Advertising in schools means convincing the Board of the benefits involved.
As asserted by the Media Awareness Network, businesspeople are eager to market goods and services to kids because they influence how family monies are spent and will become the primary consumer group of the future. Since children spend much of their day in school, getting a school to advertise your business may be an effective marketing strategy. The products or services you market do not have to be geared to children. They simply have to be something about which the children would tell their families and friends.
Instructions
1. Contact your local Census office for information on the school's demographics. Look at marketing statistics for the school district as well by investigating the sales of other companies. Analyze the district web site, request board minutes or financial data from the Board of Education or talk to members of the community to see what areas within the school (e.g., band boosters) are most in need of sponsorship or which you can relate to your product or service most easily. This can give you insights as to what marketing approach would be suitable for the district.
2. Identify at least one way your service or product relates back to the school or education. For example, if you sell laptops, the link may be the increased use of technology in the classroom.
3. Write a letter to the district's Board of Education that highlights the information from Steps 1 and 2. Indicate what the district would have to gain through advertising your product. Offer to sponsor school activities, maintain the school web site or donate products and services in exchange for advertising at school events or in the school newsletter.
4. Follow up your letter with a brief phone call. Call the Superintendent or the school principal if you cannot reach members of the Board easily. They can approach the Board on your behalf.
5. Set up a meeting with the Board to discuss the details of the advertising agreement. Get the agreement in writing from the Board Secretary.
