NOTE: To change the image on this slide, select the picture and delete it. Then click the Pictures icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. EFFECTIVE MARKETING FOR SCOUTING UNITS BY: SCOUT AN INSPIRATION

Main Ideas in this Presentation You will learn the basics of how to take control and utilize your unit’s marketing, recruiting, and public outreach abilities. Including, Unit Branding and Recognition Managing Media and Social Networking Designing and Maintaining a Unit Website Handling Publicity Complying with BSA Policy and Federal/Local Laws

Unit Branding and Recognition Distinctive and Memorable Made ‘In-house’ Back-story or Meaning Versatile Put it Everywhere Your brand can grow and change as your unit grows and changes brand- the promotion of a particular product or company by means of advertising and distinctive design recognition- identification of a thing or person from previous encounters or knowledge brand recognition- the promotion of a unit by means of advertising and distinctive design that is identifiable of that unit from previous knowledge.

Managing Media and Social Networking Identify Potential Create a Campaign Approvals and Resources Publish Social Networking has become just as valuable if not more valuable to your unit than traditional recruiting methods. Parents look to these networks as a way to evaluate your unit before they consider your recruiting rally or campout. It is also a lead to your website and for new families in the area looking for a unit.

Designing and Maintaining a Unit Website Design Audience Purpose Theme and Colors Content Pull Factor SEO: Search Engine Optimization Maintain Frequently Details Keep Improving Look for Ideas Use New Technologies

How to Outline your Media Eye- Catching DetailsMedia Call to Action A reader’s attention span is short, usually only a few seconds. Utilize this generic outline to boost retention of readers and increase interaction.

Handling Publicity Good Publicity Capitalize quickly and professionally Maximize Reach Drive Invested Interest Give a “What’s Next?” Offer more… Bad Publicity Remove negative comments only when necessary Distinguish Yourself Own up to your mistakes Don’t point fingers Look at What’s next Find a fair solution or compromise

Complying with BSA Policy and Privacy Laws BSA Policy / YPT 2 deep leadership applies online too Maintain the ethics and values of the BSA Respect the wishes of your Charter Organization Federal, State, and Local Law Acquire a Release Form from every participant, a parent must sign for minors under 18 Do not use media for any ‘for- profit’ or personal purpose Do not Defame a subject Understand how public vs. private property could affect your rights

First Steps to Jumpstart your Unit Recruit a unit Marketing/PR Representative for your Committee Have a Troop or Pack Youth Historian Encourage other Scouts to help, especially with more than one group so that everyone is included in troop pictures Develop a plan Keep up with it Regularly Try new ideas, technologies, and methods

Recruiting. Media. Design. ScoutAnInspiration.org