8. Marketing Strategies

Once your West Coast Swing (WCS) community is up and running, it’s time to get the word out and bring in new dancers. Marketing your events isn’t just about posting on social media and hoping people show up—it’s about engaging with your audience, creating buzz, and making sure your events are known as the place to be. Here are some effective marketing strategies to help grow your WCS community, including fun ideas like bar crawls and ways to engage with potential new members.

Leverage Social Media

Social media is one of the most powerful tools you have for reaching new dancers and keeping your current members engaged. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can help you showcase your events, share highlights, and build a sense of community even outside the dance floor.

• Create Engaging Content: Don’t just post flyers—share videos, photos, and stories that capture the energy and fun of your events. Highlight your dancers, post clips of great moments on the floor, and use Instagram Stories or Reels to show behind-the-scenes snippets that bring your audience closer to the action.
• Use Hashtags and Geotags: Use popular hashtags like #WestCoastSwing and #WCS to get your posts seen by a wider audience. Geotags can help attract local dancers looking for events in their area.
• Run Social Media Contests: Boost engagement by running simple contests, like giving away free entry to your next dance for the best photo or video taken at an event. This generates excitement and encourages your dancers to share their content, spreading the word even further.

Build a Strong Online Presence

Your website and social media profiles are often the first place people go to learn about your community, so make sure they’re inviting, up-to-date, and easy to navigate.

• Create an Event Calendar: Keep an updated calendar of your events on your website and link it to your social media. Make it easy for people to find out when and where your dances are happening, and include clear information on what to expect.
• Email Newsletters: Stay in touch with your community by sending regular newsletters. Highlight upcoming events, share tips, and showcase community members to keep everyone engaged. Include shareable links so your current members can easily forward the newsletter to friends who might be interested.

Host Bar Crawls and Social Mixers

Bar crawls, and social mixers are fun ways to engage with the local scene and introduce new people to your community without the pressure of a formal dance setting. These events can help create buzz and give people a taste of what WCS is all about.

• Organize a Bar Crawl: Partner with local bars and restaurants to host a WCS-themed bar crawl. This could involve dancing at different venues, offering mini-lessons, and showcasing some of your community’s best dancers. Bar crawls are great because they bring dance into a relaxed, social atmosphere where people can mingle, have fun, and get excited about attending your next event.
• Social Mixers with a Twist: Host at non-traditional locations like breweries, parks, or rooftop venues. To encourage participation, include interactive elements like beginner lessons, dance demos, or games. These mixers create low-pressure environments where people can dip their toes into the WCS world.
• Dance Flash Mobs: Another great way to capture attention is organizing flash mobs in busy public areas. It’s a fun way to showcase WCS to a broader audience, and you can record the performance to share on social media, generating buzz and intrigue about your next event.

Engage Your Current Members

Your existing community is your biggest marketing asset. When your current members feel involved and excited, they’ll naturally bring in friends and spread the word. Here are some engagement strategies to keep them connected and excited:

• Referral Programs: Encourage your members to bring friends by offering incentives like discounted entry fees or merchandise for each new person they bring. It’s a simple way to grow your community organically.
• Host Themed Nights: Spice things up with themed dance nights like “Decades Night,” “Favorite Movie Soundtrack Night,” or “Black and White Ball.” Themes add an extra layer of fun, and people are more likely to invite their friends when something special happens.
• Dancer Spotlights: Feature community members on your social media or your newsletter. Share their dance journey, why they love WCS or their favorite dance moments. It’s a great way to make your members feel appreciated and connected.
• Birthday Dances: Recognize birthdays with special dances or shout-outs during your events. Little gestures like this make people feel valued and keep the atmosphere warm and welcoming.

Collaborate with Local Businesses and Organizations

Local businesses and other dance communities can be great partners in spreading the word about your WCS events. Look for mutually beneficial ways to collaborate.

• Partner with Dance Studios: If there are other dance studios in your area, consider partnering for joint events, workshops, or cross-promotions. You can tap into their audience and introduce WCS to dancers interested in trying something new.
• Team Up with Local Businesses: Collaborate with local cafes, gyms, or other businesses that align with your community’s vibe. Cross-promote each other’s events, offer special discounts, or host pop-up dance classes to reach a broader audience.
• Community Events and Festivals: Set up a booth or demo at local fairs, markets, or community festivals. It’s a fantastic way to engage with people who might not normally come to a dance but are intrigued by seeing it live.

Use Targeted Advertising

Sometimes, a little investment in advertising can go a long way in reaching new audiences. Consider using Facebook or Instagram ads targeted to people in your area who have shown interest in dance, music, or social events.

• Boost Event Posts: To reach a wider audience, boost your event posts on social media. Use engaging images or videos, and make sure your event details are clear and enticing.
• Google Ads for Local Searches: Use Google Ads to target people searching for dance classes or social events in your area. This can help capture those actively looking for something fun and new.

Make Every Event an Experience

Finally, remember that every event is an opportunity to market your community. Focus on creating an experience people want to talk about and return to. From the music and vibe to the welcoming atmosphere, ensure each event leaves a lasting impression.

Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. When people have a great time, they’ll spread the word, and your community will grow naturally. With a little creativity, engagement, and strategic partnerships, you can build a vibrant WCS community that’s always buzzing with excitement and new faces.