A diversion and inclusion strategy to further reach beyond the region.
Diversity and inclusion are powerful tools for marketing efforts, especially when trying to reach audiences outside the demographics of your business’ home region. Helping businesses expand their customer base is a main factor when considering messaging for your target audience. In smaller communities needing revenue influx from outside sources, a marketing strategy including diverse people groups differentiates your brand from competitors and improves your reputation online and with potential buyers.
I want to address some of the things to consider when adding diversity and inclusion into your marketing strategy.
By promoting diversity and inclusion in marketing, businesses can attract and retain customers from a wider range of backgrounds.
Demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion lets businesses build stronger connections with customers they may not have surface-level common threads with, yet prioritize these values.
Diversity and inclusion are still relatively rare for most marketers in Central Appalachia. By prioritizing these values in marketing messages, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors and create a unique selling proposition. You never know who your next best customer is going to be.
Businesses are increasingly expected to demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. By promoting diversity and inclusion, businesses can improve their reputation and be seen as leaders in their industry.
We’ve all heard the term “you can’t see the forest for the trees.” Outbound marketing messages can benefit from showing more inclusive images and adapting language to relate to smaller people groups. As a compliment to that, consider seeking out partners, sponsors, and affiliates that see diversity as a boost to their operations. Diverse teams tend to be more creative and innovative because they bring together a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives may be considered favorable when applying for government grants, depending on the specific grant program and the eligibility requirements.
In recent years, many government agencies and organizations have prioritized diversity and inclusion as a means of achieving their goals and creating more equitable outcomes. As a result, they may offer grants and funding opportunities specifically for organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their operations.
When applying for government grants, it's important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and criteria for the grant program to determine whether diversity and inclusion efforts are emphasized. If so, highlighting your organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion in your grant application could increase your chances of receiving funding.
That being said, it's important to remember that diversity and inclusion should not be pursued solely for the purpose of receiving government grants or other funding. These efforts should be integral to the values and mission of the organization and should be pursued for their own intrinsic value in promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.