Save time and only actively pursue sponsors that are a good fit with your property, opportunity or event. Before starting your sponsor outreach process, you should gather information and develop a shortlist of target sponsors that have demonstrated an interest in partnering with properties like yours.
Here are some questions to keep in mind when building your target list:
- Which brands have sponsored properties similar to mine in the past?
- Which brands have sponsored properties in my geographical area in the past?
- Which brands are headquartered close to my event?
- Which brands are marketing to my target audience?
- Comparable audience demographics (gender, age, income, interests)
- Comparable mediums (TV, digital, print)
- Which brands spend money on seasonal deals around the time of my opportunity?
- Who are their competitors?
- Companies in the same industry might also be a good target
- What agencies or partners do they work with?
You will likely see patterns form as you continue through the search process. Certain brands will consistently show up in your results. You might see brands in particular industries coming up time and time again, and/or that share your events' demographic profile. These are the brands that you should add to your initial list of target sponsors, and common industries or demographic profiles will give you a guide to finding additional target sponsors.
NEXT: Research & qualify your target sponsors