PR & Networking / Networking

COMMUNITY NETWORKING TO GET THE WORD OUT

Your local community can be one of your best referral engines. By building relationships with nearby businesses, organizations, and media, you keep your campground top of mind and invite new guests to discover what you offer. Here are a few proven ideas from fellow KOA owners and managers:

  • Join your Chamber of Commerce or local tourism committees.
  • Partner with groups that need open space or accommodations—like Scouts, church groups, homeschool groups, or local festival organizers or event planners.
  • Host local or regional media, bloggers, and influencers.
  • Look for local businesses, tourism offices, and rest stops that have spaces available for rack cards.
  • Invite community leaders and business owners to an evening open house at your campground.
  • Send thank-you notes or small gifts to local businesses that frequently serve travelers (like gas stations). Saying thank you — even before you’ve had a referral — can help keep you top of mind.
  • Cross-promote with nearby restaurants or attractions—offering discounts or packages that benefit both sides. For example, work with a local restaurant and offer a discount to their customers. A cross-promotional discount will add value to your campers while establishing a relationship that could send business your way in the future.
  • Offer to link to another local business or attraction’s website through your KOA.com page in exchange for a link to your campground on their website. A reciprocal link can help boost traffic to your page.
  • Set aside a small portion of your marketing budget for local radio or newspaper advertising. Get to know your sales representative; this will open doors for you when you have news to share and could result in earned media coverage. It will also ensure that your campground is on their radar for future news stories.
  • Host a Hero’s Day to thank local first responders and their families. It’s a meaningful way to show gratitude for their service while also helping them get familiar with your property in case of an emergency.

When you invest in your community, your community invests back in you.