Don't be shy, multiple websites can help you

I've noticed recently that ads are "giving you the sequel" or more info on their website. Any typically its not something that is related to the brand.



Here's a great example: www.feelgoodfeelbad.ca its for a new type of medicine (I had to revert back to their site and still couldn't find out the name with out giving a lot of info). The whole idea is that your joints feel good, but the medicine used to heal that upsets your stomach. Its a pretty catchy campaign, but that's not what we're talking about.

We're talking about the choice of website. The benefit of having a campaign oriented web address is huge. Especially if you are supposed to be a "silent part" of the campaign or event. There is more to a name than you might think. Especially when you have the ability to get domains that are phrases, much easier than the name of your self or company.

It is becoming easier and cheaper to buy these domains too. I personally look no further than GoDaddy. If its good enough for Google and Blogger will direct you to go daddy if you are wanting a personalized web address, then its good enough for me. And their president loves hot stars - that's why you'll see like likes of Danica Patrick, Candace Michelle, Ocho-Cinco and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to name a few.





Try wrapping your next event marketing around this idea, if you have the time and resources to build a separate site. Remember if you wanted to buy www.bravadosports.com its taken, but I can assure you, www.wecanplanyourulitmateevent.com is available (at least it is today).

Newsworthy!

We’ve come a long way since the first days of Bravado, and I’m happy to say that we’ve got most of our foundation set, and the rest is planned and being put in place, early 2009. Of the things I’ve mentioned before, branding, marketing, networking (all which I’m sure we’ll touch on again) nothing gave us quite the boost that media exposure did.

In college I got the chance to meet a couple of executives from Canada Newswire, and one of them mentioned, when you’re ready to launch your company, (a different project at the time) give me a call and we’ll set up a proper press conference. At the time, I was polite and thanked him, but I really couldn’t grasp the idea of a small local business needing a press conference. Now, with Bravado we need all the exposure we can get.

Taking the time to research more about press releases, it is amazing how quickly you can really get the word out! I sound like a broken record, but its true, the internet has advanced how quickly we can do business. Being able to write your press release (take a look at what's appropriate for your industry) and have it posted can be done instantly with various mediums depending on your geographical or demographic relevance. Be ready to spend a couple bucks to get featured placement, but there are many websites that will let you post for free.

The best sources to use are going to be the ones which feed into the news outlets you’re looking to hit. Do a bit of research, I’ve done a couple of blanket US/Canada postings on www.free-press-release.com and we have seen results, even with their free posting.

We managed to get in touch with some of the “Around Town” writers here in Vancouver, and thanks to Fred Lee, we were seen in TV Week Magazine, Vancouver Courier, National Post, and Fred mentioned us on CBC Radio. He’s a contact that we’re really looking forward to working with since he covering the types of events we’re planning!

Stick your neck out when you need to. Networking never hurts! As much as new technology comes along, networking and traditional mass media are not going away overnight – use it to your advantage! Majority of people still get and read the newspaper, and watch the 6 o'clock news. The blackberry and pod-casts haven't fully taken over.

Part 1: Sponsorship Anyone?

Sometimes it takes a village to raise a child, its no different for any athlete going through the many coaches and teammates that made investments in each other to reach the next level. Similarly, we need the same thing to be successful.

As most of the events out there, its not complete without sponsors coming on board to offer products, services, or support. I'm always looking for new marketing ideas; unique advertising, different channels, guerrilla tactics, whatever happens to catch my eye. The thing that never changes as a power player in the field is sponsorship. Whether it be contra, or cash, it is no joking matter.

Trying to provide the ultimate opportunity for potential sponsors is no easy feat. The proper exposure, return on dollar, interaction and exclusives can complicate the matter, but the bottom line does not change; the situation must be a win-win. As we try to put together our next large event, we're considering all these things for our sponsors.

Just like the previous entry displays, we've found a good home with apparel. Most of the events include apparel being given away to participants, or being sold. This has been a great fit for us. A couple of local companies have been awesome, and have come through with fantastic apparel! I'm not sure how much more we can expand with apparel, aside from a friendly reminder of rule #1; make sure its wear-able outside of the event!

I'm going to keep writing about sponsors and sponsorship, and if you have suggestions, I'm all ears. The Bravado Blog was started to show what we do in hopes that it can spark other interest.