Many clubs survive on the loyalty of their long-time customers. But to grow, they need to increase the footfall from the local community.
This can be difficult, especially if people see your club as closed-door or members only. Many clubs struggle for new customers because people think they’re only open to players of a sport or members of an association.
So to help, we’ve put together this list of five creative ways you can increase footfall to your club:
1) Happy hour
If the second paragraph in this blog rang true, you’ll have to help people think of your club as a watering hole, rather than a sports or social venue.
A quick way of doing this is by introducing a happy hour or a 2-4-1 night. These drinks-related weekly events show that there is more to your club than the name suggests. Putting signs outside your club, or posting on social media, will get the message out.
2) Sell yourself as a stopping point
Many pubs and clubs see themselves as competing with nightclubs and city centre entertainment.
But that doesn’t have to be the case. Making the most of the local nightlife scene could make you a key part of the local community.
High City centre nightclub drinks prices have created a pre-drinking culture. Positioning your club as a pre-drink venue, where night time revellers can buy their drinks before hitting the town, can help you become a key destination for local residents.
3) Go out into the community
You can’t rely on local residents finding you, especially if you’re based a little bit outside of town. Sometimes, you have to go and remind them that you’re there.
You should get involved in community projects as much as possible and make your club a name in the community.
Village fayres, charity car washes, supermarket bagging, family fun days – wherever people congregate in your area, make sure your club is visible.
Make banners with your club’s name, or ask all club volunteers to wear club clothing.
4) Festivals and fun days
These may bring in good money on one-off occasions, but the major selling point of running festivals and fun days are that they connect your club with the community. For many people, going through the doors of a club for the first time is the biggest battle – once they’ve been once they’re happy to come back.
Festivals and fun days don’t have to include big bouncy castles or tombola stalls. A good way to stand out in the community is by doing something completely different.
Why not be the final stop on a village Scarecrow festival? Or turn your car park into a world street food extravaganza? Use your imagination.
5) Specialist nights
Quiz Mondays. Ladies night. Curry night (if you serve food). Movie night on the big screen.
There’s been a few reports going around which suggest that alcohol might not be as important to leisure time as it once was. Generation Z are drinking much less So putting on nights which aren’t centred on alcohol, should be a smart idea.
