Do you know the ways new members find your tennis or pickleball club?
For me, there’s 3 main ways:
1. Web searches
2. Referrals
3. Socials (incl. Ads)
Let's dig into each...
1. Google search (obvious, I know)
Yes, players often start with a simple search or use sites like USTA’s club finder to locate nearby clubs.
To make sure you appear in search results, you’re going to want a well optimized marketing website with clear information, real reviews, and localized SEO content. It really does help, and plants seeds for early trust.
A great Google Business Profile can go a long way here, too.
2. Word of mouth/referrals (my personal fave)
Friends, family, or co-workers are a powerful way other players find clubs. Think of all the times you have tried a new restaurant, or listened to new music – because someone TOLD you about it. I’d wager it happens more than you realize.
Side note: ? or more of new customers at CourtReserve come from (happy) referrals. I can personally vouch for its effectiveness. But you do have to do a lot of things right to EARN those referrals. More on that for another post!
3. Facebook/Instagram/Reddit (increasingly LinkedIn):
Tennis and pickleball enthusiasts are all over social media and more and more players discover clubs this way. There’s a lot of content pumped out every day. Maybe too much, lol!
So, is your club brand posting engaging content? Replying to comments? Please start if not. Oh, and targeted ads can drive awareness and interest in your club too – it’s cool how specific you can get with targeting in your club’s city/county too.
THE TAKEAWAY
If you’re new to club ownership, don’t just copy big clubs—find your own voice. Every touchpoint, from your website to player experiences, should reflect what makes your club unique.
Find ways to invest in your brand and connect with your members. Make every interaction count.
One idea we had at my other business, Old Coast Pickleball? Stream the courts and let players share their best shots. The ultimate “show me, don’t tell me!”.
The best marketing will always come from your customers. Lean into it.
___
Give this a repost ?? to help others & follow me for more on tennis & pickleball club management.
