Guest article by Sandbar Solar
In a booming solar market, it’s important for solar installers to keep that momentum going by finding new clients and standing out from the competition. An easy, affordable and accessible way to do this is through sponsorship marketing. It is one of the best ways to gain company exposure and land new clients.
Solar Marketing Strategies 101: The Benefits of Sponsorship Marketing
Sponsoring something means supporting it financially, either through a donated prize or a cash gift. While there are dozens of reasons to offer sponsorships, the most obvious is to get your name out there while supporting a cause or event you believe in. When people attend that event or interact with the organization you’ve sponsored, they hear about your company, see your logo and become familiar with your products. It’s a powerful form of advertising that works in the same places your customers live and recreate.
Here are a few of the other benefits of sponsorship marketing for your solar business:
- Target certain customers. When you sponsor a community event or organization, you speak to a very specific niche market. While you’d pay high prices to target specific consumers through “traditional” marketing channels, sponsorship marketing allows you to reap the same results without the lofty price tag.
- Drive more sales. If you choose the right community event or organization to support, you have a shot at turning that event’s supporters into your own. As you draw up your contract, be sure to agree on fair publicity terms and create an effective message to promote through the sponsorship.
- Increase online visibility. When you sponsor an event, it’s likely that the event organizer will add your company logo to the event website. This, in turn, will help boost your site’s Google rankings and make your business more visible to would-be customers searching for solar services.
- Stand out from the competition. Sponsorship marketing is a great way to stand out from your competition. According to Fortune, millennials prefer to do business with companies that support important causes. Additionally, 90% of Americans are more likely to trust brands that support social initiatives. These are both great reasons to support local events and organizations.
Types of Sponsorship Opportunities to Consider
While there are several primary options, you’ll want to choose the one that works best for your brand and community. Here are the most popular forms of sponsorship marketing:
Prize Donations
If your community is holding an event that involves prizes or auction items, consider donating a prize to the cause. This could include a solar installation package, consultation or another service that your target audience will appreciate.
Ideal for small businesses in strong communities, these prizes are flexible, can be as small or large as you want them to be, and will give customers the chance to try your services and understand the resource value of solar without any risk.
Cash Donations
If you’d prefer not to donate services, consider giving a cash gift instead. While the impact of this gift will depend on how much you can afford to give (more substantial donations are more visible in the world of sponsorship marketing), cash donations are ideal for small, hyper-local events and groups, like local sports teams.
Equipment Donation
Solar trailers are a great way to help power a community event and increase your brand’s visibility all at once. Lend them to outdoor concerts, fundraisers, fun runs and similar events.
Fundraisers
As the holiday season draws near, consider sponsoring a fundraiser for your organization of choice. Not only is this a great way to support a cause you respect, but it’s also an excellent way to bring your community together for a good cause and get your name out there in the process!
Growing Your Solar Business Through Community Sponsorship
If you’re looking for a smart and accessible way to grow your business, sponsorship marketing is a great place to start.
At Sandbar Solar, we’ve worked hard to grow our brand through community sponsorship. When you support causes you believe in, everyone benefits–including your customers and your contractors.
While it’s true that not all sponsorship marketing tactics will be right for your business, it makes sense to explore what’s available to you and find an opportunity that works for you and your company.
Israel Zwane says
This is too true, and its makes sense
Earl L. Kerr says
DECENTRALIZATION !!! SECURITY FROM STORMS AND CYBER ATTACK !!!!
AN INSURANCE POLICY THAT PAYS YOU LIKE AN ANNUITY !!!