Best way to increase foot traffic (for a nonprofit)

[QUOTE=microhappiness;11768043]. We really need more participants.
/QUOTE]

Is there a local newspaper or news site that would do a news story to get people in? Look into Community Spotlight featuring local information. They run on some towns' local cable stations or on Nextdoor or Facebook social media sites, which might be able to promote the Non-Profit.

Added: ewenmack posted this link in an old Off-Line thread - https://www.google.com/grants/ Just a FYI I do not know if it applies in your case.

"Google Ad Grants shows your message to people searching for nonprofits like yours.

Each qualifying nonprofit has access to up to $10,000 per month in search ads shown on Google.com. Additional Google Ads may be purchased in a separate account. "

Why do you need more participants, is there funding attached to numbers?
SMALL community, does it serve a segment of your larger community, by area, or how is the community defined?

In some communities, there is a stigma attached to depression or anxiety, and so some who may need/want help, are reluctant to come forward. From a marketing look, you have to give them RESULTS of the workshop, what happens once they attend?

By looking at results, then you can create a more targeted promotion, however it is going to be delivered to your target demographic and one more likely to generate the walk in traffic you seek?

When I worked for my county's mental health agency, we offered a "club house" setting, which in general got people into the building and then more targeted or pinpointed services were offered. Instead of creating unease, a more welcoming "open house" might work too.

You are asking people to raise their hands and identify themselves as a person who has a problem, and that whole approach, in society in general, just doesn't work. So perhaps you can offer a general invitation to the small community in a get acquainted session and while there, give them a chance to see what services they might like to receive, without self identifying any given "problem".

GordonJ

I don't think that people with anxiety want to sit around with other
people and talk about their anxiety.

Why don't you have fun workshops that show people how to make
inexpensive arts and crafts like aromatherapy soaps, candles, floral
arranging, etc.

Or have cooking demonstrations of simple dishes that everyone
can participate in making and eating, like baking and decorating
cupcakes or making a pot of soup.

Give the depressed and anxious people choices.