SpacetoCo Blog

How to Increase Bookings at Your Community Venue

Written by Emily Scook | Jan 27, 2026 1:12:10 AM
Understanding the customer journey
 
When someone is looking for a venue, they go on a journey — whether they realise it or not. If you understand that journey, you can make it easier for them to choose your space.
 

Refresh your signage

  • Can it be read from across the street?

  • Does it clearly say your space is for hire?

  • Can it change regularly so people don’t stop noticing it?

Think chalk signs, window displays, seasonal decorations, or something playful.

Don’t forget your visitors

Many people using your space aren’t the booker — they’re guests.

  • Display posters about venue hire

  • Promote your space in the visitor book

  • Collect email addresses at check-in and follow up later

Work with neighbouring businesses

Nearby businesses often need meeting or event space.

  • Introduce yourself

  • Drop off flyers or business cards

  • Ask cafés if they’ll display a postcard for you

 

Share real moments

You already have great content happening every day. Ask regular users if you can:

  • Take photos of classes or events

  • Share what people are doing in your space

This helps future customers imagine what they could host.

Offer something exclusive

If people follow you but don’t book, try:

  • Caption competitions

  • Hidden discount codes

  • Specials for quieter times

Add a “Book Now” button

Facebook allows you to add a direct booking button that links to:

  • Your booking platform

  • Your website enquiry form

This removes extra steps and increases conversions.

 

Use the words your customers use

Ask recent bookers how they found you.
What did they search for? (e.g. Kids party venue in Papakura)

Use these phrases:

  • On your website pages

  • In headings and blog posts

Set up Google My Business

This helps your venue appear in search results and on Google Maps.

  • Confirm your address and opening hours

  • Add photos and a website link

List your venue for free

Being listed on other websites helps Google trust you. Free listings add up.

 

Try something different

Invite a new organisation to use your space for a one-off event. This introduces hundreds of new people to your venue in one go.

Collaborate with suppliers

If you host events, work with caterers, florists or artists to create a styled shoot. Everyone gets content to share — including you.

Become a community hub

Offer spaces for casual use:

  • A monthly market

  • A free hang-out area

  • Informal community events

The more welcome people feel, the more they’ll remember you later.

 

Improve your listings

Share clear details about:

  • Capacity

  • Equipment

  • Access

  • What’s allowed

  • What’s included

Add lots of clear photos from different angles.

Test your own booking process

Pretend you’re a first-time customer.
What’s confusing? What’s missing? What’s frustrating?

Fixing these small issues can dramatically improve conversions.

Offer online bookings

Most people expect to book online — even for community spaces. Online booking saves time for you and removes friction for customers.

 

Make regular bookings visible

Say it clearly:

  • On your website

  • In your venue

  • In email updates

If a regular time becomes available — promote it.

Go looking for groups

Search social media for local clubs forming nearby. Reach out directly with an intro or offer. New groups are often actively looking for space.

Reward commitment

Offer incentives for long-term bookings, such as:

  • Discounted rates

  • Guaranteed time slots

  • Monthly payments

  • Promotion of their group

When your regular users thrive, so does your venue.

 

Want this later?

You can download a free PDF guide with all 18 tactics — perfect for sharing with your team or working through one step at a time.

Small changes. Big impact.
Your community space deserves to be busy.