The importance of marketing :
The importance of marketing Competition:
Bookstores
School programming like sports, after-school activities
Dance lessons
Scouting
Music lessons
Church activities
Internet
Video games and movies
Home computers
How can we market our libraries? :
How can we market our libraries? Use local newspapers, cable access station
Get your web site together and update it regularly!
Good customer service that leads to word-of- mouth advertising
Flyers, calendar of events
STUFF!
Outreach by accepting invitations from the schools, tea with DAR, local business association gatherings, civic group membership
How can we market our libraries? :
How can we market our libraries? Sponsor an outdoor concert
Advertise in your local bowling alley
Buy a portable signboard for your lawn
Use local business signboards
Email and/ or paper newsletter
Programming for all ages
Partnerships with other groups—let them market you as well
Landscaping, flowers, shrubs
What hasn’t worked for us:(but we’re not giving up!) :
What hasn’t worked for us:(but we’re not giving up!) Lollipops
Metal bookmarks advertising the library
Test: mints with our name on the package (credit card style)
Test: pen sample that hangs around the neck
GTV16—notice bulletin board
Working with the local schools—limited success
Marketing ideas I’d like to try: :
Marketing ideas I’d like to try: Advertising on paper placemats in local restaurants
Billboard
A “swap” with a local business owner so s/he could get a hand-on look at what a library is like. PR would be crucial for this to be successful.
A squeeze ball idea I “borrowed” from Champlain College
Road adoption/ clean-up