How Do I Promote My Club’s Project?

This page provides practical tips and resources to help you effectively promote your Rotary club.

Your club's visibility is essential for attracting new members, engaging with the community, and showcasing the incredible work you do. Including a public relations component in your project plan will help ensure your club’s projects and events get the attention and support they deserve. 

 

Check Branding: Consistency is Key

No other organization is quite like Rotary. By using our voice consistently in all our messaging, we can ensure that our communications reflect our distinct character.

A strong, consistent brand image builds recognition and trust. Ensure your club's materials (posters, social media visuals, etc.) align with Rotary International's branding guidelines and any district-specific directives.

 

What you can do:

• Review the official Rotary brand guidelines on the Brand Center.

  • Ensure your club logo, colors, fonts, and messaging follow guidelines.

  • Club Branding Guidelines PDF

• Ensure your communications are consistent across all platforms (website, social media, printed materials).

• Use high-quality images and videos that reflect the positive impact of your club's activities.

• Download and use district provided templates (COMING SOON!)

Keep Website Up-to-date: Your Digital Front Door

Your website is often the first point of contact (and first impression!) for potential members and community partners. It establishes credibility and demonstrates your club's activity and relevance.

 

A current website provides easy access to essential information and keeps visitors informed and interested, strengthening your club's online presence and facilitating meaningful connections.

 

What you can do:

• Conduct a website check.

  • Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.

  • Include clear contact information and a "Join Us" or "Contact Us" form.

  • Ensure all links are working.

  • Website checklist PDF (COMING SOON)

• Regularly update your website with club news, events, and project information.

  • Assign a dedicated club member, team, or 3rd-party to maintain your website

  • Showcase impactful photos and videos of your club's activities.

• Optimize your website for search engines (SEO) using relevant keywords.

Share on Social Media: Engage and Connect

Social media is crucial for expanding your club's reach beyond traditional channels, fostering community engagement through two-way communication, and visually showcasing your impact with photos and videos. 

It builds brand awareness, attracts potential members (especially younger generations), drives website traffic, and provides cost-effective, instant communication.

 

Most importantly, it's a powerful platform for storytelling, allowing you to share the impactful stories of those you serve and the dedicated people within your club.

 

What you can do:

• Identify the social media platforms most relevant to your target audience - it’s where you’ll have the most impact.

  • Facebook Page: share your club activities, news, and achievements with a large audience. Create events for better awareness and engagement.

  • Instagram: showcase the club's activities and projects through visually appealing content. Stories and videos can be used to show behind-the-scenes and engage followers in real-time.

  • LinkedIn: connect with professionals, local businesses, and community leaders. Share updates on projects, partnerships, and events to showcase impact and attract potential collaborators or sponsors.

  • Youtube: Best for live streaming and sharing recorded events.

• Create engaging content that showcases your club's activities and impact.

  • Develop a social media content calendar to ensure consistent posting.

  • Mix different types of content: photos, videos, stories, live streams, polls, and text posts.

  • Discover District 5370’s Content Pillars (COMING SOON)

  • Follow our district content calendar (COMING SOON).

• Use high-quality visuals and videos.

  • Use RI’s templates.

  • Use district-approved templates (COMING SOON).

• Use relevant hashtags.

• Interact with your followers and respond to comments and messages.

• Link social media posts back to your website.

Connect with Local Media: Tell Your Story

Local media outlets—newspapers, radio stations, TV channels, and community websites—are powerful tools for reaching a broad audience within your immediate community. They lend credibility to your club's activities, raise awareness of your projects, and foster a sense of local connection. Positive media coverage can attract new members, generate support for your initiatives, and enhance your club's reputation as a valuable community asset.

What you can do:

• Be prepared to provide clear and concise information about your club and its activities.

  • Develop a media kit for your club with background information and visuals.

• Build relationships with local reporters and editors.

  • Develop a media contact list for your local area.

  • Do not forget local online news sources, community blogs, and podcasts.

• Send compelling stories and press releases about your club's events and projects.

  • Use a strong headline, a brief summary, essential information (who, what, when, where, and why), quotes from club members and beneficiaries, and high-resolution photos and videos.

• Invite the media to attend your club's events so they can see firsthand how your club is improving your community.

• Ask a local journalist to speak to your club about how to work with the media.

Handling a Media Crisis: Be Prepared

Even with the best intentions, unexpected situations can arise. Having a plan in place can help you navigate a media crisis effectively. 

Make sure to communicate with the district PI chair and district leadership to make them aware of the issue, so they can offer assistance.