Non-traditional media: The wave of the future?
At least for non-profits, it might be the only way to get your message out. So says Angela Connor, the Online Community Strategist, in “A word to non-profits: Stop depending on traditional media.” She presented a session during the NC Center for Non-profits Statewide Conference a couple of weeks ago, where she addressed the difficulties in getting the attention of the mainstream media and encouraged small organizations to look to non-traditional media outlets for their publicity needs.
“How do we get you to come to our events,” one woman asked.
As a former assignment manager at numerous TV stations, I know that there is no magic secret and I told them as much. I even went further to tell them that I was one of many managers in newsrooms across the country, who routinely tossed their well-crafted press releases in the recycling bin. …
It’s a brave new world, where you control a lot more than you once did, so learn the ropes and get involved. With social media comes freedom and it’s time for non-profits to break free.
The message Ms. Connor is trying to get out is one that non-profits on the Renaissance Faire circuit have learned over the years. RESCU Foundation, Lady of the Lakes RenFaire, and quite a few others now use social media sites like MySpace and Facebook to get the word out. And with the advent of small media outlets like FaireNews and Behind the Burlap, spreading the news becomes a little easier.
FaireNews specializes in informing the public of Faires that are coming up and special events that are taking place. We’re always looking for items of interest to present to both our regular readers and visitors who arrive via internet searches. So far this month, more than 5,000 unique visitors have visited us, most of them searching for a Faire in their area. Their number one question? “How can I find discounted tickets?”
If you’re a show promoter, take advantage of your non-traditional media outlets. Contact us at FaireNews@FaireNews.com and let’s discuss the message you’d like to get out. We’re here to spread the word and help as many people as possible find the Joy of Faire!!
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Comment by Angela Connor | October 28, 2008
Thanks for the mention. I firmly believe every word and I am pleased to see that you agree and believe in helping others get there. It’s an important step. Scary to some but important. Keep pushing the messages. I’m right there with you!