Technology has changed the way we live in the 21st century, and it’s changed the way artists and cultural organizations connect with audiences. Gone are the days when billboards, newspapers and bus ads engaged supporters. Today’s arts patron is more likely to discover upcoming events via a screen.
Arts marketing practices
can be refreshed by reimagining traditional methods. Erik Gensler, president of
Capacity Interactive, a New York City-based digital marketing consulting firm
for the arts, shared key insights gleaned from case studies and years of
research during a seminar in Fort Lauderdale. Here are eight takeaways from his
recent talk presented by the Broward Cultural Division at NSU Art Museum.
Stop interrupting
“The world is better
without commercial interruption,” Gensler said referring to advertising that
hijacks our attention such as email spam and TV commercials. “The world is
changing and we need to understand that interruption marketing is not going to
work anymore. We need to move the world with permission.”
Marketing is happening without marketers
“Word of mouth is
everything,” Gensler said. “What your patrons say about you is 12.8 times more
important that what you say about yourself. Your patrons are your marketing
department.”
Give the megaphone to your
evangelists. Engage loyal followers and super fans. Give them opportunities to
share the excitement through event-related activities, photo ops, and more.
“There are lots of ways to do that,” he added.
Be more human
“People don’t trust
brands, they trust people,” says Gensler. Successful campaigns reach out on an
emotional level and “show our humanity at a time when people are so isolated.”
Brands can capitalize on that concept with personalization. Make patrons feel seen and feel recognized. Using their first name in an email subject line is not enough. Reward perks that are tailored to patron preferences, for example, are an example of one way to make them feel appreciated.
Get social
Where do we go to see what
our friends are up to or get recommendations? Often the answer is Facebook or
Instagram. Likewise, today’s arts patron increasingly turns to social media
channels to spot cultural events.
Social media carries the
word from one to many. It’s a powerful shift from conventional advertising.
Data from a recent national study shows that about 68 percent of arts buyers
are active on multiple social networks.
Every picture tells a story
“People want to come into
a theater and take pictures. If ushers say ‘don’t do that’ they are cutting off
evangelism,” Gensler said, noting that he also agrees that no phones should be
on during the show. Photos of events are
powerful marketing tools when they’re shared on social media.
Including faces in
pictures makes them even more compelling. Original content created by consumers
in their authentic voice can attract 600 to 700 percent more engagement than
similar company-sponsored posts.
Think alternatives to paper
Print media is expensive, and
print readership is in decline across all demographics with folks older than 65
forming the largest share of readers. However, many read news online and visit
websites. Reach them on the web or through direct mail, which is on target for
older patrons.
Cut the friction
Gensler defines friction
as deterrents for customers such as high prices, hassles and long lines. Make
it easy for people to find you by putting content on several different
platforms. An attractive and functional website and efficient mobile site are essential.
And since most buyers prefer to purchase tickets online, sales are simplified.
“We have a lot of work to do on our policies. They’re sort of old school in the arts. We are into rules,” Gensler said. No changes. No returns. No phones before the show. Are your policies welcoming or putting up barriers?
The
bottom line
“Marketing is only about telling stories to change minds. In the 20th century it was really about interrupting the mass audience. In the 21st century it’s about creating evangelists, cutting friction and telling stories,” Gensler said.
To learn more visit Capacity Interactive’s website at capacityinteractive.com where you’ll find a trove of resources, studies, free webinars and a range of workshops to recharge your marketing strategy for a new era.