Introduction

Public Relations Planning

\ Writing a Press Release

Connect Via the Web

Publicizing Your Event

Planning Guide for Events

Developing a Press Kit

Sample Newsletter Article

Sample Bulletin Article

Easy Ways to Publicize your Upcoming Event

Publicize via your congregation’s Web site.

Posters. Grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, health and dental clinics, and other high-traffic areas of your community are great places to display posters about an upcoming event. They don’t have to be fancy – just to the point and eye-catching. When creating your poster, be sure to include the date, time and location in a prominent spot. Ask permission before posting, and make sure to take down the poster after the event has taken place

Flyers. These are a smaller version of the poster. They should be a one-page, full-sheet size. It often helps to have handy “tear off” sections with the program name/date/time/location strips on the bottom of the page as a handy reminder. Great places to hang these signs include church bulletin boards, laundromats, community centers, etc. Ask your congregation’s youth group to distribute flyers to community members. Some congregations place fliers under the windshield wipers of cars in the parking lots. These are typically 1/3 page, stating the basic information about the event.

Bulletin Inserts. You can customize the inserts, so you can control how you promote the program or event. Insert them into the bulletins one week prior to the event, and make sure to print extras for people to pass along to friends.

Booths at Park Programs and Community Festivals. Most communities have events throughout the year where vendors set up booths. One way to determine these events in your community is to call the local Park and Recreation Department. Ask them about event dates, and specifics, and find out if they will allow you to set up a booth free of charge (if not, you might want to join up with others to decrease your costs). During the event, you could hand out brochures and other materials, exhibit pictures from past programs at your congregation, and talk to passers-by. A bowl of candy or other “goodies” helps attract people to your booth. In addition, having something for youngsters to do at your table (color, face painting, etc.) gives parents the ability to talk to you more easily.

Farmers Markets. Farmers markets are becoming very popular. You might want to consider attending and setting up an exhibit. You could distribute materials or publicize an upcoming congregational event.