If you have a group of friends and some time in hand, your weekend can be sorted at Escape Room games, whether you are aged 6 or 96.
These interactive gaming rooms, though addiction for some, are still new to many. What calls out in such a case is to give the world a taste of the package.
What lies as a challenge here is the effective marketing of this concept. This is not the usual kind of weekend entertainment.
As much as something like bowling and laser tag can be advertised via print ads, coupons, and digital hoardings, Escape Room marketing requires much more.
Social Media boosting cannot precisely convey the kind of amazement this experience brings along.
This exceptional idea needs to be publicized actively to make people appreciate the fantastic concept existing among them.
A good marketing mix is all about understanding the customer on a different tangent. Of course, he is there to have a fun time. But that fun time is based on all that is happening before, during, and after.
I am sure you must have already started the obvious: Google promotions, SEO, Digital Marketing, Social Media Promotions, etc. What you need is new ideas for the current times.
Here are a few easy ideas that gamemasters can pick out without putting a hole in their pockets.
In house Ideas
If you have a good customer base, repeated engagement becomes a crucial task. You do not want to have your players not come back for more. In fact, you want them to spread the word around.
These few simple escape room marketing strategies will do the work and guess what, you need only one kind of investment: Time.
Prepare the players before they arrive.
Remind them of their bookings and send location tags to make commuting easier. Inform them of facilities available like Wi-Fi, parking, etc. Share a small teaser for the theme they have chosen or a small, simple puzzle that unravels the password to start the game.
This will begin their game experience even before they get to your place. An excited team is easy to lead on for what comes next.
Stress-Free Experience is the next step.
Zero waiting time is an ideal way to go. Have their game room ready and Gamemaster greeting them at the door. Maybe a personal stamp with a team name assigned to them would be a good idea to get them all pumped up.
The briefing before the game starts needs to be well planned to keep the excitement going.
This calls for a well-trained Gamemaster who can build a relationship with his team in no time - Someone who is capable of pointing out areas where the experience can be made better for the student with ideas that cut down on waiting time, gaps in the game, etc.
Another essential ingredient in escape room sales is play along with your players.
Stay in character to maximize their fun. As a Gamemaster, ensure the room has enough puzzles and props to keep the game flowing. Too easy or too tough; both spoil the broth here.
Post The Game
Let the adventure not die. Applaud them for being amazing and hand them over certificates and title badges for show-off.
Let them flaunt that they are the next best Sherlock team in town.
Have photo booths and props ready for Instagram friendly pictures. Post them, tag them, make them the star of your Instagram page.
Having strong social media focused ideas can lead to impactful branding for you: picture walls, photo booths, funky props, title-based placards, and more.
Inform them of upcoming themes
Offer discounts for their birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events. Let them know you are there for all kinds of events.
"Come back in 15 days and get a special discount" is a lucrative offer.
Bye-Bye is never an option
Give a small teaser to intrigue them for another game. Or simply send a WhatsApp message post the game saying, "Rescue me soon! I am innocent."
Those no-cost ideas will set the ball rolling for you. Remember not to go overboard with promotions.
Escape games are meant for all the fun, relaxation, and stress-busting. "Review us if you loved the game" is good enough. Do not push the players for reviews. A move like this can affect the brand image.
People review what they love, and so will review your game room, too, as long as you focus on making the experience fun.
Reach the Masses with New Tricks
A teaser in the mall or a buzz by the movie hall is a good plan to start with.
Have a person volunteer to be dressed as a known character and ask for help from passersby.
How about Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S ask a fellow shopper to help him reach Chandler, who is locked in a room by Janice?
The interested audience can help her solve clues placed outside the room to reach a key that frees our Chan Man.
BINGO, they just tasted the Escape Room sweetness. Cash in this newfound quest of theirs and offer them exclusive "First Game" coupons.
Email Invite in style
Did you happen to see that black box in the 2019 Escape Room movie? That is the effect a creative invite has. It gets you thinking involuntarily.
Sometimes a small creative mystery puzzle can lead to the brain's enhanced curiosity about how something works. Make that work in your favor. Once charmed enough, people will participate.
The final solution can lead to a promise for more fun with an entry coupon for six.
Customized Marketing
Customized marketing is another unique way to market Escape Rooms. As much as the above ideas will appeal to all age groups, age-specific marketing can boost the idea. Example: Kid-friendly escape rooms or escape rooms for seniors.
Think office coffee breaks for working audience, school carnivals for the kids, Instagram / YouTube ads for the youngsters.
Have your team collaborate with corporations/schools for the same and arrange for discounted first game coupons.
This gives you the advertisement you need.
Make use of the monotony in their life and turn it into a brilliant escape room marketing plan.
Influence the Influencer
The audience follows their influencers passionately, and one of their favorites becomes the audience's choice in no time.
Influencer reviews spread like fire and have a memorable impact on the audience. This calls for a definite try for your marketing.
It could be a stand-up comic or the fashionista of the town. Have them review your game on their influencer channel.
Having said that, your Escape Room is now ready to be the Star of the City.
If your marketing is healthy, your Escape Rooms will get the popularity it deserves. Once it becomes a habit for some, word of mouth will do wonders.
It is the cherry on the cake. Nothing beats an honest review. Here is one from me:
"This is an incredible combination of brilliance and magic. You have to be in one to know what I mean. Get hold of your friends and get to it now."
Share your thoughts if you have more kickass marketing ideas for Escape Rooms.
Identifying the right Escape Room Marketing Strategy can be a challenge. We share simple zero-investment ways to make your brand - Popular. Read more to know how.9 Simple Ways to Market Your Escape Room More Effectively Identifying the right Escape Room Marketing Strategy can be a challenge. We share simple zero-investment ways to make your brand - Popular. Read more to know how.
