Game nights are the perfect mix of problem-solving, fun, and socialising with friends. This is why it’s important to keep in mind that game nights need to be promoted with thoughtful, unique, and engaging methods both online and offline. A single social media post won’t cut it, it’s time to diversify your marketing techniques.
In this blog post, we’ll go over all the ways you can make your event feel like something worth scheduling time for. These tips and tricks will make the experience smooth, easier to join, and enticing for board game lovers in your locality!
1. Set Up A Landing Page
What is a landing page exactly? It’s a web page to centralize all details for your event so interested people can learn about it in one place and sign-up quicker. To avoid sending people into haphazard directions, here are some things to include in your landing page:
- Date, time, and location of the event
- Type of games (board games, trivia, console)
- Entry free or free access
- RSVP or registration options
- Extras (prizes, snacks, themes, dress code)
If you’re worried you don’t have enough webpage design knowledge, worry no more. You can use an all-in-one event marketing tool to create a simple and effective landing page. In future social media posts or physical flyers, you can add a tiny QR code which leads directly to this page so you don’t have to answer the same questions over and over again.
2. Share Short Clips or Reels
Short-form videos are one of the easiest ways to get people hooked. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritize video content over static posts so if you do it well, you can reach a wider audience online than ever before. Give them a feel for it, rather than just giving them text to read. Here are some video ideas to utilise:
- Clips from previous game nights
- Short interviews with past attendees
- Videos of people laughing, reacting, or competing
- Quick previews of the games you’re offering
Here are some best practice tips to keep in mind when creating short-form videos:
- Short-form content does best when it’s between 15-30 seconds mark
- Don’t forget to add captions for accessibility and silent viewing
- Focus on attendees, not just the setup or decor
Don’t worry if your videos aren’t professional, high-production, or big-budget, all you need is consistency and authenticity.
3. Slowly Announce Details
If you announce your game night in one go, it’ll kill the anticipatory buzz for it. One post is also easier to miss. Make sure you release a set of posts over a larger timespan so people have adequate time to confirm attendance. Here’s what a simple rollout schedule looks like:
- Start 2-3 weeks before with a basic event announcement
- Slowly highlight games, format, and announce prizes
- During the final days, post reminders and last-calls
When you learn to space out your content strategically, you can stay afloat in people’s minds without coming across as repetitive or spammy.
4. Put Up Flyers to Meet Your Audience Where They’re At
For local events like a game night, it’s important to stay visible in physical spaces like gyms, community centers, and stores. Not all of your attendees are online, especially the ones in your locality. Here are some tips to keep in mind when designing high-impact flyers:
- Prioritize a single, readable, and bold message
- Strong visual hierarchy (headline, key details, and supporting info)
- Choose fonts which are readable
- Keep contrast high for better visibility
- Leave some white space intentionally for a cleaner look
If you’re new to designing, use game poster templates to simplify the process. Templates are ready-made and professionally-designed layouts with room for customization so you don’t have to start from scratch. This is a good option for those who overthink on design choices and are working under a time crunch.
5. Work With Existing Groups
If you’re looking to get enthusiastic attendees, reach out to groups or communities that already have a shared interest in games. It’s much easier to tap into an existing community than to build one from scratch. Here’s how to do an effective partnership:
- Reach out to university clubs, local hobby groups, or cafes
- You can ask them to share your event or co-host it
- Give them ready-to-post promotional materials with your game night’s unique branding
If you don’t end up getting someone to co-host it, worry not. Even a small mention in the right group can bring forth more participants.
6. Offer Incentives for Early Sign-Ups
If you’re looking to minimize no-shows, give discounts or prizes for signing up early. You can do so by offering something small or creating a sense of urgency. Here are some simple yet effective techniques:
- Announce limited/remaining spots
- Small perks for early registrants
- Group offers
It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, just a quick nudge to get people to act sooner.