It takes a village...

One of our primary missions at Slay Clays is growing the shotgun sports. ALL sport disciplines and event participation, especially those with registered targets. Increasing participation in a club membership and shotgun event participation can be a challenging task, but there are several strategies that can be effective in attracting new members and retaining existing ones. Luckily, for most of these, the dollar cost can be free, it just takes time and willingness to put in the effort. Here are some of the best ways to increase participation in a shotgun sports:

1. Promotion and Advertising: To attract new members, it's essential to promote your club and its activities through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, flyers, and posters. Use eye-catching visuals and persuasive language to encourage people to join and highlight the benefits of being a member of your club and shooting in events.

   • Does your club have active social feeds such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok account that members can follow? A simple Facebook ad to your local area could yield good results.

   • Does your club have an up-to-date email list they can directly contact members?

   • Do you promote your events at other local clubs? Even cross sport, meaning advertising the next Skeet shoot at a Trap event.

   • Word of mouth is also very important. Engage your current members to help.

2. Offer Incentives: Incentives can be an effective way to encourage new members to join and existing ones to stay. Consider offering discounts on membership fees, free trials, referral bonuses, or exclusive club merchandise to incentivize people to join.

   • Can you offer anything to the new member or someone participating in their first event? Even a social shoutout is something and doesn't cost anything. 

3. Improve Facilities and Equipment: Having high-quality facilities and equipment can make your club more appealing to potential members. Invest in upgrading your equipment and facilities to improve the overall experience for your members. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. 

   • Clean grounds and facility is a must but latest and greatest technology isn't.

4. Host Events and Competitions: Hosting events and competitions can help attract new members and keep existing ones engaged. Consider organizing tournaments, clinics, and social events that provide opportunities for members to interact and have fun. Perhaps demographic specific events like a youth or female specific. Bring a friend day and their targets are free... etc.

   • Create a buzz with special events.

   • Events bring members together, most people want to feel apart of a community.

   • Events are a good way to rally the masses.

5. Focus on Member Engagement: Members are more likely to stick around if they feel engaged and valued by the club. Encourage open communication, seek feedback from members, and create opportunities for members to get involved in the club's decision-making and activities. Also, people love to help and feel useful. Have a handful of tasks at the ready that you can ask for help with. If someone is sitting on a bench for hours that can become a little boring. How can you get that person more involved? Sometimes it's the little things.

   • Valuable and meaningful communication can't be understated.

6. Collaborate with Other Organizations: Collaborating with other organizations or clubs can help increase awareness of your club and attract new members. Consider partnering with local schools, businesses, or community groups to promote your club and its activities. Cross club leagues or challenge events, sounds like fun. Makes your local shooters feel part of the town team and range brand. 

7. Offer Training and Coaching: Every range has a local pro. Someone who knows more or is better than most of the others. Tap into that knowledge and experience. Providing training and coaching can help improve the skills and confidence of your members, which can lead to increased participation and retention. Consider offering workshops, clinics, or individual coaching sessions to help members improve their performance.

8. Create a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: A welcoming and inclusive environment is essential for attracting and retaining members. Make sure that your club is inclusive of people of all ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds, and that everyone feels respected and valued.

By implementing these strategies, you can increase membership to your club, participation in events and create a vibrant and engaged community of members.