How can you use social media to retain customers in outdoor recreation?

1 Share valuable content

One of the best ways to keep your customers engaged and interested in your business is to share valuable content that educates, entertains, or inspires them. For example, you can share tips on how to prepare for a hiking trip, stories from your previous adventures, or photos and videos of the scenic views and wildlife. You can also share user-generated content, such as testimonials, reviews, or feedback from your customers, to showcase your social proof and encourage others to join your community.

2 Create a sense of belonging

Another way to retain customers is to create a sense of belonging and identity among your followers. You can do this by using hashtags, creating groups, or hosting events that connect your customers with each other and with your brand. For example, you can create a hashtag for your hiking club, such as #hikeclub, and invite your customers to use it when they post about their experiences. You can also create a Facebook group for your camping store, where you can share exclusive offers, discounts, and tips. Or you can host a live Q&A session on Instagram, where you can answer questions and interact with your customers in real time.

3 Reward your loyal customers

A third way to retain customers is to reward your loyal customers with incentives, recognition, and appreciation. You can do this by creating a loyalty program, offering referrals, or sending personalized messages. For example, you can create a loyalty program for your kayaking service, where you can offer free rentals, discounts, or upgrades for repeat customers. You can also offer referrals for your customers who bring their friends or family to your business. Or you can send personalized messages to your customers on their birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones, to show that you care and value them.

4 Ask for feedback and suggestions

A fourth way to retain customers is to ask for feedback and suggestions from your customers, and act on them. You can do this by creating surveys, polls, or quizzes on your social media platforms, and inviting your customers to share their opinions and ideas. For example, you can create a survey on your hiking club website, where you can ask your customers what destinations, activities, or amenities they would like to see in the future. You can also create a poll on your camping store Facebook page, where you can ask your customers what products, brands, or categories they are most interested in. Or you can create a quiz on your kayaking service Instagram stories, where you can test your customers' knowledge and skills on kayaking.

5 Show your social responsibility

A fifth way to retain customers is to show your social responsibility and commitment to the environment and the community. You can do this by supporting a cause, donating to a charity, or participating in a campaign that aligns with your values and mission. For example, you can support a cause that promotes conservation, sustainability, or wildlife protection, and share your efforts and impact on your social media platforms. You can also donate to a charity that helps people in need, such as disaster relief, education, or health, and encourage your customers to join you. Or you can participate in a campaign that raises awareness, such as Earth Day, World Wildlife Day, or National Trails Day, and invite your customers to get involved.

6 Be authentic and transparent

A sixth way to retain customers is to be authentic and transparent in your social media communication and representation. You can do this by showing your personality, values, and stories, and being honest, respectful, and responsive to your customers. For example, you can show your personality by using humor, emotion, or passion in your posts and captions. You can also show your values and stories by sharing your vision, mission, and goals, and how you started and grew your business. Or you can be honest, respectful, and responsive by admitting your mistakes, apologizing for any inconvenience, and addressing any issues or complaints promptly and professionally.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?