Marketing for your community center: attract more visitors and renters
Know your target audiences
Marketing starts with the question: who do you want to reach? For a community centre, that's usually several groups:
- Regular tenants: organisations and groups that regularly want to hire a space
- Private individuals: people looking for a space for a party, meeting or activity
- Local residents: people who want to attend activities or take part in your programme
Each group requires a different message and a different channel. Start with the group that has the greatest impact on your income.
Your website as the foundation
Your website is often the first impression people have of your premises. Make sure it is up-to-date, loads quickly and works well on mobile. The website should clearly state:
- Which spaces are available (with photos and capacity)
- How someone can reserve or contact you
- What the upcoming activities are
- How to find you (address, directions, parking)
More tips on increasing online visibility.
Google My Business
Register your premises for free in Google My Business. You will appear on Google Maps when someone searches for "room to hire in [your town]" or "community centre [your neighbourhood]". Add up-to-date photos and opening hours and respond to reviews.
Local collaboration
You reach more people by collaborating with other local organisations: the local council, the library, schools, care facilities and sports clubs. They can refer you to tenants or co-organisers of activities. Reciprocity works: also refer to them.
Newsletter and email
A monthly newsletter with the calendar of activities and available spaces keeps your organisation top of mind with existing contacts. Send it to members, tenants and anyone who has ever signed up. A small, engaged list is more valuable than a large list of people who do not open. See also our guide on effective email communication.
Social media
Facebook and Instagram are particularly well suited for community centres. The audience is present there and local content performs well. Post behind-the-scenes photos, announcements of activities and photos from well-attended events. Repost posts from tenants who write positively about your venue. Also read: social media for your community centre or sports club.