Advertising to customers and friends has the highest turnover rate but advertising to the general public can play a key role for many campaigns. It can help companies acquire new customers and raise brand awareness. Below are some advertising tips:

Company’s Webpage:

Post the investment opportunity on the company’s website. Inform customers you are raising and include a link to your investment page. Advertising in a pop up window is the recommended route. Program it to pop up once the webpage detects the customer leaving. This will ensure you get the word out but the advertisement won’t distract from regular operations.  Customers are a great resource because they are more likely to invest. 

In Person:

Promote your campaign in person during regular business interactions.  Display a sign and have business cards available informing customers of the investment opportunity. Post QR codes on the sign and the business card that links to the investment page. Bring up the investment opportunity while interacting to gauge interest.

Paid Advertising:

Google ads may be a good advertising platform for your business. Meet with an expert to determine the most relevant search words for the campaign. Linked In or Facebook ads may be other ideal options depending on your target audience. 

Social Media:

Using groups on Linked In and Facebook to promote your campaign.  There are a number of groups devoted to promoting small businesses and crowdfunding campaigns. Influencers can also help get the word out. Use influencers that specialize in applicable categories. This way you reach those that would have the most interest in your campaign.

Reporter:

Contact a reporter to suggest writing an article about the campaign.  Reporters may need ideas for slow news day. Community news companies may be the most willing to write the article, especially for a local company offering a community good. 

Platforms:

There are several webpage platforms devoted to promoting small businesses and crowdfunding campaigns. This article discusses several of those in depth. Many platforms allow you to promote for free.

Be sure to consult with a lawyer about following all crowdfunding advertising laws. Click here to read what the SEC has written for small businesses about advertising guidelines. This is not legal advice.