Approach local media (radio/TV, newspapers, magazines) and develop strategic partnerships for news and event coverage.
Get permission to include the media as media partners in your sponsorship proposal and get a formal letter of intent that can be attached to the proposal in the appendix section.
Optimize your sponsorship packages and offer fewer options but more attractive packages.
Partner with a non-profit and give back to your community. Include the non-profit aspect in your sponsorship proposal and offer sponsors automatic involvement by singing up for a package.
Offer direct sales opportunities for the sponsors. Reserve high traffic locations at your event so the sponsor can sell their products and services.
Measure successful results on an ongoing basis and highlight/add their value to your future sponsorship proposals.
Hire a professional publicist and increase your media coverage. Include links to press coverage on your website and provide copies of new press releases, past print coverage clippings, etc. with your sponsorship proposals.
Consider adding your main sponsors to a footer that appears on all pages throughout your official website for improved exposure.
Include a menu item called Sponsors on your website main menu. Briefly introduce your sponsorship opportunities and invite prospects to request a sponsorship proposal. List past sponsors and your contact information.
Network with potential sponsors that are different from your past supporters. Invite them to an event and show them the great exposure they can get from signing up.
