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Marketing and promoting your group
This information was written as part of the bfunded marketing advice service and designed for voluntary and community groups in Bradford District funded by NRF and CBMDC. Although directed at Bradford they will prove useful for those located elsewhere.
Note: Services mentioned are for those in Bradford District only and are not available to others.
Getting the attention of users, funders and stakeholders is just one part of marketing. Making sure your services and projects meet the needs of the local community, your existing users, stakeholders and funders is the key.
Groups are often already working on marketing - but calling it something else:
- Consultation/ research
- Networking and giving presentations
- Events
- Supporting users
- Filling in monitoring forms for funders
- Keeping in touch with local council officers and Councillors
Marketing isn't just for big companies - image, customer satisfaction and reputation are just as important for community groups.
Find out more by taking our fun quiz
You don't need a large marketing budget to make a difference to the way your group is seen and how many people access your services.
Not sure where to start? Try our 10 marketing top tips
Download practical resources inspired by the one-to-one advice work from the practical resources section.
Why marketing?
Well, its simple (almost!). There are so many links between marketing and funding. Here are just two for you to think about:
What is the need for your project?
Funders want to give money to projects that are really needed. With market research and feedback from users, you can show how important your project is to local people.
A survey of voluntary and community groups in Bradford found that the top 3 needs were for:
- funding advice
- recruiting volunteers/ active members and
- marketing support.
How good are your relationships with users, funders and stakeholders?
With marketing and good customer care, you can keep up the communication with people who are already interested in your project and those new to what you offer. Make sure you focus on a few key messages that really explain what your group aims to do in an easy to understand way.
Knowing how to present your case and building a professional image will go a long way towards helping your future sustainability.
Practical resources
Designed by bfunded for voluntary and community groups:
- Marketing plan template (short version) - great for planning the marketing of a short project, pilot project or one-off event
- Marketing plan template (full version) - ideal for a marketing plan for a service or longer project (1 year plus).
- Marketing checklist for room hire - do you have everything you need to hire out rooms or provide high quality conference facilities? This checklist will start you off.
How to guides:
