Relatively inexpensive impulse purchases allow for much quicker decisions than say, deciding which ticket and event management software to use at your venue. For venues that want to trigger impulse purchases, posting time sensitive offerings might be just the trick to raise attendance at events.
One of the most inexpensive and low-tech methods of providing these triggers is through an old-fashioned calendar. Display 2-3 months of the venue's upcoming schedule on your website. Include specials on food, drinks, or special events such as "open mike nights", trivia games, or concerts. I like to visit a local Austin restaurant, Zax Pints, on Wednesdays for their featured beer of the week (and free glass!), and routinely visit their site. Many times I've hopped from behind my desk and rushed on over to sample an IPA and grab my free glass before they run out.
If you have table seating, consider adding table top A-frame displays or post your calendar on the back of laminated menus to spur advance ticket sales; applying discounts at the time of the existing purchase will raise sales even more. Don't forget to reach your "captive audience" by posting calendars on bathroom walls or doors.
Consider advertising on the localized deal-of-the-day websites such as Groupon, Deal On, or Living Social. These coupons provide buyers with a limited time--generally expiring at midnight on the day of offering--to purchase pre-paid coupons at significant savings.
And of course, getting the word out on social networks like Twitter or Facebook will reach an ever growing, younger, and tech savvy market. Twitter is great for posting the daily deal, but it's equally important to surprise your followers with special offerings: think "Free t-shirt for the first 25 people that mention Twitter." This allows you to gauge your effectiveness, and exclusive deals inspire more customers to follow your Twitter stream. Don't forget to update your Facebook fan pages with similar offerings.
Your neighborhood grocery store understands the importance of placing impulse items--gum, magazines, soda--within reach. Put your items within sight of your market by putting calendar events out there for the world to see.
If you have other ideas to share on the effective use calendars, please let us know!
Creating multiple subscription types, discounts, and offers allows patrons to find a package that is tailored just for them. Increase…
Hard as it is to believe, a decade ago, most performing arts venues took the old pen-and-paper route to handle…
The set awaits, performers are ready, and the box office schedule ensures everyone is ready to greet attendees. Then you…
Covid seems a distant memory -- almost. While we've learned how to navigate around this new virus with vaccines, masks,…
Help patrons feel safe to return The performing arts attracts a decidedly mature audience. In fact, the Monterey Symphony reports…
There is no handbook on how we -- as owners, directors, box office managers and staff for event businesses --…
This website uses cookies.