Tips to help find new members

Have a look at these tips to help find new members and ways to welcome past members back.

Promoting Your Playgroup
Playgroups are a source of enjoyment for many families in the community and are an important community resource. With many parents coming out of social isolation, it is a great time to promote the benefits of playgroup and encourage families to connect again.  Promoting your playgroup can help to:
– Inform other families in the community
– Support families with young children who feel isolated
– Make the general community aware of the value of playgroups
– Attract new members

Here are some suggestions for promoting your playgroup:

• Facebook Community Groups
  If you haven’t already, check out if there are any local community groups in your area on Facebook. This is a good opportunity to promote your details as many parents and children are looking for new things to do now that activities have re-started.
• Playgroup WA Website
  All Playgroup WA playgroups are added to our Find a Playgroup directory. This is the most visited page on our website so it’s important to keep your details and contact information updated.Playgroup WA also has an online noticeboard where playgroups can advertise for free. These listings are shared to the Playgroup WA Facebook and Instagram page. If you choose to list here, please provide a description of your venue including if you have an outdoor play area, any special toys or equipment etc. and of course some photos that can be shared.
• Facebook
  The Playgroup WA Facebook page has a growing following. Playgroups are always welcome to send messages directly to promote any events being held, share photos of sessions or any other assistance required.If you haven’t already, you can create your own Facebook page to promote your group with others in your local community and keep in touch with your members. If you would like more information on setting up your own page please click here.Playgroups can also use the Playgroup at Home group to share photos and information on about their playgroup. This is a nice way to showcase yourselves, share activity ideas and reach potential members.We also have a Facebook group especially for committee members. The Playgroup WA Committee Members group provides a great opportunity for members to connect with each other, ask for advice, share ideas, tips, knowledge and anything else to do with playgroup!
• Word of Mouth
  Most families join a playgroup because a friend invited them. Chat to your friends and relatives about playgroup. Pass on information and reach out to your network. If your playgroup is trying to build up its members you could also carry playgroup information with you and pass it on to parents with young children you meet while shopping, at kindergarten/daycare pick up or wherever you go in your local area. You’ll be surprised at how successful this approach can be.
• Baby Sessions
  Many new mums and dads missed out on joining a a parent’s group during the lockdown. Creating a specific baby session for new parents is a wonderful way to connect with new members and give them the space to be able to meet others.
• Events
  Plan an event to promote your playgroup. It could be an open day, a teddy bear’s picnic, messy play day or bring a friend to playgroup event. Invite people to come along to have fun, see your playgroup firsthand. It’s always a good idea to have information available on your playgroup.
• Flyers / Posters
  Create a poster with the details of your playgroup and hand out these out to your local schools and Child Health Nurse. Many local businesses are also happy to support community groups so check in with your local coffee shop, library, shopping centre, pharmacy or doctor’s surgery  to see if they’re able to display your flyer.
• Signage
  Is there an opportunity to display more prominent signage around your venue / location? A busy intersection or roundabout could be a great option (ensure you get permissions with your local council prior).
  If allowed, an A-Frame sign could be used outside your building while your playgroup is meeting. Playgroup WA also have a ‘Playgroup Meets Here’ sign that allows you to include your information on it, please contact Playgroup WA at marketing@playgroupwa.com.au to enquire about receiving one for free.
• Child Health Nurse
  Establishing a relationship with your local Child Health Nurse can be a great opportunity for you to get face to face with new parents in your community and talk to them or pass on information about your playgroup.
• Council Listings
  Contact your local council and ask to be included on its website and in its next community handbook. Be sure to keep the information updated every year.
• Information Stands and Community Boards
  Set up an information stall at your local shopping centre, library or community centre. This is a great way to speak personally with people about the playgroup or have information that people can take away with them. Remember to get permission from the venue owner.
• Playgroup WA
  Don’t forget that the Development Officers at Playgroup WA are always available to help whenever and wherever they can. Your local Development Officer has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in running playgroups and is a great place to start should you need any assistance. You can find out your Playgroup WA representative by calling the office on 9288 8088.

Do you have any other tips or ideas that have worked well for your playgroup? We’d love to hear it!