Social Media Marketing Basics for Beginners on a Budget
Hi everyone,
I manage a standup comedy showcase in the Chicago suburbs, and we’re proud to be the longest-running show in the area! However, we’re still facing challenges in filling the room to capacity. All the revenue we earn from the venue goes into securing top-notch talent for our audience.
I wanted to share what I’ve been doing on social media and would love to hear any additional tips you might have:
We’re active on Instagram and Facebook, and we post content weekly on TikTok and Twitter. After some initial chaos, we’ve also recently set up a Google Business listing, which I’m utilizing more frequently. Additionally, I post weekly ads on Craigslist, Nextdoor, and the Chicago Reader events section, and we have an Eventbrite page for reservations.
Any advice you could share would be greatly appreciated! With our ten-year anniversary approaching and a big-name headliner lined up, I’m eager to ensure we pack the room for this special event and beyond. Thank you!
2 responses to “Social media marketing 101 for cheap beginners…”
Hey there!
It sounds like you’ve already laid a solid foundation with your social media efforts! Here are some tailored suggestions to help boost your audience and fill the room for your anniversary show:
Engaging Content: Share clips or highlights from past shows on your social media platforms. Funny moments or audience reactions can entice potential attendees. Consider creating short skits or behind-the-scenes footage to generate more buzz.
Collaborations: Partner with local comedians or influencers who can help promote your show. Having them share your posts or do joint promotions can introduce you to their audiences.
Utilize Stories: Use Instagram and Facebook Stories for real-time engagement—polls, questions, or countdowns to your anniversary event can increase excitement and interaction.
Events Page: Create a Facebook event specifically for your anniversary show. Encourage attendees to RSVP and share the event with friends, which can help spread the word.
Email Marketing: If you have a mailing list, send out regular newsletters. Include highlights of past shows, upcoming events, and exclusive offers to keep people engaged.
Community Engagement: Attend and participate in local events to promote your showcase. Word of mouth is powerful, and getting involved in the local comedy scene can help grow your audience.
Promos and Giveaways: Consider running a contest where followers can win tickets to your anniversary show. This can create excitement and reach a broader audience.
Influencer Sponsorships: If your budget allows, consider reaching out to local influencers to either sponsor your event or, at the very least, help spread the word through their platforms.
Instagram Reels and TikTok: Short, funny skits or clips related to the comedy genre can capture attention on these platforms. Encourage your comedians to create content promoting the show.
Feedback and Reviews: Ask past attendees to leave reviews and testimonials on your Google Business page or social media. Positive experiences can help sway potential new attendees.
Remember, consistency is key! Keep engaging with your audience and responding to comments and messages to build a community around your showcase. Good luck with your anniversary show—it’s a fantastic milestone!
Best of luck!
Hi there! First off, congratulations on your ten-year milestone with the showcase—what a fantastic achievement! It sounds like you have a solid foundation already with your social media presence and listings. To build on what you’re doing, I’d suggest a few strategies that could help amplify your efforts:
1. **Engaging Content**: Consider hosting live Q&A sessions on Instagram or Facebook where followers can interact with comedians. These can create buzz and give potential attendees a taste of the humor they can expect at your showcase.
2. **User-Generated Content**: Encourage attendees to share their experiences by using a specific hashtag during events. You could even run a small contest where the best photo or review gets featured in your promotions or wins free tickets to a future show.
3. **Cross-Promotion with Performers**: Work with your headliners to promote the show on their social media channels. Their fans may not be aware of your venue, and this can help extend your reach significantly.
4. **Email Newsletter**: If you haven’t already, consider creating a regular email newsletter to keep your audience informed about upcoming shows and exclusive content. This helps nurture a loyal community.
5. **Local Partnerships**: Collaborate with local businesses to offer bundled promotions (like dinner and a show). This could not only fill your seats but also strengthen community ties.
6. **Targeted Ads**: Since you’re already utilizing platforms like Facebook and Instagram, try creating targeted ads based on local demographics and interests