knowledgeable in what you’re trying to bring awareness to, it may hinder and hurt you in the process.
- HOST LIVE EVENTS
Hosting a live event is a really effective way for people to learn about your cause. Make sure to plan something fun and interactive. Have a Q&A session, do a skit about your cause. People can relate more to a performance of some sort and get a better understanding if something is acted out. Skits evoke certain emotions in people. Get creative when planning your event. You never know who will be in your audience that may be able to help you further your cause.
- SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST
Social media contest isn’t only fun, they are engaging! Do you know how many contests have gone viral via social media! When it comes to contests and campaigns, there is usually a 34% increase in followers or fans of your cause because of the contest you had going on. You can’t go wrong when organizing a social media contest.
- PARTNER UP
Partner up with someone that has goals similar to your cause. There’s a good chance that their audience will become your audience as well. Not to mention, your cause may benefit them as well. Put together a plan and show them stat and number of how your cause can help them. Together, you’ll be much more powerful!
- EFFECTIVE MARKETING
I can’t stress enough how important it is to use effective marketing. Be consistent with your brand, especially if you’re using t-shirts and other paraphernalia. Partner up with a marketing firm so they can help you with your cause. Having someone that knows marketing inside and out will only help you and make your efforts more viable.
Raising awareness for a cause doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be fun, challenging and empowering for you and everyone involved.
