by Phillip Gilbreth, Camp Sales Manager for MySummerCamps and KidsCamps
Turn announcements into virtual events that create buzz and anticipation. For example, rather than simply creating a photo gallery on Facebook or Flickr, use Twitter to tease that you'll be unveiling the top photos from last summer and upload a new one each week. Tweet a link to the photo gallery each time you add a new photo.- Countdown the days to camp by referencing activities campers can look forward to. Things like "168 days until dark chocolate S'mores around the campfire," or "Only 99 days until Color Wars 2011 commences!"Â
- Offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your camp prep by posting pictures of your planning activities during the year. Capture the state of your office right before sending out a mailer, take a picture of everyone poised to answer their phones, or show the progress of renovations underway to get camp ready for the season. Giving campers an insider's look at your enthusiasm will get them excited too.
- Announce when you'll be at a camp fair and invite people to visit you. Give Twitter and Facebook followers a secret code word to mention at your booth to receive a special prize or discount.
- Create mystery around the announcement of a new instructor or special guest for the coming season. Tweet hints and clues, inviting people to guess who you're talking about. Schedule an unveiling date and after a few weeks of anticipation, introduce your new guest to your campers.
- Hold contests to promote engagement with your Facebook page. Invite people to vote for the best photo of the season by clicking Like on their favorite photo. Run a caption contest for a camper-submitted photo. Or run giveaways by inviting people to comment or answer a fun question to enter.
