If you're running an escape room business, you’re likely always looking for ways to increase bookings and maximize your marketing ROI. One strategy that often gets overlooked but can have a significant impact is remarketing. But is remarketing really worth it for your escape room? The short answer: Absolutely.
What Is Remarketing and Why Does It Matter?
Remarketing, also known as retargeting, is a digital marketing strategy that allows you to show ads to people who have previously visited your website but didn’t make a booking. This helps reinforce your brand and keeps your business top-of-mind as potential customers continue browsing the internet or social media.
According to the well-known marketing principle called the Rule of Seven, a potential customer typically needs to see an ad at least seven times before making a decision to purchase. Repeated exposure builds brand recognition and trust, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
The Problem With Standard Advertising Campaigns
Let’s take a look at a typical Google Search ad campaign targeting searches like “escape room near me” within a 15-mile radius of your business. Even if your campaign achieves a high conversion rate—let’s say 10%, which is an exceptional result—that still means that 90% of people who clicked on your ad and visited your website didn’t book an escape room.
So what happens to those people? Without remarketing, they may forget about your escape room, get distracted, or book with a competitor instead. With remarketing, however, you can re-engage those visitors and encourage them to book.
The Best Platforms for Remarketing Escape Room Ads
When it comes to running remarketing ads for escape rooms, there are two major platforms to consider: Google and Meta (Facebook & Instagram).
Google Display Ads
Google’s display network allows you to show banner ads across millions of websites. While it can be effective, it also comes with some challenges:
- Navigating ad placements can be tricky for beginners.
- Ensuring your graphics maintain the right aspect ratio across different placements requires experience.
Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads
While Google is a solid option, Meta is the superior platform for remarketing escape rooms for several reasons:
- Easier ad placement selection: Meta makes it simple to choose where your ads will appear.
- Engagement and social proof: Your ads can collect likes, comments, and shares, adding credibility to your brand.
- Stronger visual storytelling: Escape rooms are an experience, and Meta’s visual nature allows you to showcase your rooms and puzzles in a compelling way.
Imagine a potential customer seeing your ad and reading real comments from past customers like:
“We just played ‘Curse of the Temple’ last week—so much fun!” “Been dying to check this place out—who’s in?” This type of engagement makes your offer even stronger over time.
The Best Types of Remarketing Ads for Escape Rooms
So, what kind of ads should you run? After years of testing different remarketing strategies for escape rooms, we’ve found that the following three ad formats work best:
1. Video Commercials
A high-energy video compilation showing real people solving puzzles and experiencing the thrill of your escape rooms. These work well because they visually communicate the excitement and immersion of the escape room experience.
2. Room Pictures
High-quality images of your escape rooms, ideally featuring real players engaging with puzzles. Showing people in your ads builds trust and helps potential customers imagine themselves playing.
3. Branded Graphic Ads (Our Highest Converting Remarketing Ad)
These ads are simple but highly effective. Here’s how to create your own using Canva:
- Set the background: Use a high-quality image of one of your escape rooms.
- Apply a dark overlay: This helps make the text more readable.
- Add your logo: Keep it prominent to build brand recognition.
- Include a short tagline: Something engaging like “Your Next Adventure Starts Here” or “Join the Escape Room Craze!”
- Add a ‘Book Now’ CTA: Make it stand out with your brand colors.
This format consistently delivers the highest conversion rates for escape room remarketing campaigns.
Conclusion: Is Remarketing Worth It for Escape Rooms?
Yes, remarketing is 100% worth it for your escape room business. By leveraging Meta and Google remarketing ads, you can re-engage potential customers who didn’t book on their first visit, increase brand recognition, and drive more conversions—all while reducing your overall cost per booking.
If you’re interested in optimizing your escape room’s marketing strategy, we can help. Book a free strategy call with our team at Birch River Design Group today!