Getting started with marketing

a swimming pool with competitors swimming in lanes. Crowds watching from the stands

Struggling to share the amazing work that you’re doing and all you offer to potential participants/partners/funders?

Having a great marketing strategy doesn’t need to break the bank. Get up to speed with some quick tips.

Keep your message clear

Think about some of the memorable marketing campaigns – one thing they probably have in common is a clear, short message. People are much more likely to remember something if you can say it in eight words or fewer. Think about the imagery you use to show your message – a picture tells a thousand words!

Connect

Make a connection with your audience; show how their lives could be affected by your organisation. Telling a story can be a great way to create an emotional connection, giving them a reason to notice and engage with your group.

Shout it out

Get your message out there. No matter what great activities you are doing, if nobody knows about them you are not fulfilling your potential.

A website will showcase your work and provide a point of contact for people. Once it’s properly set up, it won’t need too much regular maintenance.

Social media is a great way to promote your group, and a lot of funders use this to find out more about your work. The big four are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and you can decide what you want to use based on the audiences you want to reach.

Be creative

brainstorm

Do something a bit different! What about a Facebook photo competition, a flash mob or a silent auction? How could you link your organisation with something fun and interesting?

A left-field marketing campaign could reach lots of new people and highlight the great work your group does for its members. 

Think local

local

Your organisation works in your local area, sometimes the simple, old fashioned things can work really well. Leaflets, posters and word of mouth are still some of the best ways to advertise your organisation.

Ask Sported

SportedLogo1

Speak to your local Sported contact if you have any support needs around recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers. There are resources and links on the Sported Hub to get you started, and our Sported volunteers can provide 1:1 support.

Once you have considered your competitors, your budget, and what your organisation can offer its participants, the next step is to write a marketing plan. 

We’ve created a marketing plan template. Download it here.

More resources on this topic

In Kind Direct

Get catering/cleaning/activity equipment, prizes, clothing and who knows what else at a fraction of RRP

Read More

Discover more learning resources