Generating Publicity for Your Paranormal Investigative Team

Paranormal Investigative groups are popping up everywhere. With the success of television shows such as Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted, it seems everyone wants to hunt ghosts lately. The problem is, there are only so many places that people claim to be haunted, and only some of those allow people to investigate. So how do you get your group into those places? And how to you set yourself apart from the scores of fly-by-night teams that are running around cemeteries and taking photos of "orbs"?

The answer is simple- public relations! Ghost hunting groups already have one major strike against them; many people think they are kooks. So the challenge is to earn the respect of those who don't respect what you do. One way to do this is to get known in your community. Get out, get involved, and get noticed! Maintain a presence on the internet and in public. But you need to be seen and known for the correct reasons. You must always present a professional image when in the public; you never know who you might encounter.

The first order of business is to get shirts for your team. T-shirts, sweatshirts or polo-style shirts are best. Make sure the design is professional and non-offensive. Of course, cost will be a factor- ghost hunting is an expensive hobby, but don't waste your money going the cheapest route. Home-made gear will not present a respectable image. Have your shirts professionally embroidered or screen printed. Not only will they last longer, they will look better and sell better if you choose to sell them. You may also choose to have other gear created: hats, tote bags, water bottle koozies, etc. The more personalized gear you have, the more established you will appear.

While you are waiting on your gear, get started on your promotional materials. A web site is required, especially if your team will eventually wish to be considered for membership in one of the larger paranormal families. Invest in your own domain and hosting, do not go with a free website. In addition to a website you should at minimum have business cards. Tri-fold brochures are also recommended. Home-made literature is acceptable as long as it is professional looking. Printing of materials may end up being costly so you may find that you are better off ordering materials from a company such as Vista Print. If you do order from Vista, do not choose the free cards option, they place advertisements on the back, which will make your team look less professional.

In addition to a web site, you should become active on social networking sites. Sites such as MySpace, Friendster, and Facebook are just a few. There are handfuls of specialty networking sites that will allow you to meet others interested in the paranormal. This will help you meet others in the field as well as those seeking help. Links to some of these sites can be found in the links section of this article.

Once you have your gear and promotional items, get out in the public. Go out for coffee, have a group picnic in a public place, attend fairs and festivals. It is guaranteed if you are out in public, wearing your shirt, at least one person will approach you with a ghost story. Most will be tired old urban legends and some may be completely unbelievable, but if you wade through enough, you will be able to find some solid leads for investigations. But always remember, when you are wearing your gear- you are a representative of your team and should look and behave professionally at all times.

Keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities, especially those in which your team may wear their shirts. Some great opportunities include clean-up crews, volunteering at community events such as races, or helping at charity events such as toys for tots or food kitchens. Keep in mind, charitable works will help you become respected in the community as well as provide fodder for press releases and allow you to learn about more publicity opportunities.

Look for opportunities to sponsor and help in your community. There are many opportunities that would provide a win-win for your team as well as the community. For example, if there is an older cemetery under neglect, check into "adopting" the cemetery. Volunteer to mow the lawn, clean up trash, or right headstones. If you show that you are respectful of these areas, you are more likely to gain permission to access them to investigate. Likewise, most historical societies are grossly understaffed and always in need of volunteers. What better way to learn more about historical locations in your community while meeting those who might be able to help you access some historical sites.

October should be a prime time for your team to gain some publicity. Volunteer to tell ghost stories at the local library. Help host a child's costume party. Volunteer to make an appearance at a non-profit Halloween haunted house or Halloween event. You may also want to look for local events geared toward the paranormal and purchase a booth at these events. Paranormal fairs, psychic fairs and horror conventions are all prime places to meet others interested in ghosts. You may also find that this is a great place to host a raffle, or sell fundraising items such as t-shirts or other products.

You should be creative in how you promote your paranormal team. Just remember, the key is to earn respect. Although some may not respect what you do, they will respect how you do it and who you are if you conduct yourself professionally.