1. Host Themed Events
Big box theaters overlook the power of highly-specialized themed events. But in reality, these events provide an opportunity to engage with your local community and create a buzz around your theater. Picture this: an 80s-themed weekend featuring "The Breakfast Club" screenings where moviegoers show up in their best 80s costumes. Or try hosting a kids' event showcasing the latest Disney movie, complete with free popcorn for children who come in costume.
These unique events can attract people who might not typically purchase movie tickets but are hooked in by the extra fun. This means more ticket sales and a chance to be featured in local newspapers, magazines, and city social media pages.
2. Schedule Exclusive Screenings
Exclusivity has a natural allure. It’s simple–no one wants to feel left out. When you host exclusive movie screenings, you essentially create an event where a select number of people can see a highly anticipated movie in their own private auditorium. Think of it as a VIP night that generates excitement and a sense of “entitlement” from movie enthusiasts.
Here’s the great part. Exclusive screenings also allow you to bring in more money to the theater. Not only that but the anticipation and excitement generated by these special events can also create tons of chatter in your community. Your theater will be the place to go.
3. Try Unique Social Media Campaigns
Strategic social media campaigns are another way to increase your theater's visibility significantly. Try hosting an Instagram giveaway where participants guess a movie based on three discrete image hints. Or maybe even give away free tickets each month to a random person on Facebook who checks in at your theater’s location. Also, don’t forget to tap into social media polls. This is where you can ask your followers to vote on something like your next throwback classic movie screening. People love to be part of something–invite them in.
Unlike corporate theaters (which often lack a personal touch on social media), your social campaigns can create a sense of community and engagement. This increased interaction online can lead to higher post engagement and expand your reach, ultimately getting more eyes on your business.
4. Start a Monthly Email Newsletter
A community-centered newsletter is something bigger theaters can't easily replicate. They just don’t have that local touch. Start leveraging your insider knowledge to create monthly emails featuring upcoming movie releases, exclusive screenings, and special events. Be sure to add that sprinkle of community and include callouts in the email, like congratulating local high school seniors on graduating, wishing the football team luck on their big game, or highlighting other local events.
Maintaining an email list and regularly sending updates to your audience about theater happenings can help boost your sales. Frequent communication like this about new releases and events keeps your theater top-of-mind, encouraging customers to plan their visits and book tickets ahead of time.
5. Launch a Rewards Program
This idea can be as simple as creating punch cards and offering a free bucket of popcorn for every third visit. There’s a reason coffee and sandwich shops do this–it works! Bring that same strategy into your theater, and you’ll start to see more happy customers. Plus, keep in mind that your incentive doesn’t just have to be free popcorn, either. You get to decide the most efficient and affordable gift for your moviegoers. That might even be a bonus movie ticket or a box of candy.
This strategy can be so valuable because you essentially reward customers who already support your theater, increasing customer loyalty. Meaning, more positive reviews, referrals, and smiles. You might even bring in some new customers with this rewards program, too–who doesn’t love freebies?
The Bottom Line
Not only is it possible to stand out from the competition and compete with larger theaters, but these strategies can be implemented today. Think outside the box and level up your theatre marketing strategy with ideas like themed events, exclusive screenings, engaging social media campaigns, and personalized newsletters. Start offering the best and trendiest experiences for your local community and, in turn, boost your revenue.
