PROMOTE
YOURSELF!

We will keep adding resources to this page, but for the moment here's some basic tips and links to get you started.

Part of your marketing plan should include leaving plenty of time to advertise through the various websites, social media pages and print media.
We always hear people say "I didn't know that existed!" - and that's because we all access information differently.

​Short | Snappy | Great Images | Correct Dates + Times | Location | Contacts | Ticketing

... get your info ready!

The arts often get left out of the bigger picture. That's partly because us creative types are a bit shy, not very good at marketing, or the options (especially online) to promote ourselves keep changing and we get overwhelmed. And partly because sport, shopping and dining are seen as more 'important', which we all know is not true! We make an enormous contribution to cultural tourism, health and wellbeing and community connection.

We encourage you to start thinking a bit differently, to feel confident about getting yourself or your activity out there, and make developing a marketing plan a natural part of what you do.

Before you start submitting your event/activity to various marketing outlets, it's essential to get everything ready first. We recommend creating a Word doc to save your information in one place.

Everyone asks for slightly different things - different sized images, different lengths of text - which can be frustrating and time consuming if you are not prepared. Hopefully the following will help you get organised!

• Description
  Who, What, Why, Where, When, How!
  It's a good idea to write a number of versions: one snappy sentence that summarises what you are doing, a short paragraph (100 words) and a longer description (200 words).
  Read them to someone else to get some feedback.
  
  
• When
  Date + time
  Some platforms make it a bit tricky to submit events like exhibitions that may be open for a few weeks but not open every day. These sites will ask for a start date and time, and an end date and time.
  If this is the only option, include the opening dates and times at the top of your description.
  
  
• Location
  Make sure you have the correct address!
  Take advantage of any options that allow information like public transport, parking or a map (an inbuilt map option will find your address and prompt you to select it) to be included. 
  
  
• How will your images be used?
  Your images may need to be used in lots of different ways, so be prepared to create a few to suit what is required.
  
  Check what dimensions (height/width/pixel size) and orientation (horizontal/landscape, vertical/portrait or square) are required.
  
  Not everyone knows how to reformat their images, so find someone who can help.
  If you are really stuck or confused, someone at Arts Inc may be able to help if we are given enough time.
  
  Online: many online platforms have a size limit for uploaded images - a general rule is to save images at 72dpi as a jpg or png and make sure they are under 2mb.
  
  Print: images need to be higher quality for printing/publications - save images at 300dpi in tif/pdf/png/jpg formats. If you take a photo that is low resolution it cannot be made larger without getting fuzzy or pixelated.
  
  Do they require horizontal/landscape, vertical/portrait or square images?
  
  If your image ends up being larger than 10mb, it may be difficult to send via email.
  Online services like Dropbox or WeTransfer can be a helpful alternative.
  
  
• Links
  Simply copy & paste 
  Provide links for RSVP/registering attendance, booking tickets (eg Eventbrite), downloading flyers/documents.
  
  
• Contacts
  And don't forget...
  Name (if applicable), email, phone number (if applicable), website, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc.

Surf Coast Shire
EVENTS PROMOTION

Provided by the Surf Coast Shire - great resources are already there to be used!

Visit website

This website includes an interactive map to explore creative arts, services, shopping, food and drinks. Local makers, creators and innovators share their stories of how the Surf Coast has inspired them and a list of local performers is also available. Make sure you add yourself!

Visit website

For markets, larger-scale events (150+ attendees) and events funded through the Surf Coast Event Grants Program.
ORGANISING YOUR OWN EVENT?
Their website has handy resources: Event planning / Event promotion / Grants & Sponsorship Program

Visit website

You can add your gig or event on this page of the Surf Coast Shire website if it doesn't fit the criteria for the Surf Coast Events website.
The calendar can be viewed on the dedicated community page and on the front page of www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au under the 'Events' tab.

Other
ADVERTISING OPTIONS

Print Media

> Surf Coast Times
Maybe budgeting to advertise in the weekly Surf Coast Times newspaper is something to consider.
Despite print media losing popularity, this local paper is still widely read due to being free and having a large distribution.
They also share listings through their website and social media.

TIP: Don't leave it to the last minute!
Give yourself at least 3-4 weeks.

Websites

> What's on in Anglesea
Anglesea Community House (ACH) plays a vital role in the social, educational and cultural wellbeing of our community. Anglesea events or creative activities can be added here.

Facebook Groups

Here's some group pages you can share your own local events/activities.
Make sure you read the conditions/guidelines.

> Surfcoast Activities, Events and More
This group is to promote courses, classes, activities, events, gigs, shows, markets, fetes and pretty much anything else you can attend on the Surf Coast.
> 3231 Surf Coast
A community hub to share ideas, find a lost pet, seek recommendations, ask for help or anything else to do with our lovely community.
> Art in Geelong
Says it all really! ​But also useful for Surf Coast arts related things.
> Anglesea Life
An Anglesea group to share good news, great events and happenings in Anglesea and to support members of the community.
> The One and Only Lorne Community Notice Board
Community notices, messages, stories, photos and what's happening in Lorne - by and for the people of Lorne.
> Deans Marsh Community Notice Board
An interactive group for local Dean's Marsh businesses and residents to stay informed about local news and events.
> Moriac's Community Notice Board
This page is for positive community orientated posts letting those in the Moriac and surrounding areas know about local events, fundraisers, groups, clubs, services, activities and local businesses offering discounts.
> What's on in Winchelsea
To keep up with WHAT'S ON in around Winchelsea: eg events, markets, fundraisers.

Good ol' fashioned flyers

Yes, printed flyers, posters or postcards are still an excellent way to promote what you are doing. We know not everyone uses social media or is internet savvy, so find out where in your local neighbourhood, town centre, or places near the venue/location you can distribute/display your material. Many businesses and community venues are happy to display local activities.

> But I don't have a printer!
If a friend can't help, your local newsagent or library may provide a printing service for a fee.

> Professional printing
Through our surveys and interviews, it became clear that people use all sorts of printers!
Officeworks, Vistaprint and Snap are easy choices, but if you want to use a more sustainable printer or support an independent business, you will have to do some homework regarding pricing.

We will add a list of printers to our SUPPLIES page.