Nothing says nostalgia like s’mores by a campfire. The gooey marshmallow goodness topped off with a thick piece of chocolate hugged between two graham crackers… yes, please! Camping is a fundamental part of the Girl Scout experience and s’mores are a delicious parallel.
Have you been thinking about how you can connect your troop to your community? Do you want to promote your troop and share how awesome your Girl Scouts are? Check out the S.M.O.R.E.S. of marketing your troop: a simple six-step formula created by GSRV Troop Leader Paulette Bonneur to increase productivity. Keep reading because you’re in for a treat!
S- Social Media
Each social media platform is unique and attracts different audiences for various reasons. Consider selecting one platform your supporters frequent and meet them where they’re at. Before posting photos of your Girl Scouts, make sure to get a photo release from your troop’s caregivers!
M- Materials
The materials you put out are a direct representation of your troop. Marketing materials specifically are the tools that help you promote your troop, the brand you have created, and the Girl Scout brand as a whole. Once you figure out how you will present materials, you can use what you’ve created to promote your troop, recruit additional girls, and build partnerships. The goal is to have recognizable and professional materials that make managing your troop a breeze. Tools like Canva are user-friendly and free!
O- Organization
Managing a troop requires a lot of organization. Even if it is not your strong suit, proper planning can help make marketing your troop a lot easier. Organization includes everything from putting marketing materials out in a timely manner to managing badges, and beyond! Try creating a content calendar where you plan a few months ahead to cut down on last-minute panic about posting.
R- Recruitment
Recruitment is such an important part of leading a successful Girl Scouts Troop! Although recruitment of Girl Scouts to join the troop is the primary focus, it can also be extended to recruiting parents and community partners who will help advance the experiences of your troop overall.
E- Exposure
Your troop is doing amazing things to make a difference in the world. Don’t keep all that good work a secret! In fact, you should be telling everyone you know about what your Girl Scouts are up to. The “know, like, and trust” factor is important here. The more people get to know your troop, the more they like your troop. The more they like your troop, the more they trust your troop. The more they trust your troop, the more likely they are to partner with and provide opportunities to your troop.
S- Storytelling
Storytelling helps your troop build meaningful connections. When people know more about your Girl Scouts and troop leaders, they are more likely to support your troop. When you tell your troop or troop leader’s story, it gives a more impactful reason for an individual or organization to support your efforts. It also helps set your troop apart by highlighting its uniqueness. Additionally, parents will have an easier time finding out if your troop is the right fit for their family.
The next time you are sitting around a campfire enjoying s’mores, remember the S.M.O.R.E.S. and consider what you can do to increase your troop’s productivity by using the six simple steps. We can’t wait to see you apply these tips for a successful year!
Paulette Bonneur – Paulette Bonneur is a Senior Program Consultant at Girl Scout River Valleys and Co-Leader of BIPOC Mentored Troop 18793. She is a master storyteller, professional speaker, author, and strategic connector. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Paulette strives to make an impact in the world through service and enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and her two littles. She is a sucker for African food and can be easily persuaded by delicious cuisine!