SMS Marketing for Entertainment Venues
86% of event marketers believe that technology, including SMS, can have a major positive impact on the success of their events.
SMS now accounts for around 25% of their ticket sales! “With the variability and ever-changing landscape of social media, there’s value in reaching our audience where they are most likely to see and read our messages. That’s why we text,” notes Digital Marketing Specialist for the festival Kyle Huender.
Texting makes the perfect addition to every virtual event thanks to its speed and responsiveness.
With 90% of all texts read within three minutes, it’s one of the best ways to reach your audience during a virtual event right when you want their attention.
How to promote your entertainment event using SMS marketing
Bulk SMS or Text marketing is a powerful strategy to ensure your entertainment venue remains bustling. Using event reminders, text coupons, and giveaways are effective methods to attract and retain a crowd. However, the success of these tactics hinges on having a robust list of recipients for your messages. It’s essential to build and maintain a database of attendees and interested parties to make the most of your text marketing efforts.
Here are a few enticing strategies that have been successful in engaging contacts:
Organize a Sweepstakes: A favorite for many, hosting a text-to-win sweepstakes can significantly increase your contact list. Select a desirable prize, like complimentary event tickets or exclusive backstage passes. Participants can enter by texting a specific keyword to 22454, automatically subscribing them to your updates. It’s straightforward and effective.
Provide a Promotion or Discount: Everyone appreciates a good deal. Entice new subscribers with a small, yet appealing gift for joining your campaign.
💡Some suggestions: offer a free small soft drink, a unique commemorative pin, or a mini candy bar.
Guests will be excited to receive future discounts via text, but an immediate offer, such as 20% off their ticket for on-the-spot subscription, can be even more compelling. Apply this offer just before they make a purchase to maximize its impact.
Boost Ticket Sales: Utilize text messaging to inform your audience about ticket availability, including any special pre-sales or discounts. If your contact list is extensive, consider segmenting your audience to tailor your messages more effectively.
Send Event Reminders: Ensure a packed venue (even for virtual events) by sending reminder texts about the event details, including the time, location, and registration or RSVP instructions.
Communicate Last-Minute Updates: Whether there’s a change in parking, an event is sold out, or there are additional last-minute instructions, texting is the fastest way to inform your attendees and prevent any issues.
Reach Out to Existing Contacts: If you already have a list of potential attendees, you can import it into the platform and send them a text blast, assuming you have their permission.
Remember, the primary goal of your texts — to remind about events, offer exclusives, and distribute text coupons — are valuable services in themselves. Promote these offerings for what they are: beneficial and friendly services.
Utilizing SMS for Events and Entertainment Venues
Your business probably spends each day focusing on securing bookings, interacting with vendors, handling crowds, and conducting marketing efforts. It’s safe to say that finding more efficient methods to manage these responsibilities is likely a top concern.
This creates a demand for a communication solution that aligns with your current operations and tools, both for internal and external purposes. Integrating new software into your business can present significant challenges, particularly if it requires adapting to new hardware.
Sample SMS texts and tips for Spa & Beauty Salons 🎭 🎉
✓ Event reminders
✓ Exclusive offers
✓ Exciting ticket giveaways
✓ Emergency alert notification
✓ Post-event surveys
✓ Send reminders or schedules
