As the world enters the post-pandemic era, your marketing strategies will need to adjust to reflect the needs and desires of your audience. Whether you have a strategy in place or don’t know where to start, consider these five suggestions that can help you reach your local golfing community.
Promote Course Conditions On Social Media
Social media is an incredible platform to use for your golf course. A large percentage of your audience uses at least one social media platform each day, 
including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These platforms allow you to connect with your audience while they are casually enjoying their time online.
It’s easy for you to step outside and take a quick picture of current course conditions in the morning and afternoon. You can share images of the perfect weather conditions. Additionally, you can capture pictures of your team maintaining the course for your members. These images create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and can help entice your audience to book a tee time.
This content marketing strategy is simple enough to complete every day or a few times a week. To fully capitalize on promoting your golf course on social media, read our other blog post on Instagram syndication.
Feature Golfers In Your Blog
Blogging should be part of every golf course’s digital marketing strategy. If you don’t already have a golf course blog, consider starting one now. Blogs provide numerous benefits, including increased traffic and better local SEO rankings.
To add variety to your blog’s content calendar, a great option could be featuring your loyal members and new golfers. These blog posts can provide a change of pace to your typical blogs regarding golf tips and the best products. Blogs featuring your customers allow your readers to hear about your golf course directly from those who are playing.
Rather than focusing on golf itself, these blogs will showcase the human side of the game. Long-time members can speak on the benefits of the course while new members can highlight how helpful your staff was during their first few games. By building up the sense of community at your golf course, you allow site visitors to see your facility from a different point of view.
Revive Your Email Marketing
Email is still one of the most popular marketing channels available today. In fact, recent polls have shown that 73% of consumers prefer emails over other marketing tactics. Of those consumers, 35% of them say that they open at least 75% of all their marketing emails! These statistics show that there is potential for those on your mailing list to not only see your emails but also engage with them.
Email marketing doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple and engaging newsletter containing events, updates, promotions, and golf tips can keep your golf course top of mind. When your subscribers see and open your email, they will be reminded of how much they enjoy your course. The next time they are planning a round of golf, your course will be more likely to be the one they remember.
Several design elements can be combined to truly make your email stand out. Make sure to include a captivating call-to-action (CTA) to drive as many tee-time sign-ups as possible from each newsletter.
Utilize SMS Marketing
Current studies show that 95% of all text messages sent around the world are opened within the first three minutes after they are received. For every message that is sent via SMS marketing, you can expect a click-through rate of up to 20%. This means 1 in every 5 people will click the link you provide in the message, so don’t forget those CTAs and links.
If you want to reach your audience, SMS marketing can deliver your promotions almost instantly. Our golf marketing services allow you to craft your message and reach a wider audience. You can promote last-minute tee times for the weekend, offer discounts to members, or even notify your audience of upcoming events at the clubhouse with SMS marketing.
Create Challenges & Offer Rewards
Word of mouth will always remain an incredible marketing tool that your golf course can utilize. People love to hear recommendations from others, and one way you can get the conversation started within your audience’s social circles is to create a fun challenge that anyone can participate.
These challenges should be simple enough to garner interest, but challenging enough to keep golfers coming back for more. For example, you can challenge golfers to score three birdies on the back nine or have them finish a minimum of five under par. You can post about your challenges on your golf course’s website.
To encourage participation, provide rewards your golfers will actually enjoy. From a small discount on the next tee time or a free appetizer at the clubhouse, these rewards will entice your members to meet the challenge the next time they play. As they win the rewards, they will be more than happy to discuss your golf course in their social circles.
Make Your Marketing Strategy Work For You
When it comes to promoting your golf course after the COVID-19 pandemic, you will need to keep your messaging consistent in order to reach your audience. Those who are ready to get back to their regular scheduled tee times will want to hear from you, know about the course conditions, and hear about any promotions you may have available.
foreUP Marketing Services is a great solution for any course that needs additional insight in creating a unique and effective marketing strategy.
At foreUP, we are dedicated to helping you reach your target audience as efficiently as possible. Request a demo and learn how our software can improve your golf course marketing strategies.