Chapter Starter Kit:
Publicity and Advertising
Introduction
SEDS has the wonderful ability to use the world’s coolest topic in its advertising - space. If you don’t believe me, watch a five year old boy watching a picture of a rocket. Good advertising is essential to a good group and good membership. There are tons of people at your school interested in space exploration. It will be your job to reach out to them. Following are a few suggestions to meet this goal. But, as usual, do not limit yourself to these ideas. A brainstorming session amongst yourselves will do an incredible amount of good.
Ideas
- Asking artistic members to design a group logo. This will give you that "professional" look and gives a favorable first impression. The SEDS logo is commonly used, but not necessary.
- Plaster posters on all buildings on your campus, especially buildings where students socialize most often. Also, banners are very effective and serve as very large posters. Always check with student activities to see where it is appropriate to hang posters or banners. Posters also benefit from an added picture or graphic like the Space Shuttle or Saturn - something to catch the eye of the passerby.
- The use of large lettering describing what the event is about in exciting terms. (For example: "Interested in Space? Help launch our SEDS chapter!")
- A SEDS "start up" announcement article in the campus newspaper with the names and phone numbers of contact people for those interested in becoming involved will raise the group’s visibility. Subsequent periodical articles on space-related topics will keep the visibility going and will attract new students. Most campuses allow for free space in a newsletter; check out your options.
- Many campuses have organization fairs for student groups to advertise - take advantage of these.
- Use any other campus media (radio, TV, magazines, events calendars, etc.) aggressively. See if you can get advertising donated or set up radio or TV programs. You can also set up a bulletin board near the student union or other heavily trafficked areas showing upcoming events.
- Most important of all, be responsive to potential members and treat them with the respect deserving of a recruit. Collect and commit to emails. Remember names and use them.
