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NPO Direct Marketing: Direct Mail, Telemarketing and Membership Services for Nonprofits — July 2009
::: HotOffThePress :::
Atlanta Botanical Garden: Grand Opening Campaign
  [PHOTO: NPO's Direct Mail Appeal for the Atlanta Botanical Garden]

WE WANTED TO SHOW YOU THIS direct mail appeal, hot off the press for the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

This is the third in a series of acquisition mailings that are promoting the Garden’s expansion project as a means of growing the member base. This particular appeal invites prospects to “join the celebration” at a Holiday Open House in December and a last chance opportunity to see a major exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures.

When using direct mail for grand openings, remember to start at least six months to eight months in advance. Mail the largest number of appeals two months before the opening, to capitalize on the preview for members. And don’t forget that the “inaugural year” provides additional opportunities to acquire new members by mail.

 

A General Approach to Grand Openings

You can double, even triple, your base of membership support in an 18-24 month grand opening campaign. Here’s how:

  1. Schedule a series of acquisition mailings before and after the grand opening.
  2. Create a special membership designation specific to the campaign.
  3. Offer permanent recognition in a member registry that is publicly displayed, then later archived.
  4. Promote special member events like pre-opening presentations, previews, and post-opening discovery tours.
  5. Place a special emphasis on on-site sales and don’t forget telemarketing.
For more information:

Email: Jamie Clements, President Jamie@npodirect.com
Phone: 703.961.9669 x22   •   Website: www.npodirect.com
Washington, DC Office   14150 Park East Circle, Suite 280, Chantilly, VA 20151