Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1169925
Beyond just hard copies, print adver- tising is also very effective. Newspapers and magazines still reach thousands of consumers in the area. Design a colorful, visually engaging ad to get the reader's attention. Make sure you include an easy URL or link to a page with more informa- tion (and in case there are digital options for the publication you'll be advertising in). Furthermore, posting your adver- tisement in certain parts of the paper or during certain events can help target the audience you are looking for. Bring them in through social media Social media can be your facility's best friend. Not only has it become almost mandatory for any business or company, it's the best free advertising you can utilize to engage and draw in new (and existing) customers. Whether it is a Twitter update, Instagram story, or a Facebook post, creating engag- ing content can easily be done. Pictures and videos are proven to be one of the best ways to grab the attention of an Internet passerby. Current followers are more likely to tag, share, comment in these posts that could feature their child, team, or league. Creating event pages are also a nice way of gathering potential interested mem- bers of the community. Boosting posts, or creating social media ad campaigns, is an easy and cheap way to target potential customers in the area. In those you're able to control the audience demographic and target the exact type of potential customer you want to see your ad. Make sure to track your promotion and find out who is clicking each ad, it will help define your audience even more. Bring them in through cross promotion and events Once of the most successful ways to pro- mote within a community is through a grassroots campaign at a local event. Something as simple as setting up a tent or booth at a local community day or fair can generate a ton of traffic for your rink. Make sure you have plenty of brochures and signage to attract people to stop by. Lure them in by having free public skate vouchers or learn to skate coupons. Ask if anyone in the family has interest in ice skating and pass out flyers that they may be interested in. Creating face to face interac- tion about upcoming events can lead to a lot more new customers. A presence with other facilities, buildings and businesses in the community can be doubly helpful. Many businesses in your community are running through the same revenue fight as you are. Reaching out and cross promoting can extend your customer reach beyond the rink parking lot. Local businesses, like restaurants, will have the same demographic for your hockey camps. Send over some flyers and in exchange take a packet of coupons for your front desk. If one of your ice rental customers is having trouble filling up a program, share their Facebook post on your page. Reach out to local schools that may want to share your tot classes with parents. A little bit of extra work getting your brand to the local community will help your programs in the long run. USICERINKS.COM SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2019 / 27 THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE INTERESTED IN WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER—THE FUN PART IS FINDING THE BEST WAYS TO REACH THEM. , Don't underestimate the power of print marketing!