Small businesses operating on the local level generally do not have the resources for capital-intensive promotional opportunities like TV or multi-channel marketing campaigns. This requires teams to have local knowledge and get creative when making marketing decisions. Events are a safe and affordable alternative that not only improves your reputation but allows you to be center stage in the community.
Here are the top 7 benefits of local event sponsorship.
- Lead Generation
By sponsoring and attending an event you are perfectly positioned to interact with potential customers, whether it be collecting contact info, or just simply getting to know your target market on a personal level. - Increased Branding Opportunity
Handouts, water bottles, keychains, and other promotional items with your logo will live on. Attaching your name to a race as the title sponsor gives brand exposure to potentially thousands of people who didn’t even attend the event itself. - Emotional Appeal
Genuine face-to-face interaction is certainly more memorable than your typical advertisement. You probably do not remember the Doritos Super Bowl commercial from last year, but you will remember the on-site chiropractor that adjusted your joints after running that 5k. 72% of consumers positively view brands that provide quality event experiences and 74% of respondents admit that engaging with brands that create memorable moments makes them much more likely to buy their product. - Return On Investment
While businesses should choose events that are attended by members of their target market, it is safe to expect a greater return on investment than from throwing money at standard advertising measures. Event sponsorship is almost always the cheaper alternative and generally draws more reliable customers from its personal nature. - Content Opportunities
Sponsoring an event opens the door for businesses to use attendees to crowdsource content. Whether it be a photo, quote or feedback from a participant, it can be turned into a great post for your social media pages. Events usually will work with you to create cross-platform promotional opportunities that reach their massive social media following. Having an event hashtag will make it easier for people to talk about your event, while having a handle or page will make it easier for people to learn about your event. - Public Image
When people see your business alongside other reputable contributors at high-profile events it not only establishes your business as credible but shows that it is flourishing. The ability to present your brand professionally at an event goes a long way when it comes to strengthening your public image. Reputation, reputation, reputation! - Future Relationships
When alongside other non-competing businesses in this social setting you can forge relationships that will benefit your business in the future. Whether it be project collaboration or future marketing endeavors, getting the opportunity to network can lead to all sorts of new relationships.
Attending these events can have a profound impact on how your company is perceived by the public. With a variety of promotional opportunities, it is easy for a business to get the most out of their sponsorship. Generate leads, increase your branding, meet your target market face to face, curate social media content, and forge lasting relationships. Events are the answer to reinvigorating your marketing strategy.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.