Position your web design business as a community leader by strategically sponsoring relevant business and tech events. Through event sponsorship, you can showcase your brand to a targeted audience, build valuable relationships, and demonstrate your commitment to the local business community while gaining multiple touchpoints for promotion and lead generation.
Step 1:
Research potential events
Create a list of local business, tech, and entrepreneurship meetups
Check platforms like Meetup.com, EventBrite, and local chamber of commerce calendars
Focus on events that attract your ideal web design clients (e.g., startups, small businesses)
Review past event photos and attendance numbers to gauge audience fit
Step 2:
Evaluate sponsorship opportunities
Contact event organizers for sponsorship packages
Compare different sponsorship tiers and benefits
Calculate cost per potential lead based on expected attendance
Request detailed metrics from previous events
Step 3:
Create a sponsorship budget
Allocate funds for different sponsorship levels
Include additional costs like promotional materials and staff time
Set aside budget for recurring sponsorships
Plan for both monetary and in-kind sponsorships
Step 4:
Prepare promotional materials
Design branded banners and signage
Create event-specific landing pages for lead capture
Develop promotional swag with your web design portfolio QR code
Print business cards with event-specific offers
Step 5:
Plan your presentation strategy
Prepare a brief, compelling pitch about your web design services
Create a slideshow of your best portfolio pieces
Develop an interactive demonstration of your design process
Prepare talking points for common client pain points
Step 6:
Set up lead capture systems
Create digital sign-up forms for event attendees
Design a special offer exclusive to event participants
Set up a CRM tag for event-specific leads
Prepare follow-up email sequences
Step 7:
Train your team
Brief staff on event objectives and messaging
Assign specific roles and responsibilities
Practice elevator pitches and demonstrations
Create scripts for different attendee scenarios
Step 8:
Maximize pre-event promotion
Share your sponsorship on social media
Create content announcing your participation
Leverage email marketing to invite existing network
Coordinate promotional efforts with event organizers
Step 9:
Execute event presence
Arrive early to set up branded materials
Position team members at strategic locations
Document the event through photos and videos
Network actively but non-aggressively
Step 10:
Engage attendees effectively
Offer free website audits or consultations
Demonstrate live website improvements
Host a raffle or competition
Provide valuable design tips and resources
Step 11:
Capture content during the event
Take professional photos of your team in action
Record testimonials from interested attendees
Document your presentation or workshop
Create social media stories in real-time
Step 12:
Follow up systematically
Send personalized emails within 24 hours
Share event photos and highlights
Schedule discovery calls with interested leads
Add contacts to your newsletter list
Step 13:
Measure ROI
Track leads generated from the event
Monitor conversion rates to clients
Calculate cost per acquisition
Compare results with other marketing channels
Step 14:
Build long-term relationships
Maintain contact with event organizers
Plan for future sponsorship opportunities
Create case studies from successful client conversions
Develop an annual event sponsorship strategy
Step 15:
Optimize future sponsorships
Analyze what worked and what didn't
Adjust budget allocation based on results
Refine presentation and promotional materials
Build a sponsorship playbook for your team
Author
Chris Harrison
Founder @ Growtique
Free plan
With a list of leads at your fingertips, you can immediately begin your outreach. Focus on building relationships and closing deals, knowing that each contact is a valuable opportunity.