Considering advertising media for your attraction? With all the attention that social media and analytics are getting in the marketing world, it’s easy to think that online presence is all that matters anymore. Words like “engagement,” “conversions,” and “mentions” are becoming more and more important, and aren’t going away anytime soon. But, especially when it comes to attractions, it’s also important not to forget about the traditional media methods that have been so effective in the past. Just because something isn’t as measurable as social media doesn’t mean it won’t still rack up impressions.
Think about the ways you heard about your county fair or a new theme park opening. It was probably through one of these five tried-and-true mediums:
- Outdoor advertisements. Think: big billboards, bus stop ads, signs and posters. These techniques are highly visual and highly visible. Bus bench and other transit advertisements can reach a high-volume crowd of commuters every day. A well-designed billboard can catch anyone’s eye.
- Street teams. The term refers to a group of people who hit the road promoting your brand or event. An example — sending out a branded van that sets up in different locations to pass out food and promotional items or materials. This technique can leave a lasting impression since it’s different and one-on-one.
- Television. Advertising on TV is the classic way to reach huge, targeted audiences with your message. Some people even argue it’s still the most effective medium. Why? Because TV ads create, build, and grow brands by keeping them in your mind much longer than an online post.
- Radio. Nielsen reported in 2016 that radio actually still reaches 93 percent of American adults, which means it remains an important part of media consumption for consumers. Bonus: with local radio advertising, you don’t need a huge budget. You just need a well-written script and a good amount of repetition.
- Guidebooks. In this case, definitely worthwhile to target people while they’re in the planning stages of a trip. As much as people look to the internet to do research, many also still pick up a physical travel guide. And once it’s in their hands, they’re very inclined to actually read it. Simply stated: print does still matter.
Since these methods have a proven track record of success, it’s important not to overlook them dismiss them as outdated. When it comes to advertising media for your attraction, the most effective avenues might sometimes be the most traditional. After all — there’s nothing more timeless than a family trip to a state fair or amusement park on a hot summer day.