How to run a Public Information Poster Campaign

Recently a member of a charity I am part of, asked for guidance around how to run a poster campaign.

This is the "old school" method of getting the word out. Putting posters in local establishments (our charity guidelines means we can't just put them anywhere)

The guide was written for that member and shared here so it may be useful to others.

Why Do A PI Poster Campaign?

It’s simple: A simple and cheap way to get infront of people. Poster campaigns:

✅ Raise local awareness of <YOUR CAUSE>

✅ Creates unity and bonding between your members

✅ Helps people to find you and <YOUR CAUSE>

The Seven Things You Need

1. People - Bring as many as you can. The more, the better.
2. Communication - Use your group’s WhatsApp chat to plan, or create a new one just for the campaign.
3. Posters - Make these as clean, easy or simple as possible. Remember people don’t want to squint.
4. Stickers - Print your meeting details (and nearby meetings if relevant) so people know where to go. You can do this, or get them from the PI Committee.
5. Blu Tack & Sellotape -
   1. 1 pack of Blu Tack
   2. 2 rolls of Sellotape
   3. Use to stick posters to walls, windows, noticeboards, etc.
6. Meeting Place - Choose an easy to find spot near a landmark, with parking if people are driving.
7. Rough Plan - Decide which area you’ll cover.
   1. Start small, even one high street is enough.
   2. 2-3 hours is plenty for most people.
   3. You can always do more another day.

If this is your first campaign, keep it simple and enjoy it!

What To Do On The Day

Most people have never spoken to the general public about putting a poster up, they’ll be nervous and that’s ok.

What follows is what we have found to be best practice for doing campaigns.

First, here’s two big questions everyone asks us.

What places are more likely to have posters? Which ones are more likely to say “No.”

Independent shops (particularly ones who already have posters in their window) are much more likely to accept posters.

Chain stores are less likely BUT, they will often take posters and put them on Community boards (supermarkets) or in staff rooms and toilets (pubs, betting shops, barbers, banks)

The rough rule of thumb is just try. Every town is different

Common Script Responses

1. No thanks ➡️ “No problem, have a great day.”
2. I’ll have to speak to X about that ➡️ “Thanks, can I leave this poster with you then?”
3. Sure no problem ➡️ “Great, where would you like me to put it up?”

Some Tips On The Day

• Don’t stress if people say no, or have an opinion we do not share, just thank them and move on.
• Go in pairs if possible, and let newer members shadow you.
• When they seem confident enough, you can ask them if they want to try.
• Ideally do the busiest roads in your area. If there’s enough of you, you can cover opposite sides of the street.
• Get photos of the posters you take.