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Social media marketing for venues: what you need to know

Posted on 27 June 2023

Event Marketing

       

Revamp your venue's social media marketing plan with these facts.

Your venue is more than an event location; it's an experience waiting to be shared, amplified, and celebrated. For venues, clinging to outdated marketing methods is like leaving the lights off when the party's about to start. Unleashing the true power of venue social media marketing is your ticket to supercharging audience reach and boosting venue sales conversions. 

Ready to transform your venue marketing strategy? Let's explore why social media marketing is essential to your venue's success. 

Social media marketing for your venue

Capture the crowd: your audience is already living online 

Think about it: from vacations to weekend getaways, corporate events, and wedding fantasies, people are glued to their phones, soaking up inspiration and sharing every moment. This is your venue’s golden opportunity to grab their attention and reel them in. 

  • Half of all travellers are already scoping out social media pages related to their upcoming trips before they even pack their bags. Are you there to greet them? An active, engaging social presence means your venue becomes part of their pre-adventure excitement, influencing their choices long before they arrive. 
  • 74% of travellers are still on social media while on vacation. This is your prime time for real-time interaction, showcasing the live buzz of your venue, and, even better, harvesting authentic user-generated content (UGC). Authentic photos and glowing reviews shared directly by your happy guests is word-of-mouth marketing amplified a thousandfold. 
  • For the trendsetters under 30, venue decision-making is heavily influenced by social media marketing. A jaw-dropping 40% of consumers in this demographic consider how Instagrammable a place is before they even consider booking it. This is your chance to show off your venue spaces in a variety of ways that look great and are easy to share online. 

Video: your venue's most powerful social content

If a picture tells a story, a video sells the entire experience. The numbers don't lie: video content is the undisputed champion of venue marketing and a non-negotiable for captivating your audience. 

  • Want to see venue enquiries soar? Campaigns that weave in videos boast a 34% higher conversion rate. That's more leads, more bookings, and more unforgettable events happening at your venue. 
  • 88% of consumers are demanding more video content from brands. This is a clear sign to amp up your venue’s video game – think behind the scenes event set ups, meet the team posts or virtual venue tours. 
  • Here's the sweet spot: quick, punchy videos win big. Short snippets, especially those under 60 seconds, are incredibly engaging, with 66% of consumers finding them the most captivating type of social content. For your venue’s social media marketing strategy, include short snippets or highlight reels from your most epic past celebrations. Showcase the flow of an event, the intricate details of your decor, or joyful faces of attendees. 

 
Building brand loyalty and driving venue ROI 

A venue’s social media marketing should be about building a loyal following that keeps coming back for more and become your most enthusiastic advocates. This directly impacts your venue ROI. 


Here’s the kicker: 68% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a company after a positive social media interaction. This highlights the immense power of responsive customer service, authentic engagement, and a genuinely helpful online presence. Respond to comments promptly, celebrate client successes, and address feedback transparently. When potential clients see this level of care, trust increases, leading to more venue bookings and repeat business.
 

 
What social media channels should I use for my venue? 


To maximise your venue’s marketing ROI, it’s essential to meet your audience where they are—on the social media platforms they use most—while leveraging each channel’s unique strengths.

According to the Hubspot 2023 Social Media Trends Report, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X all offer unique opportunities and audience demographics. The key? Know your ideal event client inside out. 

Instagram & TikTok: your visual powerhouses. Ideal for showcasing aesthetics, event setups, vibrant moments, and short-form video tours. Perfect for attracting lifestyle-focused events like weddings, parties, or stylish product launches.
 
• Facebook: the community hub. Great for building local communities, running targeted ads, hosting event pages, and sharing longer-form content or albums. Connect with local businesses and community groups. 

• YouTube: for in-depth storytelling. Use it for comprehensive virtual tours, client testimonials, behind-the-scenes documentaries, or showcasing the versatility of your space through various event styles. 

• LinkedIn: the professional network. Essential if your venue targets corporate events, conferences, or professional gatherings. Share insights, showcase your B2B offerings, and connect directly with event planners and decision-makers. 

• X (formerly Twitter): real-time engagement and news. Good for live-tweeting events, quick announcements, and engaging with industry conversations. 

Tailor your content and platform choice to align perfectly with their habits and your venue's marketing goals. Don't try to be everywhere at once; focus your energy where it will yield the greatest returns. 

Creating a social media marketing strategy for your venue 

Consistency and quality are non-negotiable. Develop a social media content calendar for your venue that aligns with your peak seasons, events, and wider marketing campaigns. 

Diverse content mix: don't just show empty venue spaces. Mix it up with posts including:
 
  • Behind-the-scenes: show your events team prepping, a chef creating dishes, or decorators transforming venue space. 
  • Client spotlights: feature past events, showcase happy clients. 
  • Testimonials: visual quotes or video snippets of glowing reviews. 
  • Interactive content: polls, quizzes, "this or that" stories about event themes. 
  • Local partnerships: highlight collaborations with florists, caterers, or entertainers. 
  • Educational/informative: tips for event planning, trends, or FAQs about your venue. 

Encourage user-generated content (UGC) 

  • Create unique, memorable hashtags for your venue or specific events. Promote them everywhere! 
  • Set up visually appealing photo backdrops or designated selfie spots. 
  • Run contests or giveaways for the best photos/videos shared of your venue space or events. 
  • Actively reshare and acknowledge user content (always credit the creator!). 

Download: Social media marketing for venues infographic

Check out our easy-to-understand infographic to see why social media marketing matters for venues. It can help boost your revenue and get more eyes on your venue spaces. Don’t wait — download below.

 

 

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