Are you looking for new campground advertising ideas to attract visitors to your campground? This guide on campground advertising offers practical strategies to enhance your visibility and draw in more campers. From optimizing your website to leveraging social media, we cover all you need to know.
Quick Thoughts: RV Park Business or Campground Advertising Ideas
- Optimize your campground website for SEO and mobile-friendliness to enhance visibility and user experience.
- Leverage social media platforms to showcase your campground through engaging content, enhancing customer relationships, and increasing bookings.
- Collaborate with local businesses and RV dealerships for cross-promotion, boosting visibility, and attracting new visitors to your campground.
1. Optimize Your Campground Website
Your website is often the first thing potential campers will see of your campground, so it needs to be top-notch. We would recommend having your own website rather than using the free website that comes with your booking software.
Ensure your site is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and SEO-friendly (Search Engine Optimization) to enhance online visibility. Search engines prioritize websites optimized for mobile devices, which means a seamless experience for users browsing on their phones or tablets. An updated site is crucial for helping potential customers find and navigate your campground easily.
Remember that many of your “overnighter” and “Short-term” RVers are searching for “Campgrounds in…” or RV Parks near…” (A city, National Park, Landmark, Arena, or concert venue, etc).
Website content can enhance your performance in Google searches, boosting your SEO and providing useful information to attract and engage visitors. A page like “Things to do in…” will appeal to someone who is coming to visit your area, and they’ll see your campground website in the process.
A family-friendly RV park would want to include a section for “Things to do with kids in…” while an adults-only Campground website may focus on art galleries, theatre performances, or other activities that their guests may enjoy.
This will help you appear in more local searches and attract more campers and RVers.
These optimizations can significantly increase your chances of attracting new visitors. Your website serves as your digital storefront—ensure your brand shines on every page and in every post.
Watch how traffic is getting to your campground website
A Mobile-Responsive RV Park Website
Make sure your website works just as well on a phone as it does on a desktop. Remember that many of your short-term visitors may be browsing for campgrounds while they’re on the road on their phone. If your website is difficult to use on a phone, your visitors are going to leave and try another site.
A quick way to see if your website is mobile responsive is to pull it up on your phone. If you have to zoom in or out to read the words on your phone or scroll side to side to see all of the images, then your website is not automatically resizing to phone screens, and you’re probably missing out on reservations.
Your campground website needs to be mobile responsive and adjust to the size of the user’s device
Integrate Google Reviews on your Campground Website
Include Google Reviews on your campground website. This helps visitors see what other guests have said about your campground so they can make a quick decision to stay at your campground rather than needing to explore options in your area.
If you’d like us to take a look at your website to be sure it’s optimized, click here to contact our team.
Clear BOOK NOW Button
Whether you do online booking, booking by email, or booking over the phone, make it REALLY clear to your website visitors exactly how they can book a site. Don’t leave any confusion for them about their next step.
Have a BOOK NOW button in your top menu. If you’re using an online booking software, that button can take them there. If you’re only taking bookings by phone, then your “Book Now” button can open a contact page that tells them exactly how to book a site with you.
Imagine someone loves your photos, thinks your rates are great, and has decided to spend a week at your campground, then gets frustrated when they can’t figure out how to make their reservation; worse if they decide to close your website and try someone else who makes the process simpler.
2. Leverage Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is a powerful tool for reaching your target market and boosting your campground’s visibility through digital marketing. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to showcase stunning visuals that attract outdoor enthusiasts. Create engaging content such as photos, videos, and stories to capture the interest of potential campers.
Video content, like virtual tours or live event broadcasts, can significantly increase audience engagement. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility on social media platforms. Promoting special offers and encouraging sharing can also lead to more bookings through targeted ads.
Engaging on social media platforms facilitates direct communication with potential guests, enhancing customer relationships. Adhering to best practices in social media marketing can ensure a successful campaign and increase your campground’s popularity.
If you know other small business owners in your area, you can help boost each others social media reach by liking and commenting on their posts about products, sales, or local events, and in exchange, they do the same with your posts about your campground.
Campground Social Media doesn’t have to be complicated
Yes, it can SOUND complicated with ads and hashtags and different media formats, but offer one of your office workers a chance to get out from behind the desk for 30 minutes once a day to take a picture or some video around your park and post it, and they’ll probably jump at the chance. They don’t have to always be thinking about campground advertising ideas – they just need to show what’s going on in the park.
Here are some quick campground social media ideas:
- Show a new feature being completed
- Talk about the nature at your park – seeing rabbits run through the field or the leaves changing color
- Show people having fun at a planned event like poker, karaoke, or bingo
- Introduce an employee so that visitors recognize them when they visit
- Wish an employee happy birthday
- Celebrate your park’s yearly anniversary
- Post trivia about your park – When did you open? How many sites do you have? In what year did you put in the pool?
- Countdown to opening weekend
- Offer a discount for last-minute bookings this weekend
Ask questions to create conversations with the people who follow you on facebook or Instagram and they’ll think of you when they’re making their weekend plans.
Alternatively, invest in a local social media management company to look after all of the ins-and-outs of keeping fresh posts on your social media channels, or consider our premium campground website package which includes images every month to post on your social media channels when you’re not sure what to post.
Ensure your campground website is posting on social media
3. Partner With Local RV Dealerships (one of our favorite Campground Advertising Ideas!)
Partnering with local RV dealerships can be a game-changer for your campground. Collaborating with these businesses can significantly enhance your visibility and help you reach new customers. Co-marketing with RV dealerships introduces new RVers to your campground and allows for cross-promotion of services.
Consider placing brochures at RV dealerships to directly inform potential customers about your RV park campground. Including campground information in the dealerships’ email newsletters can help you reach a wider audience.
One effective promotion method is offering a free weekend at your campground for new RV buyers. The first thing they’re going to want to do with their new RV is find somewhere to try it out. If they love your campground on their first free weekend, they’ll be back!
This creates a win-win situation for both parties and attracts more campers to your RV park site, benefiting RV park owners, and allows your local RV dealership to talk about your campground specifically.
You could have someone from your staff meet and greet new RVers and answer any questions they have about hooking up their hoses, how to use the dump station, or RV park etiquette.
4. Host Events to Attract More Campers
Hosting events can attract more campers and create a lively atmosphere at your campground. Organize music nights, BBQs, arts-and-crafts nights, hiking meetups, and bingo nights to draw in different groups. These events create unique experiences that keep guests entertained and coming back for more, creating a sense of community.
Sponsoring local charity events can boost your campground’s visibility and strengthen community ties. This helps you gain more bookings while fostering goodwill and positive word-of-mouth. If you have a pavilion at your campground, you could make it available for the local Big Brothers, Big Sisters potluck, or for the United Way charity poker tournament, or host Bingo night in support of your local soup kitchen.
Unique experiences like stargazing nights or family-friendly board game nights can enhance the overall camping experience and attract more people to your campground. A diverse and engaging calendar of events is more likely to draw in a wide range of new campers.
5. Use PPC Ads for Targeted Advertising
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising effectively attracts qualified leads who are actively searching for camping options. PPC ads appear prominently in search engine results, increasing your campground’s visibility. This form of advertising targets specific keywords that potential campers might use in their search queries, like “Campgrounds near Yosemite” or “RV Parks in Atlanta”
PPC ads give you control over your spending and allow you to adjust your budget as needed, making them an excellent option for boosting online visibility and attracting more visitors.
We recommend that if you want to enhance your advertising strategy with paid ads that you’ll hire an agency to help with that. It’s better to pay a professional who knows exactly what to do with your budget than to try and figure it out yourself and waste money on mistakes along the way.
6. Get Listed in Local Directories
Listing in local directories is helpful for enhancing your campground’s local presence and attracting visitors. Directories improve your chances of appearing in relevant local searches. A well-maintained Google Business Profile can boost your local search visibility and encourage guest reviews.
Ensure your local listings are accurate and up-to-date to avoid user confusion and enhance your search ranking in the city. Including engaging images in your directory listings can also attract more potential visitors and locals, improving your location visibility.
Some platforms worth considering:
- Yelp
- TripAdvisor
- Campendium
- Chamber of Commerce
- BBB
- Local company business directories
- Google Business Profile
7. Send Email Newsletters at least once a month
Email marketing is a cost-efficient and effective strategy for reaching both past and potential guests. Monthly email newsletters should include upcoming events, special offers, and news to keep your subscribers engaged and informed.
If you’re not sure where to start, create a free account with MailChimp and try sending out a newsletter to everyone who visited your park in the last 3 months to invite them back.
Compelling content such as local attractions and exclusive discounts can increase customer loyalty. Effective subject lines, like questions or time-sensitive offers boost open rates. Consider something like “Book Now: Only 3 sites left this weekend” or “Long weekend Special: Book 2 nights and get the 3rd free.”
Personalized messaging based on customer preferences can enhance engagement and build trust with your subscribers. Segmenting your email list allows for targeted messaging, leading to higher engagement rates. Have an email list of people who are seasonal regulars and people who have stopped in here and there before.
The seasonal regulars might get an email reminding them about when to pay their dues, while the short-term visitors might get an email about “Book now for the long weekend! Sites are filling up quickly.”
8. Encourage Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a powerful tool for building trust and attracting new guests. Reviews help prospective customers feel confident in their decision to book with you, leading to increased bookings and a growing customer base. Staying active on review sites allows you to maintain a presence, engage with customers, and provide up-to-date information.
Happy campers leaving positive reviews can significantly boost your campground’s reputation and draw in more business. Send out a “Thanks for visiting” email or text to guests with a link to your Google review page.
We recommend pointing everyone to Google reviews. They’ll show up on your website as well as when someone searches google for a campground in your area.
Offer an incentive for your guests to leave a google review like 10% off their stay, or get a night free on your next visit if you review this visit, or a free firewood coupon on their next visit when they leave a Google review.
9. Attend Trade Shows and Travel Events
Attending trade shows and travel events connects you with potential customers and industry partners. Local events provide significant networking opportunities for campgrounds. Trade shows often have dedicated sections for consumer interaction, helping you showcase your offerings directly to visitors.
Utilize event activation strategies to enhance engagement with potential customers in different ways. Attending trade shows, farmers markets, or booths at local events can expand your reach to a broader audience, including tourists, and facilitate contact with new clients.
BONUS: Collaborate with Local Businesses
Collaborating with local businesses can bring mutual benefits and attract more customers to your campground. Promoting local establishments like grocery stores and recreational supply shops benefits both your campground and these businesses. Collaborate with local restaurants, gas stations, and tourist attractions for effective cross-promotion
Imagine giving RVers a coupon for a discount at a pizza place when someone stays in your campground in exchange for an advertisement on the front window of that local pizza shop, or a loyalty card that is “Buy 10 pizzas, and get a free night of camping at your campground.”
A ‘Things To Do Near Our Campground’ pamphlet can enhance your guests’ experience and promote local attractions in town. This provides value to your campers, supports the local community, and strengthens relationships with other business owners by offering useful tools.
Pizza partnerships are a great campground advertising opportunity
Summary: Campground Advertising Ideas
In summary, implementing these ten strategies can significantly boost your campground’s visibility and attract more visitors. From optimizing your website and leveraging social media to partnering with local businesses and hosting engaging events, these tactics will help you stand out in the competitive camping market. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your campground thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Campground Advertising Ideas:
How can I make my campground’s website more attractive to visitors?
To make your campground’s website more attractive to visitors, focus on creating a user-friendly and mobile-responsive design. Additionally, enhance your visibility by incorporating valuable Google reviews, and make it really easy to know how to make a reservation, whether they need to call your office or use a campground booking software to book online.
What type of content should I post on social media to attract campers?
To attract campers, focus on posting engaging photos, videos, and stories that highlight the beauty and experience of camping. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and promote special offers to boost visibility and bookings! Not sure what to post? Our Premium website package includes social media graphics for your campground every month!
How can partnering with local RV dealerships benefit my campground?
Partnering with local RV dealerships boosts your campground’s visibility and attracts new customers through co-marketing efforts and promotional offers. This collaboration can significantly increase your reach and enhance your business growth!
What are some effective events to host at my campground?
Hosting music nights, BBQs, and arts-and-crafts events can transform your campground into a vibrant community hub, attracting more guests and people from the community who otherwise wouldn’t visit a campground. Don’t forget unique experiences like stargazing or family board game nights for added fun!
How can I encourage customers to leave reviews?
To encourage customers to leave Google reviews, send follow-up emails with direct links to your review pages and actively engage with them on review sites. You could offer a discount on their next visit in exchange for a review. This keeps you connected and builds a positive community around your brand!