Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1029542
USICERINKS.COM SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2018 / 33 image, or do you have multiple staff contributing who may not be aware of those expectations that may lead to conflicting messages? • Do customers "connect" with you? Do you make them feel as if they're part of the overall effort (i.e. part of the "team") to make the rink successful? Do you encourage and value their input, then respond in a timely manner? Do you then show them that you do value that input by taking appropriate action? The Variety, Creativity and Frequency of Your Posts Is your message current, imaginative and stride-for-stride with the activity inside your rink? • Do you post regularly (daily, weekly, etc.) so that your messages are consistent with all of the activities occurring inside your rink? Do you promote upcoming programs? Do you post reminders? Do you follow up with photos and thank yous after the programs end? • Do you include your licensees' (ice rental) programs in these posts? If not, why not? Consider yourself partners with them. Your overall success is dependent upon their success, and vice versa. • Do you use photos? The phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" is true and invaluable! People are more apt to view a post with a photo than those with just text. • Do you use logos and slogans? Branding your rink's programs will pay dividends down the road. It may sell a few t-shirts, as well! • Are you using different posts for the various platforms that you use? Try to be unique in each post to spur interest. Social media "regulars" will recognize the redundancy if you don't. Consider Paying for Focused Advertising You send the local newspaper press releases, which they include for free, but you also pay for advertisements to make sure your message gets space. You pay the local printer thousands of dollars each year for brochures and fliers that you mail out or get taken from your display stands but most get thrown away. Some rinks pay for radio and television advertisements with limited success. Have you considered using social media advertising? • You can focus on specific demographics—age, gender, location/ distance from rink, personal interests (ex—ice hockey, figure skating, curling), level of experience, etc. This can be an effective approach to reaching your target market at an reasonable cost. Using social media has proven to be an affordable and effective approach to marketing your rink's programs and services. As you go into your busy winter season, now is a good time for a "check- up" to take a second look and consider some new approaches. J A New Product Supply Catalog & Buyers Guide is Here! NEW & IMPROVED TIPS & TRICKS INTERACTIVE ONLINE CATALOG FULL RINK RESOURCE