A marketing plan is a necessary part of almost any business planning process. There are many marketing techniques available that are free, and as a nonprofit, you may find these strategies very doable. So if your marketing budget is pretty much non-existent, there are many ways to increase your visibility to attract more members or advertise special events. Here is a list of only ten:

1. Create a press release- checkout my previous Blog on press releases.
Send out a press release to the media when your organization has new employees or board members, partners with another business or organization, or sponsors an event or a worthy cause.

2. Get blogging- Blogs are all the rage. Blog about your nonprofit, the nonprofit world, volunteerism or anything related to your cause. The search engines love blogs, and blogs pull traffic (including journalists) to your website. In addition, post comments on other blogs devoted to your topic. This allows the nonprofit world to get to know you. (See “Blogging for Business“)

4. Write an article about your nonprofit and write letters to the editor -Write articles that are informative and helpful to your members and volunteers. There may be local magazines that will publish your articles, and then you can post them or link them to your web site. See “How to Use Newspaper and Magazine Editorial Pages”

5. Check out National Public Radio, a great resource for nonprofits. Search their site for previously aired programs about nonprofits. (See “How to Get Booked on National Public Radio“)

6. Call local TV and radio stations to spotlight your organization –Get FREE publicity on Radio with a well-crafted press release. Many radio and TV stations have programs in place that spotlights new organizations or events on a weekly basis. Check your local stations to see what they can provide.

7. Put out a monthly newsletter or email bulletin. Invite people to sign up for your monthly email bulletin in which you can provide news and helpful tips. You may want to publish “Top 10″ tips lists that explain how to do something, or solve a problem on a regular basis. (See “Special Report #16: How to Write Tips Sheets That Catch the Media’s Attention.”)

8. Spread the word. Word of mouth is the best kind of advertising and the most credible.

9. Make yourself available as a speaker at Chamber of Commerce meetings professional associations, community groups, and seminars: Announce your speaking engagement to the press in the form of a news release, phone call, email, or post card.

10. Teach a class at the local community college or continuing adult education program. It’s a great way to increase the credibility and visibility of your nonprofit.

Have fun and explore. Hopefully you will get the idea that marketing doesn’t have to cost you big bucks; it just takes effort and commitment on your part.