Ready to fill your event venue’s calendar with more bookings? See marketing tips for event venues that will help you book more events and grow your local presence.
#1. Up your user-generated content strategy
User-generated content (UGC) is a huge asset to any venue’s marketing strategy. Think of UGC as content that’s created about your event venue by someone outside of your business. For example, photos and videos of your venue taken by guests, and reviews and testimonials from past clients.
UGC can be used in your social media marketing and website design to improve your venue’s online reputation and build your following. For example, you can:
Repost photos you’re tagged in on Instagram.
Repurpose online reviews into social media posts.
Strategically use online reviews within your website content.
UGC doesn’t just give you high-quality content to share — it’s also an important signal of social proof, which can let potential clients know that others have had a great experience with your venue, and they will, too.
#2. Host special events
While social media and online reviews are a great source of new clients, in-person marketing tactics, like events, are great for promoting your venue to people in your area.
For example, you can host an open house night with a partner catering or beverage company to encourage people to visit your venue, and entice people to come by offering free refreshments and a discount on your rental options.
But for these types of events, promotion is key. Promote the event on your website, your social channels and in emails to get the word out.
#3. Try a paid ad campaign
A paid ad campaign can get your venue at the top of search results and draw new visitors to your website, fast.
For example, say you’re an event venue that specializes in weddings in Fredericksburg, Texas. You can create a paid ad that targets people who are searching on Google for things, like “wedding venue in Fredericksburg” or “rustic wedding venue Fredericksburg.” Plus, with location targeting, you can tailor your ad to only show to people who are in, or interested in, Fredericksburg.
However, your paid ad budget will only be well-spent if your campaign is optimized. Make sure that your ads have click-worthy ad text, your landing page is optimized for conversions and you’re regularly monitoring your ads to see what changes need to be made.
Need help running your ad campaign? Marketing 360® ‘s ad experts can create online ads that bring new bookings to your venue.
#4. Use email marketing to keep your past clients engaged
Maintaining an email subscriber list and sending out regular emails keeps your past clients engaged and keeps your venue top of mind for future events.
Your email marketing strategy could include:
Quarterly updates: Let email subscribers know what’s happening at your venue by sending out a quarterly update email. This email could include links to recent blog posts, event recaps, industry news and important business updates.
Birthday emails: A simple “Happy Birthday” or “Happy Holidays” email is a great way to keep in touch with past clients and show that you care.
Specials and promotions: Whenever you run a special or promotion, such as reduced rental rates during a certain week, let your email subscribers know with an email blast.
Upcoming events: Is your venue hosting a special event, like a concert, comedian or music festival? Let subscribers know about upcoming happenings at your venue first so that they can snag tickets before the event is publicized.
#5. Streamline the booking experience with website forms
When someone is searching for a venue for their upcoming event, they usually reach out to more than one venue to compare pricing and services.
A website form that allows people to inquire about your event venue is a great way to gather lead details and provide them with accurate, timely information.
Your website form should include fields, such as event date and time, event size, event type and special requests. Gathering this information at the beginning can help streamline communication and allow you to personalize your follow-ups with potential clients.
You can even create a booking form so that people can view your venue’s availability and book their event right on the spot.
Book more events with Marketing 360®
From email marketing tools and a website form builder to paid ad services, Marketing 360 has the tools and talent you need to grow your event venue business. Learn more about our plans and pricing today.