Three Month Program
Development Timeline

Month One:
Review the “So What” List answering relevant questions about your program.

          Also at:
          http://www.sellitwithsizzle.com/sowhat.htm

Begin Mailing List, both physical and e-mail addresses.

ARead local papers looking for:  Promotion lists, meetings, events, activities and locals in the news. Also keep eye out for reporters/columnists that may have an interest in library program/resource stories

ASearch Gale’s Ready Reference Shelf and other local lists of community organizations.
AIdentify local government entities that may hand out flyers or make referrals

          Recommended Reading: 

Guerilla marketing for free : 100 no-cost tactics to promote your business and energize your profits / Jay Conrad Levinson.

Design Flyer:  Don’t forget the Who, What, When, Why and How
Write Press Releases and PSAs
                   Recommended Reading: Guerrilla publicity : hundreds of sure-fire

                    tactics to get maximum sales for minimum dollars / by Jay Conrad
                    Levinson
                   Also, University of West Florida’s Advertising/Public Relations

Bibliography
          http://www.lib.uwf.edu/eli/Arts/PublicRelations.shtml               

Put together a bibliography/handout and use in a in-library display.

Secure space and make a list of technological and other program needs.

Ask for suitable hand-outs from publications, organizations or government groups to supplement program. This activity may also set up a future basis for a partnership or outreach opportunity.

 

MONTH TWO:

Mail flyers to persons on physical address list.

E-mail press release to e-mail list.

Mail Press Releases and PSAs to local media.  Take time to hand sell and personalize information to sources with which you maybe familiar.  If you think your program would be make a good topic for a mid-day television, write them and tell them so.  Address to individual reporters or section as possible.

Recommended Reading:      
Marth’s Florida Guide (listing of Florida's daily newspapers, news services, periodicals, press associations, program managers, radio and television stations, special publications, and weekly newspapers.)

 

 

Beginning of Month Three:
Make sure room set-up requirements are still in order.
Think if there are any last minute prospects or opportunities to promote the program. For instance, a meeting you can speak at or a new event listing you missed in your first publicity mailing.

Make copies of handouts after reviewing for any last minute revisions.

Create a handout package including library information, event calendars, hours and other upcoming programs.

DESIGN a simple feedback form for the program if you don’t have a standard one. Ask open ended questions in order to get more feedback and solid leads on where to go from here.

 

AFTER:  Send thank you notes to
 absolutely everyone who helped you out.