Alpha Initiative
Thousands of UK churches are set to take part in the UK's thirteenth national advertising initiative this September.
The campaign consists of an online and offline campaign. The aim of the offline publicity is to make one big splash using prominent billboards for Alpha posters.
The online campaign will be done by managing searches, including Google adwords and search engine optimisation, to ensure that anyone typing in 'meaning of life,' 'who is God,' Christianity,' 'is this it?' etc will see an advert for the Alpha course and click through to find out more.
A free downloadable iPhone application (including information about Alpha, GPS 'Find acourse,' and a chance to interact with the Alpha campaign) will also be available.
Throughout September a continuous stream of key messages will be delivered through all social media channels, including blogs, Twitter & Facebook.
Three viral adverts are being made to share online as well as using blog sites to build content that supports the campaign and can find its way to our target audience of male & female, 18-35yrs.
Both offline & online activity will drive traffic to alpha.org where visitors will beable to fill in the gaps, to The meaning of life is_____. add their postcode and see other responses in their area, as well as a list of nearby Alpha courses.
In order to equip Alpha courses with everything they need to promote and organise their launch in September, 6000 launch packs were sent out and arrived on doorsteps on the 8 May. The pack includes:
- Samples of the poster, postcard, drinks mat & wallet card.
- A mini invitation guide (encouraging courses to hold launch events, to think about how to promote their course, to do some team training and most importantly to pray!)
- A mini publications brochure (a version especially for the Invitation launch)
- The brand new Alpha Invitation DVD and Testimonies (also available online)
What to do next"¦
1. www.alphafriends.org/running/invitation has full details of the 2010 Invitation and how to get involved, including tips on how to promote and launch your course, and free downloads for printing and web via the resources section.
2. Visit www.alphashop.org where all printed promotional materials are available to purchase, or call the Alpha Publications hotline on 0845 759 1278.
3. Alpha launch packs re available. If you have not received this and would like oneplease call Alpha UK on 0845 644 7544
4. Ifyou have not run an Alpha course before, call Alpha UK to request a 'Getting started' pack on 0845 644 7544
5. Remember to register your course on www.alphafriends.org/register.