Fliers and Advertisements
GRAB their attention!
The number one rule in creating a flyer or an advertisement is that it catches the eye of the reader and keeps the reader's interest from word one. Do this by including a clever hook or leading line and keeping the bulk of the text brief, and in a large, readable font. The "Free Voice Lessons" concept outlined in the Ready, Set, Grow manual is a perfect example of this. Providing anything "free" will likely attract the attention of the reader. Printing your flyers on bright-colored or flourescent paper will also help your flyers stand out next to others.Include all the information they need to act in as few words as possible.
Every flyer or advertisement should include the who, what, where, and when of the event. Including a name(s) and phone numbers for someone to contact for more information is also essential. If this is for a show or cabaret, you'll want to include the title of the show, showcase a graphic which embodies the theme of the show, the names of your featured performers, and the name of any charity to which the chorus might be donating a portion of your proceeds. For membership drives, you'll want to be sure to emphasize the fun and friendship the guest is sure to find at your guest night or rehearsal.Where should you distribute flyers?
Any public place where it can be seen! Especially for shows, but also for membership drives, try to place your flyers on bulletin boards in members' work places, churches, community centers, local high schools and colleges, restaurants and stores, and the Convention and Visitors' Bureau or other such free "public" bulletin board. You may also want to deliberately mail or distribute flyers to members of church choirs, community choirs, other barbershop chapters, or any other singers you might want to particularly target as potential show patrons or members.Where should I place advertisements? How much should I pay for them?
How much you pay will depend on your budget and the rates of the newspapers, magazines, radio stations in your area. In general, you will probably be best served to advertise in small, community-oriented media outlets. Not only are they more likely to be affordable and accessible, but they will serve a geographical area which should match up nicely to your rehearsal/show location. Of course, you will want to take advantage of any media contacts or any "connections" your members might have to the media.What if we still can't afford an actual advertisement?
There are many alternatives to a paid ad. Many local TV stations, radio stations, and newspapers have a "Community Calendar" to which you can submit information about your show or membership drive. If approached through press releases and media contacts, you may even be able to prompt a feature on your chorus in the form of an article in the Arts or Community section of the newspaper, or a guest appearance and/or performance on your local radio or TV station.
