Gone are the days when you could pin posters in local restaurants and put ads in the city paper to advertise your event. New social media apps keep getting released, and who can keep up with Google's ever-changing algorithms? So the question is: in these modern times, how do you reach an audience for your Madrigal Dinners?
Get Email Addresses
Start maintaining an email list to avoid being at the mercy of the all-mighty Google or other platform algorithms. Inboxes are the gold standard of communication. So, the first step you'll want to take is to set up an email list for your Madrigal Dinners.
The Opt-In
On your website, you'll want to add a form where people can sign up or "opt-in" to your email list. Most platforms like Wix or WordPress have these, which can be easily added to your homepage or ticket sales page. To make it more appealing, you can offer things like:
Enter new subscribers into a drawing for free tickets to the next Madrigal Dinner.
Add new subscribers to the newsletter list, which offers discounts on future shows.
New subscribers receive an upgraded dessert at the event.
Social Media Redirect
Use posts on platforms like Facebook or Twitter to highlight subscribing opportunities to your shows and the newsletter. Provide the link to your website or URL for a subscriber landing page. For Instagram, you can have the link in your bio to redirect people.
Contests
Leverage your social media with contest opportunities for new subscribers. For instance, "Subscribe now and be entered into a drawing for this spa package!" or "Sign up for a chance to win FREE tickets to our next show!" Then, provide the subscriber link for your audience to click.
At the Event
As people arrive at your ticket table, direct them to a side table where they can sign up for your email list or quarterly newsletter. The newsletter will alert them of future shows, auditions, and exclusive discounts. While adding the names and emails after the show is a hassle, people have a harder time saying "no" face-to-face.
I Have Emails, Now What?
The next step is to interact with your email subscriber list. It's pretty simple to send email campaigns to an extensive list with marketing programs like Mailchimp, Mailer Lite, or HubSpot. Use technology to your advantage! Aim to send a newsletter every quarter or every few months to keep them engaged. You're building an entertaining, engaging newsletter, and hopefully, something your audience is looking forward to opening. Some ideas include:
Conclusion: Attracting an Audience
Creating an audience you directly communicate with—during shows and in between—fosters loyal, familiar crowds for your Madrigal Dinners. Alert your audience when shows are coming up, and attract an audience to your next show. And because you've been fostering rapport with them all year round, they'll be more excited to come.
Or, you could stay “old school” and tie your Madrigal Dinner poster to a pigeon to send out into the world. It'll undoubtedly get attention!
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