B-R-A-N-D. Don't close your browser just yet. This word is not as scary as you may think. Believe it or not, you already have one lurking around and within your organization. It's hanging out with you like a shadow looming in the depths of the night! Your goal is to tame it. To do so, you must first acknowledge it. Then identify it and finally take rank over it by defining and cultivating your brand.
Once you are aware of your brand and have reined it in, you must not keep it to yourself. Building brand awareness is essential to the success of your organization. You must build brand awareness as a nonprofit to raise funds and achieve your mission. Here are four unique ways that nonprofits can do so.
1. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is a great way for nonprofits to reach a wider audience and build brand awareness. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow you to connect with potential donors and show them your nonprofit's work. Additionally, social media marketing is relatively low-cost, making it an excellent option for nonprofits with limited budgets.
2. Event Marketing
Events are another impactful method nonprofits use to reach potential donors and build brand awareness. By hosting or sponsoring events, you can get your name out there and show potential donors what you're all about. Events also allow nonprofit staff and volunteers to interact with potential donors in person, which can help build relationships and foster goodwill.
3. Cause Marketing
Cause marketing is a type of marketing that involves partnering between a for-profit company and a nonprofit organization. The partnership between the two organizations raises money and awareness for the cause that the nonprofit is working on. For example, many restaurants will host fundraisers where a portion of the proceeds from sales goes to a specific nonprofit. Cause marketing extends your nonprofit's reach and introduces you to new audiences while raising money simultaneously.
4. Guerrilla Marketing
Guerrilla marketing is a type of marketing that uses unconventional techniques to reach potential customers. This can include anything from street performances to flyering to chalkboards on sidewalks. Guerrilla marketing is often low-cost or even free, which makes it ideal for nonprofits with limited budgets. Additionally, because it's often unexpected or novel, it can be a great way to capture people's attention and get them interested in your nonprofit's work.
As you can see, nonprofits can build brand awareness in many different ways. No matter your budget, there's sure to be an option that's right for you. So get out there and start spreading the word about your mission for good!