When it comes to generating bookings for a venue or visitor attraction, be it a wedding, commercial events space or farm shop, it can be challenging to stand out in a competitive – and often over-saturated market.
With years of experience working with renowned venues, such as
Rosebery and Dalmeny Estates and Craigies Farm, Represent is clued up on how to best promote your venue and boost bookings.
Read on to discover Represent’s top marketing tips on how to generate more bookings for your venue!
1. Keyword research
Today, most of us discover businesses online, with 30% relying on Google search to find event venues and 40% using social media. Investing in search engine optimisation for your website is therefore crucial to help users find your business and increase bookings for your venue.
Introducing a keyword strategy that optimises your site for relevant keywords, such as ‘wedding venue Edinburgh’ will increase your online visibility, improving the likelihood that searchers looking for a wedding space will come across your site. If implemented wisely, keywords have the potential to generate organic traffic, leading to greater inbound enquiries and ultimately conversion rates.
2. Optimise your website for bookings
This one may seem simple, but ensuring that you have a user-friendly, streamlined booking process is a key – and often overlooked – element of venue websites
Making sure that the process is straightforward with minimal clicks, including clear CTAs, and offering immediate confirmation will, overall, enhance customer experience and result in more bookings.
It is also vital to ensure that your site is compatible with mobile. Poor navigation on mobile sites can lead to low engagement and even deter visitors from your site and push them to explore competitors who are mobile-friendly instead!
3. Testimonials
Word-of-mouth referrals are the best form of marketing for any business. When it comes to increasing interest in your venue, where credibility, trust and experience are crucial, this is particularly true.
Encourage previous customers to leave positive Google and social media reviews, or even reward those who recommend your venue by setting up a referral scheme.
Such testimonials serve as proof points for your business, which in turn, builds brand trust and raises you above the competition.
4. Register on directories
Registering your venue with different sites and directories will help to spread awareness of your venue and target a wider audience, who may not have previously heard of your business.
Understanding what sites your customers are visiting, what outlets they deem worthy of reading, and getting your venue listed on them, is key to connecting with your target market.
Doing so also adds to your venue’s credibility, as if your business is listed on these trusted sources, then it helps to develop trust through their recommendation.
5. Social Media
Your social media channels are a powerful tool in boosting bookings for your venue. This is the space where you can showcase the best of your space, share testimonials and speak to your audience directly.
Paid advertisements can also help to which will help to improve your brand’s reach, building your online community. Running social media adverts that target specific demographics, locations, and behavioural patterns enables businesses to communicate and connect with their ideal audience. Done effectively, this not only allows you to build your profile among your key market but also drives traffic to your site and generates increased venue bookings.
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With an increasingly competitive market, incorporating the above tips into your marketing strategy will help you build your venue’s profile and generate more bookings now and in the future.
Need expert advice on how to market your venue? Get in touch with us here to discuss your marketing needs.