Promoting the club

Zipper · Promoting the club

I want to try and increase the awareness of our club in the local area and figured the best starting point would be to create a poster that could be placed in shop windows, chip shops, kebab shops, librarys, schools, youth clubs, sports centres etc etc.

So, the poster itself. I'm no design wizard but have put the following together as a starting point. Now I NEED your input. What have I missed? What should be on the poster that isn't on it now? Do I need other pictures? How can I make it more eye catching? How do I make it more appealing? Does it sound too cheesy? Anything you can think of or any suggestions... let me know!!!

Alfonzo II

Excellent work Zipster! Looks really good and you've got all the important points covered.

Cool

Me and Matt really like the car you've chosen too.. Laughing

andy east

Nice one Zipper, good work there Very Happy

Totally agree, you have all the bases covered. To add anything else would probably detract from it.
It will be interesting to see if it brings in some more people too.

BenH

Bear with me, it's late........

Can we start a revolution, whereby we manage to loose the term "buggy". Not in the club name, but in general.

To me, like an evil wizard, it conjures images of ageing folk in battery operated wheel chairs barging their way down a highstreet or just as bad, babies and small children wailing in their straight-jackets-with-wheels.

I also think, you can drop the un-abbreviated Radio Control. People can spot it from Jupiter, the aerials tend to give it away. I also think we need to use a picture that shows what it's about, something that shows more than just a car - Here is an example, but too out of focus for my liking.

I like "Off Road" RC.
Car's not available from Tesco's! Question

I am not too sure about the speed thing. I think a Clarkson metaphor would work better.

Over 35 Myalls an hour (Sounds like a cloning factory production line!) Laughing

Zipper

Just a quick mock-up whilst getting ready for work this morning...

I know what you are saying Hoobardo, hense my "Is it too cheesy?". I'll do some more tonight....

Alfonzo II

But they are toys Question

In my eyes anyway Very Happy

I suppose you want to differentiate between our 'toys' and cheap Argos tat.

Ben - that photo is all vey well, but my car isn't in it, therefore it's rejected. Very Happy

Seriously though, it's all good. I work alongside a graphic design artist guru, would you like me to ask him to have a little look at your concept? He's ace. Not taking away from what you've done mind, as that's great too.

ben

I think it's great!

I think we're gonna need a few new members this year, with people generally dropping their little luxuries due to the media frenzy surrounding the self-fulfilling prophecy that is the 'credit crunch'. Sorry, got carried away Embarassed

Why is this thread so wide?!

Zipper

Zipper

BenH

I did forget to say......

Cracking job Mr Z. Very Happy

More so now Wink

Sloppy-ball-joint

Nice work.
If you need a hand with any of it, give me a call (07710 487484).
Be great to get some new people involved - I might stand a better chance of beating novices Wink

Serious offer though - it's down to all of us to help in the running and continuation of such a great club.

Duncs.

Zipper · Websites

If you stumble across any rc websites that have a links section, let us know! That way we can get in contact with the webmaster and give them our club's details.

As an example we are listed on;

http://www.rcracer.com/racer_uk/m_clubs.htm
http://www.apexmodels.com/gbu0-display/Clubs.html
http://www.colchestermodelcarclub.com/links.html
http://www.brca.org/Clubs/club%20frame%20page.htm

Let's get our details out there!

LBC

Excellent work there, Zipster!

Zipper

I've been in touch with Radio Race Car International today, just enquiring about advertising. Now while the price of placing an advert is well out of our price range (£140+ for a 1/8 page ad), they do offer the opportunity for clubs to list their details in the magazine in the “Race Place”.

This is a listing section, where clubs can list where they are, what they race and when, contact details etc. (see attached file for more details)

This cost’s £10 a month and the minimum term is 3 months.

What do we reckon? Is it worth putting our club in the magazine for 3 months?

Click to download file

BenH

I am not an RC magazine reader so my opinion is somewhat flawed.

I reckon these mags are for those already indulging in said hobby. I believe it's those who will love it but don't know about it are the ones to target. Like I said, an unqualified opinion based on hunch rather than fact.

I reckon these mags are sold by only about 20 stores within 8 miles of LBC. Would it better to put a poster in the paper shop that sells the mag rather than a tiny unreadable ad in the mag. Maybe Question

Does anyone have a copy of the mag? How many cluubs do the same thing, do we know any of them and can we fund out what the response rate is. If it's 1 per year. That's £40 per new member.

BenH

http://www.rc-area.co.uk/

Zipper

andy east · Magazine Ad

Zip,
I would suggest not doing the ad in the magazine. I would say that you could reach more local people in more cost-effective ways.

Racers already know someone who knows about the club, so your not really targeting them. They will turn up if the club gets a far-spread reputation for being the best in the region by some margin, everyone loves a good race... how do we achieve that and attract the EoE racers to LBC?

Beginners would read the magazine, but you would still catch their attention via a cheaper route i'm sure.

This would be a lot of work, but, would a shop be breaking the law if they were to slip an LBC loose-leaf into each RC magazine on the shelf? You couldn't help but read it then, and it wouldn't be tucked away at the back of the magazine either!

Andy - Normally a law-abiding citizen, honest officer!

Zipper

The magazine was an idea, but I must agree with you on that it might not actually be targeting who we want to target.

I think the start will be to get the posters up in as many "legal" places as possible.... I'm not sure I'm up for some midnight fly-postering!! Shocked

It them may be worth getting some glossy flyers printed that can be put through letter boxes, left in model shops etc.... we could always approach model shops to add a little advert on the flyer to cover the costs? I'm sure the likes of DMS, Microtech Racing, MK Racing, Apex etc would pay £20-£30 each to get their name & web address plastered across 10,000 colour flyers. This would cover the costs of the printing and could even cover the costs of having these stuffed into magazines for us!

BenH

Zipper

Why pay someone to deliver them? We have legs and arms!

We could get 2,500 full colour double sided A6 300gsm flyers for around £70. We therefore only need to get 3-4 companies to stick their name on them for £20 a time to cover the costs of printing them.

We could have a section on the back of the leaflet for LBC recommended stores/stockists?

Alfonzo II

WTF do we do when 95 people try and book in for the first meeting Shocked

Zipper

BenH

OK. What's next on the plan?

1 - Final Draft?
2 - Submission to designer
3 - Send copy to likely sponsors (Maybe using some of their favourite customers to pry their purses open. Wink

)
I can think of 3 that spring to mind -
M-Junction
DMS and
Microtech
4 - Take cash
5 - Get printed
6 - Get posting - Volunteers
7 - Posters printed, shops and schools persuaded for space on the boards.

As an additional pursuasion, would banner space be available at the top of this page. If not, maybe in the section where it says "It's what Sundays were made for"

Just got a letterbox number for Manningtree, Dedham, Lawford, Mistley and Brantham - 4,500.

Click to see full size image

BenH

Zipper

Alfonzo II

Guys - just speaking to my Art Guru work mate. He's got some ideas which sound good but rely on a really decent action photo. I thought I might approach Jimmy at Oople and see if he would allow us permission to have a rake through his photo's and choose one? I know it won't be a picture of one of us racing at LBC, but if the shot conveys the action and is attention grabbing - that's what we're after I think? What do you chaps think of that?

BenH

I agree!!! AND a competition will be in place too, which would be nice to be better run, i.e more of us involved - Marshalls etc

I will be throwing my B4 in the pot for the public to have a go on. It would be great if we could get another B4. Same cells, same setting for speed (i.e turned right the way down). All those entered will go on a one v one; 1 lap head to head. Until only one is left as the champ. (FA Cup stylee)

Entry fee can be transferred to vouchers from our supporting store Wink

Prize - Free 1st Year membership. Use of my B4. All they have to do is turn up and pay the subs. (Pending approval from the boss! Wink

)

BenH

Alfonzo II

How do I add an image guys?

BenH

Just undernath the section where you type a reply

there is "attach file" in the bottom left. Click on, browse.... you know the rest Wink

Showing off......... Laughing

Alfonzo II

This was his first effort with little input from me, I know it's a Coastal photo, I know the text is wrong and all that, this is just a little taster. Took him half an hour.

BenH

BenH

Alfonzo II

Well, it's a good start. I think if I work to find a really cool action photo from Oople and work with Rene (art guru) based on the poster text Zipster has got? Please, I don't want to be seen railroading this one so let me know if any reservations..

Stick yer thoughts down on this thread LBC'ers

Cool.

BenH

I think it's all good Al. Go for it.

If I could make one suggestion. That this is the main picture.... A demonstration of the sharpness of a wing and the strength of an aerial tube. The car has now been like it for 6 months! Laughing

Sorry Zip I couldn't help it.

Seriously, I have been through all my pics and I can only find this as even acceptable. (And this one http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/304450/DSC_0066.JPG )If montaging (is that even a word!) it might work with a little photoshopping (I really am making it up as I go along now) it might just work depending on the final layout.

But by all means, go get some Super Oopler pics, they are great from the get go and require little effort Wink

It's a promotion of the sport/hobby etc, I don't think it matters which pics we use so long as they speak loudly. Don't worry about squeezing LBC pics in. But they be only my opinion. Wink

Alfonzo II

Version II

Alfonzo II

I seem to have awakened something in my art guru..I can't stop him now..

BenH

LMAO!!!

Brilliant. Glue him to the seat!

Zipper

Now in the process of teaching myself photoshop.... just learnt how to gradiate a layer.... wooooooo! Laughing

Alfonzo II

That's nice!

I just got a reply from Jimmy Oople with full permission to use one of his photo's if we want. I said we'd drop an Oople logo on our work somewhere as a mark of respect.

I'll carry on with Rene, if we end up with two designs it doesn't matter.

Cool

BenH

Is it being impatient to ask to see the Magic so soon? Is it more likely to appear after the weekend?

Alfonzo II

I'm still waiting for the high res image, I'll drop Jimmy another message. Watch this space.

BenH

I don't know if you remember, but last year toward the end of the season I had written a Pulitzer prize winning piece for the "Manningtree Mistley and Lawford Community News" about LBC and it's combative exchanges with Coastal; "EATC - the aftermath and the glory". It was said to be an entry into history of such journalistic magnitude that it was unlikely to ever be repeated............... UNTIL NOW!!!!

That's right. The next piece needs to be submitted by the 20th March for publication in the beginning of April. Soooooo. Once the flyer is done, the poster is sorted, I'll get the electronic quill in motion for some Car show advertising. Also, can we have a think about the competition too. Would be great to get some ideas, feedback on it?

I hope it's sunny! Very Happy

Alfonzo II

Does my memory serve me correctly? Was last year a real scorcher, or was it the year before?

Alfonzo II

STAND BACK...

Whaddayathink??

Rene gave us a fair bit of his time today on this one, and he reads this forum - so you might wish to mention a thank you.

Zipper

AWESOME!!!! Shocked

SteveT

Whatever you do for a living, you are in the wrong job!

Superb!!!

Alfonzo II

Not my work Steve - It is my work mate & buddy Rene's effort. He is a graphic designer / arty type. Pass any thanks his way. Cool

Wiggles · promo

Spot on work with the poster designs guys , well done that man.

Not sure that the posting through a letter box thing works?

We have many local village fee mags and i think it's free to clubs to advertise in them, maybe a small print set up charge?

Should these posters not go into schools and the like on there notice boards?

Anyway just some ideas take them or leave them.

Need some help with the ramps maybe next sat at the track , text me if you can help out.

w.

Spike

WOW! That poster is awsome! Rene deserves a real pat on the back for that one me thinks.
Gotta say that I think Pauls Idea of trying to get some posters up in some schools is a good idea, on the same line what about some sports centres?

BenH

Tres Bien!!! Very Happy

Al - now PM'ing email addresses - Zip and Mine to email file too. Can you ask Rene to send it in a "Printer Friendly" file type. PDF would be nice. So if sending to a specialist firm, they can print direct from file and I can run it through the laser printer at the office too Wink

. I think they (graphic industry types) refer to it as a vector?

BenH

Rene,

Thank You!!! Very Happy

Your efforts are much appreciated by all Wink

Hoping to get a great response from this.

Zipper, are you going to use your crayons for the rear of this with further details? Wink

Zipper

I think we all need to have a brain storming session and work out what info we need, then give it all to the designer rather than me try and scribble it on the back with my black crayola!

BenH

I have typed, then retyped and deleted several times until now.......

I think - a very cool design of an off road car - showing main components.

Black background, white lines looking like it's been sketched on a blackboard.

Identifying chassis, wheels, ESC, Motor, Servo, Receiever and a couple of basic physics diagrams for effect, like downforce, friction etc etc. I imagine it to be from an 45 degree over head view from front front left wheel. This angle: -

Using a BJ4/B44 as examples, this could also show prop shaft rotation etc.

Then in the bottom corner,

www.lawfordbuggyclub.co.uk - for more information, register here, say hello and start asking questions.

Sloppy-ball-joint · Poster info.

Howdy rat fans.

Rene - what a fantastic poster you have created! Many thanks!

Just to clarify what we're trying to convey to potential new members...
I don't think we want to "scare" people off with too much tech talk but perhaps a cut-away stylee image would look cool - perhaps discribe the sporting aspect of it too - i.e. the high speeds, jumps and racing action.

I am a believer in a simple, clear approach when initially trying catch someones eye / imagination. Then perhaps a sandwhich board style thingy (i.e. bigger) at say the Manningtree car show, displaying as you say Ben, the integral parts of a car and so forth. Also vital cool stats: 0-30 mph time, top speed, distance/height of jumps, run time of a car, etc. etc.

Also move into the facts of basic start up cost (2nd hand) of a kit and help available from established members (snigger snigger...) etc. etc.

Any help I can give, just ask!

Great work everyone and a great idea Zipper!

Duncs.

BenH

I sketched out my idea on good ol plain paper last night. Doesn't work as is. Would need a side on view rather than over the top, other wise too congested. But other than that am liking it.

Just need someone who's good with electronic crayons to have a go.

ben

Try Google Sketch Up

It's free to download & you can basically make a 3D model of anything once you get the hang of it...

Some of the models that you can import into it might tick most of your boxes & you can just modify it to suit Very Happy

Zipper

I thought I'd get this thread started again as we need to get all our heads together to come up with a plan of action to inject some new life into the club. The numbers are dwindling and we are just about scraping enough drivers for a meeting to go ahead.

I for one, love my racing and love LBC. I want to see it back it's good old self of two years ago, when we were getting 30 drivers on a Sunday.

So, what can we do to tempt some new faces to have a go at racing as well as maybe tempting back some old members?

For a start;

1 - Track maintenance and presentation - Poor Jim can't do all this on his own. Did we ever agree a rota for helping out, cutting the grass etc? What happened to the orange fence around the track as this really made it look professional? The banners also need to come out... we have Trakpower, Team Associated & KO ones... this need to be out as it just creates a better and professional looking track (I'm happy to get these out at a start of a meeting and put them away again at the end).

2 - Signage - Can we have a good sign LBC on the rostrum as well as something on the roadside, so passing traffic may drive in and have a look? Have we got anyone who is artistic to put something together? I'm sure we could get together the materials?

3 - Race reports - I really miss the old race reports, that used to give details of the days racings; highlights, who did well, who had bad luck etc. I also need to get the camera back out! These kind of things drove traffic to this forum, people were interested in reading the reports and looking at the pics. Are there people that want to have a go at writing up race reports? It is also something good to read for newbies visiting this site and tempting them into having ago!

4 - Get rid of the bad behaviour! I for one am guilty this season of shouting at marshalls as well as swearing and shouting on the rostrum! There should also be a strict enforcement of not allowing people to go home early if they are having a "bad day". It is no good for the atmosphere, screws up the marshalling and maks it harder for everyone else. Not sure what kind of rules we could bring in to stop this, but just an idea?

5 - General club promotion - We really need a big push on this.... there was lots of activity on getting the poster together but then nothing happened with it. We need to spread the word... use all the forums out there, get the posters out, get things stuck up in our car windows, get ourselves to the Tendring Hundred Show and other local events, networking with the BRCA etc etc. There must be loads of lads and ladies out there that would love to get involved with rc racing, but simply do not know a thing about it or even that we exist!

6 - A club website to run along the forum - I guess this is going to be down to me! I just think we need a website to run along side the forum, which is more for promoting the club.

What do you all reckon? What are your thoughts?

Wiggles

Spot on Zip....

For one i am happy to help out when my time allows!!!!

As you maybe aware i have probably spent as much time doing stuff at the club as racing this year.

We all need to pull together to get things moving forward again.

Maybe the club needs structure but this would need to come from the top (sorry to put this at your door Jim) and there by we or the people concerned have roles to forfill?

The posters need to go up in schools and sports centres, shops, ect and i can help out with posting these out...

Banners for the club need designs and again i can see what favours i can call in?

Only my thoughts, feel free to coment either good or bad but i think our club will soon be no more if nothing is done???

Wiggles..

andy east

As a seperate idea that is linked...

Once the posters go out, it is likely that the interested people will visit this site looking for information on how they would start-up in the most cost-effective way.

Could we have a new forum section close to the top of the list that houses just a couple of cost-effective and efficient ways for someone to come into the hobby?

It would need to stay locked and the posts carefully structured and written as you don't want to bombard them with information, just show them that it doesn't need to cost the earth to get started in our hobby.

b4 sloth · Open day?

Perhaps the club could have an open day with a selection of cars for people to have a play around with?

There is so much to think about when starting racing and it is a complete mine field. Show it in an uncomplicated format would bring more in.
Perhaps even a budget class to run alongside...the 'mad rat race'.

Only allow a change in tyres/ restrict motor. When i had the meteor in the 80s up at colchesters now McDonalds site, there was a thing called standard and modified. Standard class on the demon can was right on. Cheap in comparison too.

Worth a thought Smile

BenH

Here comes the but..........

It requires coordination and organisation. Marketing will bring them, although without the format we will not keep them. Put in the format but no marketing and you don't get them in. It's a simplified example for something bigger.

But here's another thing. Look at the number of participants over the last couple of seasons. We aren't short of drivers. We are short of drivers turning up again.

Wiggles

At the risk of making enimies i will make this clear...

This is Jims club for us to race at and any ideas need to be confimed as ok by the gov!

The gov needs to be the one to decide where we go?

All the good ideas are worth nothing if the gov is not on side

Also i am sure if the gov needed help there would be many stepping up to help out???????? correct me if i am wrong!

Now that said i am waiting to be shot down in flames.................

Possibly the last post from wiggles..before he is banned...lol

BenH

Promoting the club

Websites

Magazine Ad

promo

Poster info.

Open day?