Five Offline Tips to Promote Online Engagement

Last week, we talked about how to promote your online engagement efforts using email and your website.  However, it is important not to limit you efforts to digital media. Even as more people search for information online, many still receive information from a variety of offline sources as well.

Here are 5 ways to promote your online engagement with more traditional engagement methods:

How to Promote Your Online Engagement Offline

1. Distribute a traditional media release with a catchy headline to your local media outlets, e.g. “Organization X wants you to Speak Your Mind about…”  Be sure to include your topic page’s web address. Follow up with a telephone call to key media contacts. To get additional mileage from the release, post an edited version on your website and share the link on your social profile.

2. Submit an opinion/editorial piece to your local newspaper. Many community newspapers are eager for content, and the op-ed page is one of the most read news section. Be sure to mention the topic’s web address.

3. Appear on local radio  and TV shows to discuss your topic. Be sure to mention the specific topic URL. If your issue is regional in scope try to get on regional TV.  Many stations set aside time for community affairs segments.

4. Ensure your topic’s web address is prominent in any project collateral you produce; such as flyers, mailers, newsletters, and posters. This is especially important if you will be holding public meetings. Direct links can account for around another 1/3rd of your total traffic.

5. Prepare and distribute postcards with your topic page’s web address prominently displayed at public events. Also place posters or flyers  in public places such as local retailers, community centres. libraries, transit centres, and other places that people meet in your community.

Combining these steps with your online promotion efforts, will significantly increase awareness of, and participation in, your online engagement efforts.

Image: Creative Commons © NS Newsflash on Flickr

 on Flickr