Marketing in 21st century: a multi-channel challenge

[shootingstar]

Now if you had a major cycling event that ran 1 wk. that you had to promote in your state/province/country, which marketing mechanism would you choose
in terms of top choices (with #1 as top priority):

Keep in mind you have a limited budget and limited paid staff. You want to expand participation, get more people to come to your event:

*Internet web site/ blog
*Twitter
*Facebook
*newsletter (electronic or paper)
*local newspaper (electronic or paper): ads or flashy stories..
*radio
*TV
*billboard ads on road/transit
*community centres
*Internet listservs, forums


I'm sure there are folks here, who have been in this situation. Have you noticed changes in success rate in getting the message out so that people are even aware of event?

[NbyNW]

You should include in your list brochures that are left in shops.

I found out about the Ride to Conquer Cancer from a brochure/postcard I picked up at our dry cleaner. I've found out about most local organized rides this way.

In Edmonton, since everyone has to drive everywhere, radio might also be a good medium for getting the word out. I don't know how the cost compares to the other options on your list, but if you could get a few mentions during rush hour news/weather/traffic, that would be pretty good distribution.

Internet is a must, if not for first contact of an idea, then at least it's a place to go for details of the event.

[shootingstar]

Yes, those paper card notices. It works if they are distributed at community centres, stores, fitness centres, etc.

it's hard at times, actually these days: just because people are on the Internet it doesn't mean it's alot easier...especially to get new participants. Because if they don't know about your organization, then they would never think of looking up organization on Internet/Facebook/Twitter!

I know one of the municipal cycling divisions has a Facebook and skeletal internet pages. But I think that's still very limited. They should have gone blog style which is more open/accessible than Facebook.