Once you get your group started or organized, you cannot just sit back and take a break. You have to start publicizing it. After all, what good does it do to have a group if it is not known about widely enough to help those that it is intended to help?

Word of mouth is one of the best advertising methods that has ever been used. It has been successful in both promoting views for and against a product, service, or person. This can be the first way that many people will hear about your support group. Promoting your group by word of mouth not only is usually free but it gives the impression of credibility to the group.

Even with a small budget, there are plenty of options for getting the word out. First look at local stores, do they have a bulletin board for community events? Prepare a flyer and ask permission to post it on the bulletin board. If the store has something in common with the subject of the support group, then that will mean that even more of the people that stop to read your flyer may be interested in your group.

If you need help creating the flyer, ask any other group members, friends, or family if they have any experience in making them. The computer software market has some wonderful software options that will help you make them at a reasonable cost on your computer. It may take a quick walk through the software department of your local store to find a tool that will help you design a flyer that will meet your groups needs.

Do not forget that publicity comes in many forms. Does your local paper have a section on lifestyles? Contact the lifestyle editor and let them know about your group. They may use your group as a resource for a future story on the topic or may even be interested in doing a feature on your group.

While you have the paper out, check to see if they have a free listing of upcoming events. If you have your meetings listed here, then someone that needs your group may have the opportunity to learn about your meetings and attend. If possible, also include contact information. This will enable those that can not attend to find out more about your group.

Publicity can be expensive but it does not have to be. Use your imagination, ask questions, and learn to share your news wherever you go. You are volunteering your time and energy to help others and getting the word out to others is a necessary part of the process. There are many ways of communicating your knowledge. Use them to help you gain the needed publicity for your group. Do not be afraid to explore any unusual methods of drawing publicity, just keep it legal. The goal is to get the information out to help others, not to drive others away.