Press Release - A news release, press release or press statement is a written communication piece directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something that has news value. For example, you can publicize the launch of your community in a press release to attract favourable media attention. Releases are mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to editors at newspapers, magazines, radio stations, television stations, and/or television networks. Commercial newswire services are also used such as Eworldwire to distribute news releases.
Download Sample

PowerPoint Presentation - Presentations are a good way to communicate the content of a topic to an audience. Verbal communication is different from written communication. Being clear is particularly important. When structuring your presentation, there are two well-known ways to communicate your points effectively. The first is to K.I.S.S. (keep it simple...). Focus on getting one to three key points across. Secondly, repeat key insights. A good way to order the content is to consider the 5 W's - who, what, when, where, why (and how). Presentation programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint are often used to generate presentation content.
Download Sample

Postcards - Another effective and portable way to stand out in the competing noise of today's "info glut" is to produce glossy postcards that communicate your message(s). Postcards combine the visual "wow" effect with key messages and often involve an incentive or call to action. For example, readers can enter into an online contest to win or the postcard can be used as a "coupon" in exchange for goods or services.
Download Sample

Posters - Typically posters include both textual and graphic elements, although a poster may be either wholly graphical or wholly textual. Posters are designed to be both eye-catching and convey information. You might design posters to advertise an expert blogger in your community, or the release of a topical publication.
Download Sample

Banner Ads - A web banner or banner ad is a form of advertising on the web. This form of online advertising involves embedding an advertisement into a web page. Banner ads are intended to attract traffic to a website by linking them directly to a web site or web page. The value add of banner ads above and beyond traditional advertising is that viewers can link to a targeted page (in your community) in real time. In this sample, the ad advertizes an event and links to a page that provides more detailed information.
Download Sample

Newsletters - To keep communications regular with your members and drive them to specific areas of your community, create a regular newsletter or e-mail bulletin and feature new and exciting happenings within the community. Be sure to include information on how to access the community and become a member. IGLOO's "Announcements" tool is ideal for this.
View Sample

Success Stories - Plan on creating success stories based on the activities of your community members. To encourage and involve your members in building and contributing to the network, it's important to feature your members and their activities within the community. These are a great way of celebrating your community's successes!
Download Sample

Quotes - Often there is no more effective way to market than by word of mouth. Quotes are essentially the same thing, only captured in content for display and use in other materials. Quotes are often used to endorse something and can be used to promote topical issues in your community, for example, or the effectiveness of your community in achieving its overall objectives.
View Sample

Videos and Podcasts - A podcast is a media file that is distributed over the Internet for playback on portable media players and personal computers. Videos can be used in much the same way. Both are becoming increasingly popular (as is evident in the popularity of YouTube) and provide a great way to attract "eyeballs" or visits to your community. Podcasting is an effective publishing tool, allowing you to share information with anyone at any time. They can be used to communicate curriculum, assignments, book talks, research abstracts, interviews, debates, and more.
Download Sample