If taking care of the customer is job one, taking care of the community may be job two. After all, sharing funds, expertise and company promo items not only helps make your community a better place, it can build your customer base. Getting involved in the community creates networking opportunities, introduces you to potential customers who may not have otherwise heard of your business and connects you with journalists who can share stories about your work.
As you start your strategic planning for the coming year, consider adding service to your community to your marketing mix.
Donate a portion of each sale to a nonprofit
Donate some of the profits from a select product or service to a local nonprofit. This benefits:
- The nonprofit that receives funds it might not otherwise get.
- Your customers, who will feel good knowing their purchase will help others.
- You, because you’ll attract customers who want to spend money with a company that supports a cause they care about.
Encourage sales by tying a thank-you gift to the selected nonprofit. For example, if you’re raising funds for an animal shelter, give everyone who buys the product a Dog Bandana for their furry friend.
Teach a class
Teaching community members a useful skill expands their knowledge and demonstrates your expertise on a subject, whether it’s baking a cake, buying a house or setting up a budget. It’s also a great way to pass out company promo items that will help customers remember you.
If you’re teaching a class for first-time homebuyers, a keychain in the shape of a house is an excellent reminder of how to reach you. If you cater major business events, a spatula can stir their memory when they’re planning a gathering.
Host a collection
Help those in your community by collecting canned goods for a food bank or collecting school supplies for kids. Show your appreciation for every donation with a thank-you giveaway. Giving donors a sticker can create a talking point to get more people excited about the cause.
Lead a field trip
From manufacturing to marketing, field trips can be a fun way to teach about your trade, catch the attention of students who are starting to think about internships and show the community you support local education. Pass out a cool giveaway like a pen with stylus and flashlight or Piggy Bank to help teachers, volunteers and students remember the experience.
Sponsor a team
More than half of kids aged 6-12 participate in a team sport every year, so sponsoring a team is a great way to get your brand seen while supporting a good cause. And it’s a home run for everybody when you provide uniforms and branded water bottles that are seen at every practice and game.
Care for your community
Serving the community creates opportunities! Do good work by sharing your expertise, funding and company promo items. It’s a win-win for you and those you support!