No Trick to this Publicity Treat

As we enter the last quarter of the year, you may find yourself in a scary position: 3 months left in the year, but no money left in your advertising budget. You plan and plan at the outset of the year, but invariably one of two things happens in the first 3 quarters:

1)You overspend your budget
2)Sales don’t meet expectations, thus reducing the amount that you can spend on marketing.

So what can you do now to keep your businesses name prominent in the community with no budget? One idea that’s a sure fire hit with parents in your local area is to offer your services as a Halloween safety chaperone.

October 31st is an exciting day for kids. They get their hands on large amounts of candy and they get to run around after dark with their friends. For parents, however, Halloween is a time for some concern. They often worry about the safety of their children on the street at night. Many parents are unable to accompany their children on their trick or treat route, and could really use a helping hand in supervising the little ones. That’s where your business comes in. Offer your services as a Halloween safety chaperone in your neighborhood. Explain to parents that on October 31st, you will be out in your car in the local area to help keep an eye on the trick or treaters. Identify your vehicle with a yellow flashing light on the roof. Let children know that if they become lost or get separated from their friends, or have any safety concern at all, they can come to you for assistance.

How do you promote this valuable community goodwill gesture? Considering that you are offering your own personal time for the benefit of the community, your local paper is the place to start. This will help get the word out that you’ll be on patrol on Halloween night. It will also identify your business as one that is concerned about child safety and portray you as a community leader. That represents excellent publicity for your company.

You could also go door to door with an inexpensive pre-printed flyer and your picture, so children will know who to look for in case of emergency. (This also helps parents to feel more comfortable with you, and certainly positions you as a community leader).

Being a local businessperson often means being a community leader and volunteering your time to worthy causes. Child safety on Halloween is a major topic each year as the end of October draws near. This year, you can generate some free, highly valuable publicity for your company, and do a good deed for your neighbors, all in one evening. And that’s no trick.