Marketing is often a difficult task. And, with digital technologies changing rapidly, it can be even harder to choose the best methods and channels that fit within your budget. If you have a retreat venue with a small marketing budget, it may seem like there’s no way you can compete with some bigger budget venues. However, we’re here to tell you that there are many ways you can attract the audience you want without breaking the bank. Some methods are great for brand recognition getting the word out about your retreat center, while others are more likely to lead to sales conversion – actual retreat bookings. If you’re not sure where to start, The Experience Experts are here to help. Here are some of the most cost-effective digital marketing techniques for retreat centers and retreat venues on a tight marketing budget.
Content is king in today’s market where an estimated 2.5 billion people globally and 81 % of Americans own a smartphone. Content marketing isn’t limited to posting stunning photos of your retreat center on Instagram or coming up with a quirky call-to-action caption for Facebook.These can be included in your marketing mix but there’s a lot more you can do, even on a small budget. We find retreat centers either have time or money. If your retreat center has more time on their hands, then content is the best place to put your marketing focus. Once you create the time, you can create:
Facebook is free to use and there are many groups you can join to help you connect with your ideal clients. If your interest is in yogis and wellness enthusiasts, join their groups and share your knowledge about organizing a successful retreat. Facebook groups are not the place for a constant hard-sell. Join the conversation and focus on building genuine relationships. Pitch in when people ask questions and suggest your venue when members are asking for a property just like yours.
Some of our favorite Facebook groups are:
Yoga Retreat Hosting – Breathspiration
Don’t be afraid to contact retreat leaders and organizers directly to let them know about your amazing retreat center. You can begin by looking at retreat websites and collecting the email addresses listed. If you’re specifically a yoga retreat center, email all the yoga studios or yoga teachers in your state, or all over the country if you wish. If your location is ideal for meditation, target meditation bloggers or teachers who have large social media accounts and lots of influence.
For venues which can accommodate retreats of varying kinds, you can also try reaching out to life coaches or coach certification programs. Not everyone will be interested but if you have an excellent product and you show people how you can help them, you’ll reap the rewards.
Don’t forget the “social” in social media. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are not one-way forms of communication. Simply posting content won’t allow you to realize all the benefits. You need to engage with your followers and the people you follow. Comment on their posts and ask them questions. If they like your post, don’t be afraid to send them a short message. Connecting with other people raises brand awareness and creates buzz around your venue.
The world is becoming more and more connected via social media and the Internet. If you want to reach your target market, you need to put some of your effort into digital marketing. This is especially the case if you want to attract an international clientele. Digital marketing can seem daunting, especially since platforms change rapidly. However, as we have shown you here, there are many ways to market your retreat center while staying well within your budget.
5-Step Guide To Marketing Success
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