Getting sponsorships is an important part of making your event or festival a growing success, the problem is, where do you find them? It can be really challenging knowing how to get event sponsors; that first deal, or the tenth. Today we’re looking into places to find the support you need. Here are three areas you’ll need to focus on to find partnerships that work.
1. Build Relationships with Local Businesses:
It’s not who you are, it’s who you know. Do you know your local businesses? Forge connections with local companies that may have a vested interest in supporting community events and festivals. Just making connections with local business leaders will help you through a few steps that are key to creating relationships.
You don’t have to walk in and say “I need a sponsor”, start by meeting people and learning who they are.
Build trust in your community. When you get to know important people in your community or industry people become invested in your cause. This is the fastest way to make sure people know you’re looking for a sponsorship opportunity.
When you get interested in people they get interested in you. That can be the perfect time to express your need for sponsors. Your new connection may be the perfect person, and if not they may know the right partner. You want relationships with people who care about your success before they know your needs.
When it is time to share your sponsorship needs, approach them with a personalized pitch. You should emphasize the mutual benefits of the collaboration. Highlight how their sponsorship can contribute to the community's growth, enhance their brand visibility, and foster a positive public image.
Offer flexible sponsorship packages that cater to different budget levels, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can participate. Additionally, consider creating sponsorship tiers that provide varying levels of exposure. Let your new connection choose a package that best suits their marketing goals. If it's corporate sponsorships you're looking for, check out our blog on exactly that, Securing Business & Corporate Sponsorships for your Event or Festival
Building strong relationships with local businesses not only secures financial support but also fosters long-term partnerships that can benefit both parties in the future. When they know you, they will care about your cause. When you know them, you’ll understand how you can make the partnership mutually beneficial. Then finding sponsors will become far easier.
2. Leverage Online Platforms and Social Media:
Use the power of online platforms and social media to expand your reach and attract potential sponsors. Develop a professional and engaging online presence for your event. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Each of these platforms has a different audience, which means you get a wider reach.
Regularly update your social media channels with relevant content, including event highlights, audience testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Actively engage with your audience and potential sponsors, fostering a sense of community around your event. Leverage targeted advertising to reach businesses that align with your event's theme or values. Additionally, create a dedicated section on your event website with detailed sponsorship information, downloadable packages, and contact details.
By maximizing your online presence, you increase the visibility of your event, making it more appealing to potential sponsors. Social media and your digital presence allow people to explore your event without the commitment of setting a meeting.
3. Search Online Sponsorship Platforms and Marketplaces:
Online is more than just a place to share your needs. Explore online sponsorship platforms and marketplaces that connect event organizers with potential sponsors. Websites such SponsorMyEvent can help you find interested parties
Sites like this offer a centralized space for organizers and sponsors to discover each other and find opportunities. Partnering a site like this with your event information on Eventeny will allow you to find suitable partnerships easily. Eventeny gives you access to sponsorship management, a good way to show your sponsor that you're ready to be a strong partner
Highlight your event’s unique features, target audiences, and sponsorship packages. Actively search for businesses or brands that align with your event's theme or values and reach out to them directly. You can touch base with them via these platforms or through other channels.
Also, leverage the power of social media by joining relevant groups or forums where sponsors may be actively looking for partnerships. These groups can help you find partners in a low-stress environment and see what other sponsors and events are doing to find strong cooperation.
Utilize online platforms to cast a wider net and connect with sponsors beyond your immediate community. The you can increase the chances of securing financial support for your event in multiple ways at once.
In short, remember these tips
- Having more conversations will keep you meeting more people and learning.
- Build relationships before you need to ask for a commitment
- People, and businesses, want to trust you before they partner with you
- Build your local network to find good opportunities
- Use social media and the internet to find possible partners nationwide, or farther.
Get out there, have those conversations, and you’ll build trust and financial backing faster.
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