Taproom Games Implementation Checklist

1. Define the Role of Games in Your Brand Strategy

a. Core Engagement Tool

• Interactive Experiences: Position games as an integral part of brand engagement where visitors or customers are actively encouraged to participate. This includes using the game to create memorable experiences that help form stronger brand connections.
• Loyalty Programs: Games can act as tools for rewarding loyal customers, where participation in the game leads to points, rewards, or access to exclusive offers.
• Customer Journey Integration: Incorporate games into the customer’s path from the first touchpoint to post-purchase. Consider game-inspired elements in onboarding, purchase confirmation, or even post-purchase follow-ups.
• Gamified Rewards Systems: Allow customers to accumulate points or badges, which they can use for discounts, perks, or special access to events.
• Interactive Product Demonstrations: Use games to highlight product features, showcasing how products work in real-life scenarios or in a fun, immersive way (e.g., using a virtual game where the product is incorporated).

b. Ambient Experience

• Atmospheric Element: Use games as background interaction pieces that influence the vibe and energy of your brand, such as soft-play, casual, or distraction-based games that don’t require intense focus or competition.
• Physical or Digital Display Integration: Position games in the form of art or design installations that reflect the brand’s identity without requiring active participation from every visitor.
• Brand Aesthetic Reinforcement: Integrate games into your store design or website where they visually reinforce your brand aesthetics or values (e.g., interactive wall designs, branded kiosks, or augmented reality features).
• Natural Integration in Spaces: Seamlessly integrate games in waiting areas, lounges, or even lobbies, where the game serves as a background element to enhance the customer’s mood without dominating their experience.

c. Hybrid Model

• Passive to Active Engagement: Start with ambient, passive games (e.g., background games on digital signage or interactive kiosks) that can gradually evolve into more active engagement (e.g., tournament-style games or competitions).
• Transitional Games: Design games that shift from being just a display element to something more engaging. For instance, customers might start with a simple quiz game and, based on their answers, be invited to join a more interactive and competitive game.

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2. Identify Alignment Between Game Experience and Brand Personality

a. Playful Personality

• Whimsical Design: If the brand is playful, the games should feel fun, quirky, and lighthearted with colorful, engaging visuals and simple rules (e.g., carnival games or interactive puzzles).
• Casual Social Games: Include games that focus on fun interaction with minimal commitment, such as trivia, word games, or quirky puzzles that encourage lighthearted competition.
• Surprise & Delight: Create unexpected moments of delight where the game has elements of surprise, rewards, or entertaining twists.
• Branded Virtual Playgrounds: If your brand has a youthful, carefree vibe, create branded virtual playgrounds or interactive platforms (e.g., mobile games or AR experiences) that encourage fun without pressure.
• Reward-Based Engagement: Simple, rewarding games like scratch cards or spin-the-wheel promotions that offer instant prizes aligned with your brand values.

b. Social Personality

• Team-Based Games: Use games where collaboration and teamwork are at the center. This could include multiplayer games (either physical or digital), which encourage people to join in, socialize, and interact with each other.
• Social Media Integration: Incorporate game mechanics that tie back into social sharing or collaborative play (e.g., sharing scores, team competitions, or game results on social platforms).
• Social Proof Through Game Results: Display leaderboards or celebrate top players and high scores on your brand’s digital platforms, creating an ongoing social community aspect.
• In-Store Social Games: Facilitate group play with games designed to be played by multiple people at once in-store or at events. This could involve tabletop games or group challenges.

c. Competitive Personality

• Challenge & Tournament-Based Games: Create competitive, high-stakes game environments where customers can challenge each other (e.g., tournaments, leagues, or leaderboards).
• Rewarding Performance: For brands with a competitive edge, offer prizes based on performance or rankings, such as monthly champions, exclusive access to events, or product giveaways.
• Skill-Driven Games: Focus on skill-based games that emphasize expertise, strategy, or knowledge in a way that enhances the brand’s competitive personality. Think of games that require knowledge, agility, or a quick wit.
• Timed Challenges & Races: Introduce games with a time limit where customers race against each other for prizes or recognition, creating an exciting competitive atmosphere.

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3. Set Goals for Games in Your Brand Strategy

a. Increased Dwell Time

• In-Store Games: Use games in your physical space that encourage longer stays, such as interactive exhibits or games with increasingly complex levels, prompting customers to stay engaged for longer periods.
• Online Games: For digital or e-commerce brands, introduce games or quizzes on your website that require participation to unlock content, discounts, or even just to pass the time. These can be used to incentivize customers to stay on your site longer, enhancing brand exposure.
• Event-Based Games: At trade shows, festivals, or brand activations, design interactive games that capture attention and encourage people to linger at your booth, further engaging with your brand.

b. Better Reviews

• Post-Game Surveys: Use games to collect data or feedback about customer experiences directly after the game ends. Providing an incentive for filling out a quick survey could lead to more positive, thoughtful reviews.
• Satisfaction-Driven Rewards: Create games that ask users to rate their experience at various touchpoints, with rewards based on how satisfied they were, ensuring the feedback is connected to their feelings of enjoyment.
• Customer Success Stories: Incorporate games that allow users to share their success stories in the game (e.g., winning, competing) and get them to leave reviews or share feedback on social media with branded hashtags.

c. Merch Sales

• Game-Driven Merchandise: Create exclusive game-based products such as limited edition merchandise that can be unlocked or purchased by participating in games.
• Physical Product Integration: Offer products as prizes in game-driven campaigns or use games to promote bundles, collections, or special merchandise offers.
• Brand-Exclusive Gear: Use games as a means of promoting branded merchandise with a built-in tie-in, like exclusive t-shirts, hats, or accessories that align with the game experience.
• Cross-Sell or Upsell Opportunities: Use games to incentivize customers to purchase additional products by offering in-game rewards for specific purchases, like discounts or access to premium game features.

d. Social Content

• Shareable Game Moments: Encourage players to share their results, achievements, or in-game moments on social media, such as using branded filters or game overlays that tie back to your brand.
• User-Generated Content Campaigns: Create hashtag campaigns centered around the game experience, asking users to post about their participation for a chance to win.
• Game Streaming: If applicable, encourage your audience to livestream their gameplay or create social media content around game challenges or tournaments.
• Influencer and Ambassador Collaborations: Partner with influencers or brand ambassadors to engage in branded challenges or gameplay that can be shared widely across social platforms.

e. All of the Above (Holistic Goals)

• Integrated Campaigns: Develop multi-channel campaigns that use games to drive all of the above goals simultaneously—e.g., an online campaign that increases dwell time, generates user-generated content, and encourages purchases of branded merchandise.
• Gamified Marketing Funnel: Create a funnel where engagement, content sharing, reviews, and purchases are all linked together through different stages of the game, from entry to completion.
• Cross-Platform Engagement: Ensure the games you create can be seamlessly integrated across various touchpoints (physical, online, social) to achieve a balanced outcome across all brand objectives.
• Tracking & Metrics: Set up systems that track engagement metrics such as time spent on games, social media shares, reviews, and purchases so that the holistic impact can be clearly measured and adjusted accordingly.

4. Venue Design & Layout:

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1. Designate Physical Space for Games with High Visibility:

• Strategic Placement: Position games in high-traffic areas such as near entrances, prominent corners, or central areas that naturally draw attention (e.g., under skylights, in the middle of the floor, or near key seating areas).
• Eye-Catching Elements: Use bold signage, LED lighting, or interactive displays to direct attention to the games. These can help naturally guide people toward the game areas, encouraging participation without needing direct solicitation.
• Clear Pathways: Ensure the area around games is open and unobstructed, allowing for easy flow and preventing congestion. This can be achieved by using furniture or room dividers that frame the game space while maintaining accessibility.

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2. Consider Multi-Sensory Impact (Lighting, Acoustics, Flow of Movement):

• Lighting: Employ layered lighting to create a dynamic and immersive environment. Use spotlights or accent lighting focused on the games to make them stand out. For example, a gentle, warm light to highlight the game area can enhance the atmosphere, while brighter lights for the play area can encourage activity.
• Ambient Lighting: Use soft, diffuse lighting around the venue to create a relaxed ambiance, contrasting with the brighter game zones to create excitement. Ensure lighting can be adjusted based on time of day or the atmosphere needed (e.g., brighter during daytime or for events, softer for evening relaxation).
• Acoustics: Pay attention to the sound quality, balancing the noise levels to create a fun but not overwhelming experience. Consider adding sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels or soft furnishings near game zones to minimize disruptive echoes while amplifying game sound effects or music that aligns with the experience.
• Flow of Movement: Create a natural, easy flow for people moving in and out of the game area. Consider how the surrounding layout will encourage or discourage movement toward the games. This could mean leaving space for spectators to watch the game without obstructing those playing or creating pathways for smooth entry and exit from the game area.

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3. Ensure ADA Compliance and Accessibility for Both the Gameplay Area and General Taproom Traffic:

• Wheelchair Access: Ensure that there are wide enough paths around the game space for wheelchair accessibility. The game stations themselves should be placed at heights accessible to those with mobility impairments, and with enough space for a wheelchair to maneuver around the play area.
• Clear Signage: Use large, clear signage to guide people to the game area, and make sure there are easily readable instructions for playing the games that accommodate different reading abilities (e.g., using braille, large fonts, or symbols).
• Seating Options: Provide seating arrangements around the game area that can be used by everyone, including those with disabilities. Consider adjustable seating heights or cushioned chairs to accommodate different comfort needs.
• Signage for the Visually Impaired: Braille signs or audio cues to help visually impaired customers navigate toward the games or even learn about the game play options.
• General Taproom Traffic: Maintain a smooth flow of people through the taproom with clearly marked, non-obstructive walkways that lead to and from the game area. Avoid crowding or cramming people into tight spaces, which could create discomfort or safety issues.

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Incorporating these design elements into the venue’s layout can significantly enhance the overall guest experience, making the game area a more inviting and inclusive space that encourages participation and enjoyment for everyone.

5. Game Selection:

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1. Choose Games with Low Learning Curves (e.g., Cornhole, Ping Pong):

• Easy-to-Understand Rules: Select games that are simple to understand and don’t require a lot of instruction. Games like cornhole and ping pong are familiar to most people and can be played by anyone with minimal explanation.
• Instant Enjoyment: Look for games that provide instant gratification. For example, a Ring Toss or Mini-Basketball Hoop could easily be set up for quick, fun interactions without the need for deep focus or long periods of learning.
• Accessibility for All Skill Levels: Consider games like Shuffleboard or Darts that cater to both novices and seasoned players. These games allow anyone to step in and enjoy themselves, while still offering a layer of challenge for those looking for it.
• Modular Games: Opt for games that can be adapted or simplified depending on the crowd. For instance, a Tabletop Football game can be played casually or with advanced rules to suit different skill levels.

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2. Select Games that Can Be Branded with Your Logo or Visual Identity:

• Customizable Game Elements: Choose games that allow for easy customization, such as branded cornhole boards with logos on the targets or t-shirts for ping pong players with logos on the sleeves or chest.
• Surface Customization: Select games with surfaces that can be easily printed on or engraved. Dartboards, shuffleboard tables, and mini golf kits are great examples of games that offer branding opportunities on game equipment.
• Portable Merchandise: Include games that can be turned into branded merchandise. A customized beer pong set or a branded limbo bar with your logo on the base would not only be an attraction in your venue but could also be sold as merchandise to visitors, amplifying your brand’s presence even after they leave.
• Tangible Branding: Consider games like Kubb, Ring Toss, or Jenga that feature easily replaceable pieces, ensuring the logo can be placed on each piece for maximum exposure.

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3. Prioritize Games that Encourage Social Interaction and Storytelling Moments:

• Collaborative Play: Choose games that naturally encourage teamwork, such as Giant Jenga, team-based cornhole, or Giant Connect Four. These games foster conversation, collaboration, and shared experiences, which can enhance the atmosphere in the venue.
• Competition with a Friendly Atmosphere: Select games that allow for friendly rivalry without being overly competitive. Tabletop games like Mini Basketball or Tic-Tac-Toe on a grand scale can bring out a sense of fun competition while still being lighthearted.
• Interactive Storytelling: Opt for games that spark creativity and personal stories. For example, Painted Topple Tower can have players customize their game pieces, creating a shared story behind each move. Trivia games or interactive quiz boards could also fit well, sparking conversations and creating memorable experiences for participants.
• Photo Opportunities: Games that encourage the taking of photos or videos—such as Photo Booth Ring Toss or photo-worthy prize wheels—can create memorable, shareable moments. The branding of these moments can extend beyond the event, with guests sharing their experiences on social media, further strengthening your brand’s reach.

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6. Brand Integration:

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1. Develop Custom-Branded Game Equipment:

• Unique Designs: Create bespoke game sets that reflect your brand’s colors, logos, and messaging. Custom-branded cornhole boards, ping pong paddles, or shuffleboard tables allow your brand to become a core part of the gameplay experience, making each interaction feel more personal and on-brand.
• Seasonal Updates: Introduce limited edition game equipment that ties into specific seasons or promotions. For example, offer holiday-themed ring toss sets or summer-style cornhole boards with updated branding that keeps the experience fresh for returning guests.
• Co-Branding Opportunities: Collaborate with local businesses or partners to create joint-branded game equipment, which not only benefits both brands but also encourages cross-promotion.

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2. Use Game Imagery in Marketing Assets:

• Photography and Videography: Incorporate high-quality photos of the games being used in marketing materials, including flyers, social media, and advertisements. Use action shots where participants are actively engaging with the game, with your brand’s logo prominently displayed in the background or on the game itself.
• Event Promotion: Use game imagery to promote upcoming events or taproom specials. For example, a ping pong tournament might feature images of your brand’s customized equipment, along with branded prizes for the winners.
• Brand Storytelling: Align the game experience with your brand’s overall messaging. If your brand is playful and laid-back, use games like Giant Jenga or Ring Toss to highlight that aspect in your promotions. Alternatively, if your brand is competitive and high-energy, dart tournaments or ping pong challenges could reinforce that tone.

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3. Offer Branded Versions for Sale or Rental through Your Merch Program:

• Takeaway Products: Develop a line of branded game equipment that guests can purchase or rent for home use. This can include custom cornhole sets, branded pick-up games like Ladder Toss, or even **custom-painted Jenga sets. These items can become cherished mementos that guests take home, ensuring your brand is always in their line of sight.
• Merchandise Tie-In: Bundle game-related products with other merchandise. For instance, offer a discount on a branded T-shirt or hat when someone purchases a cornhole set or ring toss game.
• Rental Program for Private Events: Extend your games beyond the taproom experience by offering them for rent at private events, including company parties, festivals, or local gatherings. With proper branding, this can extend your brand’s reach into more personalized spaces.

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These elements will not only promote engagement with your games but also help build brand loyalty, providing a seamless connection between fun and your company’s identity.Ask ChatGPT

7. Merchandising & Retail:

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1. Add Games to Your Seasonal Collections (e.g., Summer Series Cornhole Set):

• Limited-Time Editions: Launch seasonal game collections tied to specific times of the year, such as a Winter Holiday Cornhole Set or Spring Break Ping Pong Paddle Set. By aligning with seasonal trends, these products create a sense of urgency for purchase.
• Holiday-Themed Sets: Design special edition game sets that reflect upcoming holidays or cultural events. For example, a Halloween Ring Toss Set with spooky designs or a Christmas-themed Jenga that incorporates seasonal colors and imagery.
• Seasonal Packaging: Along with custom designs, ensure that packaging reflects the seasonal nature of the product. For example, Summer Series Cornhole could come in vibrant, summery boxes with bright hues and summer-themed designs.
• Curated Collections: Introduce curated collections for different types of events. For example, a Game Night Collection with a set of mini-basketball hoops, ping pong paddles, and ring toss, all with matching branding to make the experience cohesive.

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2. List Branded Games on E-commerce and POS Systems as SKUs:

• Streamlined Inventory System: Ensure that branded games have unique SKU numbers within your point-of-sale (POS) and e-commerce systems for easy tracking and management. This allows customers to easily identify and purchase the right products.
• Product Descriptions & Photos: Include clear, visually appealing product descriptions and high-quality images for each branded game. Highlight unique selling points like customization, durability, or ease of use to create a strong appeal to potential buyers.
• Promotional Discounts: Set up discount codes or bundle offers for customers purchasing multiple games or related products, such as a Buy One, Get One 50% Off for a cornhole set and custom beer mugs.
• Cross-Promote with Other Items: Link relevant branded game products with complementary merchandise. For example, on the product page for a branded tabletop soccer game, you could suggest a branded t-shirt or gaming-related accessories for an enhanced experience.

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3. Leverage Resale Markets (e.g., Pawn Shops, eBay) as Long-Tail Brand Exposure and Revenue Sources:

• Long-Term Brand Visibility: List limited edition games or branded merchandise on resale platforms such as eBay to extend their reach beyond the original customer base. Ensure that your brand’s logo and branding remain visible and intact on these items.
• Exclusive Merchandise for Resale: Create limited-run versions of your products, such as premium cornhole sets or branded shuffleboard tables, and sell these through third-party platforms to generate buzz and demand for future sales.
• Resale Partnerships: Partner with local pawn shops or resale retailers to stock your branded games, tapping into new customer bases who may not be familiar with your brand initially. This offers a secondary sales channel, creating ongoing revenue even after the initial sale.
• Online Auctions and Bundles: Utilize platforms like eBay for auctions of rare or exclusive products. Bundling several branded items together (e.g., a branded game set and accessories) on auction can generate excitement and drive higher sales.

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8. Event Programming:

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1. Host Game-Driven Events (Tournaments, Speed Dating, Bar Leagues):

• Organized Tournaments: Host competitive cornhole tournaments or ping pong competitions, with prizes and trophies branded with your logo. These events can generate excitement, increase customer engagement, and drive traffic to your venue.
• Pop-Up Game Events: Set up special game nights where customers can sign up and compete against each other. Incorporate branded game sets such as Giant Jenga or Ring Toss to keep the event on-brand while providing an enjoyable experience.
• Speed Dating with a Twist: Organize speed dating or social mixers that are centered around game-playing, like Cornhole Speed Dating, where participants team up to play as a way to break the ice. This provides a unique experience that also incorporates fun and branding.
• Bar Leagues and Team Challenges: Host league-style competitions (e.g., a ping pong league or bar cornhole league) to get customers involved in regular events. Offer branded prizes or championship rewards that align with your branding and create opportunities for repeat customers.

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2. Tie Game Nights to Seasonal or Community Events (e.g., Tour de Taproom, City Parades):

• Taproom Themes: Coordinate game events with taproom themes. For example, during a Summer Beer Festival, create a Summer Games Night with branded games like cornhole and beer pong, aligning with the spirit of the event and making it memorable for attendees.
• Event-Specific Competitions: Organize game-driven competitions that tie into local events such as city parades, marathons, or community festivals. For example, during a local beer fest, set up an interactive cornhole booth where visitors can compete and win prizes.
• Holiday or Seasonal Events: Leverage the power of holiday events, like Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day, by offering themed games that tie into the seasonal festivities. A Halloween-themed ping pong tournament or a holiday edition Jenga can draw crowds.
• Local Event Sponsorships: Sponsor local events such as charity walks, music festivals, or community fairs, and provide game setups like ring toss, cornhole, or pop-up mini-golf, branded with your logo. This increases visibility and positions your brand as an active participant in the local community.

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3. Collaborate with Local Partners (e.g., Sports Teams, Nonprofits) to Co-Host Activations:

• Sports Partnerships: Work with local sports teams or leagues to co-host events where your games are featured prominently. For example, partner with a local soccer team to host a pop-up cornhole event during halftime or a tournament with custom-branded prizes.
• Charity and Nonprofit Events: Align your brand with local charities and nonprofits by hosting fundraising tournaments or game nights where a portion of the proceeds from game rentals or sales goes to a good cause. Offer your branded games for the event and sponsor or host the competition.
• Joint Promotions: Collaborate with local breweries, distilleries, or cafes to host branded game nights or community events. For example, a branded beer pong tournament at a local brewery, or a games night at a café with custom cornhole sets and local food specials.
• Influencer and Ambassador Collaborations: Partner with local influencers, bloggers, or celebrities to host and promote game-related events. With influencers showcasing your branded game sets on social media or at a live event, your brand exposure will increase significantly.

By leveraging these event programming and merchandising strategies, you can create an immersive and interactive environment for customers, where your branded games are at the heart of the experience. This will not only boost customer engagement but will also promote your brand in innovative and exciting ways that go beyond traditional advertising.Ask ChatGPT

9. Digital & Social Engagement:

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1. Incorporate Games into Social Media Content (Reels, TikTok Challenges, Giveaways):

• Reels and TikTok Challenges: Create short, engaging Reels or TikTok challenges featuring your games, encouraging users to participate and showcase their own skills. For example, a #CornholeChallenge where people can share their best shots, with the chance to win a prize or get featured on your page. This taps into the viral nature of social media platforms, encouraging organic participation.
• Interactive Giveaways: Run social media contests where followers are encouraged to tag friends, share the post, or create a video featuring your branded game sets (e.g., a beer pong tournament challenge). Make the prize something exciting, like a free branded game set, to increase entries and interactions.
• Influencer Engagement: Partner with local influencers or micro-influencers to feature your games in their social media content. Have them create fun, interactive videos playing your games, such as cornhole, ping pong, or Jenga, that showcase how they integrate with your venue or event. Their audiences will be more likely to engage with your brand through shared excitement and participation.
• Seasonal Content: Use the changing seasons or upcoming holidays to tailor your social media content. For example, post a Halloween-themed cornhole game setup on Instagram with spooky props and custom designs to match the season, inviting users to comment with their favorite Halloween activities or games.

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2. Encourage User-Generated Content by Providing Photogenic Game Setups:

• Visually Appealing Game Setups: Design your game spaces to be Instagram-worthy or TikTok-friendly, making sure each game setup has striking visual elements that encourage customers to take photos. Consider including decorative backdrops, unique props, or festive lighting that can create beautiful and memorable photos.
• User-Generated Content Campaigns: Actively encourage customers to share their photos playing your branded games on social media by offering small incentives like discounts, free products, or shoutouts on your brand’s page. For example, create a #TaproomTossChallenge hashtag and reward the most creative photo or video.
• Branded Backdrops and Photo Ops: Set up designated areas with branded backdrops, props, or signage near your games. This creates a perfect photo opportunity for your guests while giving them a clear place to interact with your brand and share the experience online.
• Reposting User Content: Regularly engage with your followers by reposting their photos, tagging them, and showing appreciation for their participation. This not only promotes your brand, but it also makes your customers feel valued, turning them into advocates for your brand.

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3. Create a Branded Hashtag for Your Game Experience (e.g., #TaproomToss or #BrewsAndBoards):

• Hashtag Campaigns: Develop a unique, easy-to-remember branded hashtag that encapsulates your game experience. For instance, #TaproomToss for cornhole events or #BrewsAndBoards for any of your game-related taproom activities. Make sure to use the hashtag consistently across all your social media posts to build visibility and increase discoverability.
• Encourage Hashtag Use for Discounts: Incentivize customers to use the hashtag when posting about their game experiences in exchange for a small discount on future purchases, a chance to win a free game set, or exclusive access to VIP events. This boosts engagement and provides additional user-generated content.
• Feature Customer Posts: Actively monitor your branded hashtag and feature customer posts on your official channels. For example, repost photos from customers using #BrewsAndBoards showing off their skills in your game area. This creates a sense of community and reinforces your brand’s involvement in the local or digital scene.
• Hashtag for Event Tracking: Use your hashtag to track attendance and engagement during special events. For example, post about an upcoming bar league cornhole competition and ask participants to use #TaproomTossLeague. This will allow you to measure how much content is generated from the event and can provide an easy way to follow up with participants for future promotions.

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10. Customer Feedback & Experience:

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1. Monitor Reviews Across Platforms for Mentions of Games (TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google):

• Automated Alerts for Mentions: Set up Google Alerts, or use a reputation management tool to track mentions of your games or branded experiences on popular review platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google Reviews. This allows you to stay proactive in responding to feedback and promoting positive experiences.
• Engage with Positive Feedback: When customers mention your games in a positive light, respond promptly and thank them for their feedback. Consider encouraging them to leave a more detailed review about their experience or to share photos on social media, enhancing the visibility of their experience.
• Address Negative Reviews Proactively: If a negative review mentions any issues related to the game experience, respond professionally and promptly, offering solutions and asking for more details to resolve the issue. Show that you care about their experience, and if applicable, offer a complimentary experience to make up for their dissatisfaction.
• Incorporate Feedback into Improvement: Pay attention to common feedback trends, whether positive or negative, and use that information to improve the game setup, rules, or overall experience. For example, if customers frequently mention that a particular game was too complicated to understand, consider offering clear instructions or staff guidance during the game.

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2. Train Staff to Encourage Gameplay and Guide Newcomers:

• Empower Staff with Knowledge: Ensure your staff members are knowledgeable about the games and can explain the rules to newcomers in an engaging and approachable way. Offer training sessions to staff to improve their game knowledge and ability to coach new players. This will ensure that customers feel comfortable and confident joining the games.
• Encourage Participation: Train staff to encourage customers to engage with the games. They can suggest a quick round of cornhole or a mini ping pong challenge to get guests involved. Consider offering small incentives like free drink tickets for participants.
• Be Proactive with Game Setups: Make staff responsible for making sure the games are properly set up and maintained at all times. If a game area looks uninviting or in disrepair, it may discourage customers from participating. Staff should also be trained to assess when to clean or replace game components as necessary to keep things fresh.
• Customer Engagement: Staff should use positive reinforcement to cheer players on, giving customers the feeling that they’re having fun and encouraging repeat participation. A simple “Nice shot!” can go a long way in making customers feel engaged.

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3. Use In-Person Feedback to Iterate Game Placement, Rules Signage, or Staff Interaction:

• Physical Feedback Channels: Set up feedback stations or comment cards near game areas, where customers can share suggestions or thoughts about their experience. Encourage them to suggest new games or share their thoughts on the placement of current games within the space.
• Direct Interaction: Staff should ask players for real-time feedback during the games, especially for new setups or events. For example, “How’s the cornhole game working for you?” or “Is the space comfortable for the game?” This ensures you’re getting accurate, actionable feedback.
• Incorporate Feedback into Design: If customers suggest that a particular game area feels cramped or difficult to access, consider redesigning the layout to create more space. For example, shifting cornhole sets or ping pong tables to a more open part of the venue could enhance the overall experience.
• Signage and Instructions: Use customer feedback to improve or clarify game signage or rules instructions. For example, if players are confused about the rules of a specific game, consider adding more detailed instructions or visual guides near the game area to improve the overall user experience.

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By incorporating digital engagement strategies and leveraging customer feedback, you can create a dynamic, customer-driven game experience that continually evolves based on audience input. This not only keeps your customers engaged but also reinforces your brand’s reputation for innovation and responsiveness.

11. ROI & Measurement:

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1. Track Review Mentions of Games (Set Up Keyword Alerts):

• Set Up Keyword Alerts on Review Platforms: Use tools like Google Alerts or Brand24 to monitor keywords related to your games (e.g., “cornhole”, “beer pong”, “game night”) across various review platforms such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google Reviews. This will help you stay on top of customer sentiment and respond to feedback quickly.
• Custom Alert Setup for Events: Set up specific alerts for each game-related event or campaign (e.g., “Taproom Tournament” or “Summer Series Cornhole”) to ensure you’re tracking all mentions tied to those events.
• Monitoring Trends: Analyze trends in keywords over time. If your game experiences are consistently getting positive mentions, you can correlate this data to broader business metrics like dwell time, merchandise sales, or repeat visits.
• Use Alerts for Competitive Research: Set alerts for competitors’ game mentions or industry-related keywords to understand how your games are stacking up against others and stay ahead of market trends.

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2. Measure Merch Sales Linked to Game Equipment:

• Track Merchandise Sales by SKU: Ensure that you have separate SKUs for game equipment and related merchandise (e.g., branded game sets, custom paddles, or game accessories) to track how these items perform individually in your sales system (e.g., POS or e-commerce platform).
• Link Game Purchases with Experiences: Measure the sales of game-related merchandise by creating promotion codes or bundles that link game purchases with in-venue experiences. For example, “Buy a Cornhole Set, Get a Free Drink” can create a direct correlation between in-venue play and product sales.
• Analyze Seasonal Variations: Look at sales data over different seasons or events to identify any patterns. For example, holiday-themed games or limited-edition merchandise may sell better during specific times of the year, influencing your overall sales strategy.
• Identify Top-Selling Items: Break down sales reports to identify which games or merchandise items are performing the best. This allows you to focus on promoting the most successful products or tweak less popular ones to improve sales.

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3. Evaluate Social Media Engagement on Game-Related Posts:

• Track Engagement Metrics: Use analytics tools (e.g., Instagram Insights, Facebook Analytics, or Sprout Social) to track engagement on game-related posts. This includes likes, comments, shares, and new followers that stem from posts showcasing your branded games.
• Content Performance Analysis: Evaluate which type of content (e.g., game competitions, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes of game setup) resonates the most with your audience. Track the engagement rates for each post type to identify the content that drives the most interaction.
• Hashtag Tracking: Monitor engagement on posts featuring branded hashtags like #TaproomToss or #BrewsAndBoards to see how widely your games are being shared and discussed. Evaluate the level of user-generated content and use that as a metric of community involvement.
• Influencer and Sponsored Content: If you’ve partnered with influencers, track the performance of their posts related to your games. Measure the reach, engagement, and conversion driven by these collaborations to assess their ROI.

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4. Calculate Dwell Time and Return Visit Rate Among Guests Who Engage with Games:

• Dwell Time Tracking: Use data from your POS system or mobile app (if available) to calculate how long customers stay at your venue when they engage with games. Cross-reference the dwell time of customers who play games versus those who don’t to see how much longer engaged customers tend to stay.
• Monitor Return Visit Rate: Use customer data to track how often people who engage with games return to your venue. This can be done through loyalty programs or email marketing systems that track repeat visits. Guests who engage with your games may be more likely to become regulars.
• Customer Segmentation: Segment your customers based on their game participation. Identify whether certain demographics (e.g., age group, spending level) are more likely to engage with games and return more often. Use this data to target your marketing and promotions for maximum impact.
• Correlation with Revenue: Measure how changes in dwell time and return visits impact overall revenue. For example, if customers who engage with games tend to spend more on drinks or food, this could significantly boost your revenue strategy.

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12. Game Rentals & Corporate Packages:

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1. Offer Game Sets for Event Rentals (With Your Logo on Every Board):

• Custom Game Rental Packages: Create game rental packages that include custom-branded boards and accessories, such as cornhole sets, ping pong tables, and ring toss kits. Offer tiered pricing depending on the rental duration (e.g., hourly, daily, or weekly rates) and customize the experience for corporate clients or private events.
• Logo and Branding on Rentals: Ensure that your logo is prominently displayed on each game set. This could include printing or engraving your logo on the cornhole boards, paddles, and other game pieces to reinforce brand visibility during rentals.
• Package Add-Ons: Offer additional add-ons to game rental packages, such as customizable bags, themed game sets, or staff for game setup and management. These options can make your service more attractive for corporate events or private parties.
• Online Rental Platform: Set up an easy-to-use online booking system for customers to rent game sets. Provide details about game types, pricing, delivery options, and customization so that renting becomes as straightforward as possible for event planners.

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2. Create B2B Packages for Team-Building, Office Parties, or Branded Campaigns:

• Corporate Team-Building Events: Create B2B packages designed specifically for corporate team-building activities. These could include custom-designed games like cornhole tournaments or office ping pong leagues where your branded games become a fun and effective team-building tool.
• Office Party Packages: Offer office party packages that include game sets such as branded cornhole, giant Jenga, or flip cup tournaments, making your games the centerpiece of corporate events. Consider offering themed game sets based on the company’s brand or event theme (e.g., company logo on game pieces).
• Branded Campaigns: Provide branded versions of your game sets for marketing campaigns. This can include customized board games with company logos or promotional game sets given away as corporate gifts. Tailor packages for trade shows, conferences, or special events where your games can help increase brand visibility.
• Scalable Packages: Offer packages of varying size to accommodate small or large teams, ensuring your offerings appeal to businesses of all sizes. For example, a small team package for 10 people and a large corporate package for up to 100 guests, each with custom branding and setup.

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3. Provide Shipping and Easy Setup Instructions for Off-Site Use:

• Shipping and Delivery Solutions: Ensure seamless shipping options for customers who want to rent or purchase games for off-site use. This could include flat-rate shipping or local delivery services for bulk rentals or purchases, ensuring timely arrival for corporate events or private parties.
• Setup Instructions & Support: Provide clear and detailed setup instructions for customers, ensuring that they can easily assemble and start playing without confusion. Consider creating instructional videos or downloadable PDFs that explain how to set up and use the game equipment.
• On-Site Support for Large Events: Offer on-site staff for large events to assist with setup, monitoring the games, and handling any customer concerns. This can be an additional value-added service for businesses that want a seamless event experience.
• Pre-Packaged Game Kits: For added convenience, provide pre-packaged game kits that include everything needed for the event, along with simple checklists for setup and breakdown. This minimizes customer effort and ensures that they can focus on the event itself.

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By implementing these ROI & Measurement strategies and enhancing Game Rentals & Corporate Packages, you can maximize both customer engagement and revenue opportunities. Tracking key metrics ensures your business is operating efficiently, while offering tailored solutions for corporate clients and events creates long-term relationships and brand loyalty.

13. Marketing Collateral & Mockups:

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1. Develop Mockups of Branded Game Sets for Clients, Resellers, or Marketing Use:

• High-Resolution Mockups: Create photorealistic digital mockups of your branded game sets, such as cornhole boards, ping pong tables, and game accessories, using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Cinema 4D. Make sure the mockups showcase the branding and designs prominently in various angles and use cases (e.g., at a taproom, outdoor events).
• Showcase Customization Options: Develop a series of mockups that highlight the customization possibilities for clients or resellers, showcasing various branding options (logos, colors, textures, etc.). Provide mockups for different game setups: large tournaments, intimate gatherings, or corporate events.
• Contextual Mockups: Place the mockups in context—like showing a branded cornhole set on a bar patio or during a corporate retreat—to help clients visualize how your games will look in real-world scenarios. Use high-quality backgrounds, such as outdoor settings, event spaces, or taprooms, that match the aesthetic of the client’s target audience.
• Animation for Online Use: For digital platforms, create animated mockups that showcase the transformation of game equipment from plain to branded versions, highlighting the versatility of your designs. This adds a dynamic touch to your marketing materials.
• Interactive Digital Showcases: Offer interactive elements in mockups for online use, such as 360-degree views of the games or an interactive configurator where clients can experiment with different logo placements, colors, and patterns. Use tools like 3D rendering or interactive HTML5 to make it more engaging.

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2. Use Those Visuals in Digital Campaigns, Sales Decks, and Flyers:

• Sales Decks: Incorporate your branded game mockups into PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides presentations for B2B meetings with resellers, corporate clients, or event planners. These slides can showcase product features, customization options, and specific campaigns or promotions.
• Website Integration: Add mockups to your website’s product page or dedicated brand kit section, where clients and partners can easily download images for use in their own campaigns or marketing materials. Ensure the images are of high quality and scalable to different resolutions.
• Email Marketing Campaigns: Include branded visuals in email newsletters, highlighting the latest game sets and special promotions. These can be designed as eye-catching headers or full-page spreads to maximize visual impact.
• Promotional Flyers: Design flyers featuring the mockups and key product details for distribution at trade shows, events, or direct mail campaigns. Use bold calls to action like “Order Now” or “Limited Edition” to generate urgency and attract attention.
• Social Media Posts: Adapt the mockups for use on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn by crafting post templates showcasing the branded games in lifestyle settings. Ensure your visuals are optimized for platform-specific sizes and formats (e.g., Instagram stories, Facebook ads).

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3. Partner with a Vendor Like Promotoss to Streamline Production and Fulfillment:

• Design Collaboration: Partner with Promotoss to streamline the production process, ensuring your mockups are faithfully translated into real-world products. Share the mockup designs directly with your production partner to ensure seamless communication from design to manufacturing.
• Supply Chain Efficiency: Work with Promotoss to optimize fulfillment and delivery times. This includes ensuring that branded game sets are delivered on time for promotional events, corporate clients, or resale partners. Regularly update inventory and sales dashboards to track stock and reorders.
• Co-Branding Opportunities: Leverage Promotoss’ reputation as a trusted vendor to co-market your game sets in collaborative campaigns. Display Promotoss-branded or co-branded materials (e.g., logos, web banners) to show the partnership’s credibility and increase client trust.

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14. Testimonial & Social Proof Integration:

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1. Pull Top-Tier Quotes from Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Reddit Highlighting Your Game Experience:

• Customer Feedback Collection: Monitor review platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Reddit for mentions of your games. Use tools like Brandwatch, Hootsuite, or ReviewTrackers to aggregate customer feedback and identify standout reviews that highlight customer experiences.
• Quote Selection: Choose testimonials that emphasize key aspects of your game experiences, such as fun atmosphere, quality equipment, and positive customer interactions. Use these quotes to create authentic and relatable marketing messages.
• Use Social Media Mentions: Include mentions and quotes from social media platforms (e.g., Instagram stories or Twitter) to highlight user-generated content and build a sense of community engagement around your games.

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2. Feature Testimonials in Marketing Emails, Signage, and Web Banners:

• Email Campaigns: In your email newsletters or promotional emails, integrate customer quotes directly into the body of your emails. Place these testimonials near call-to-action buttons or highlight them at the top of the email to build immediate credibility and trust.
• Event Signage: Use customer testimonials in event signage at taprooms, corporate events, or trade shows. Create large-scale banners or posters with a bold testimonial (e.g., “Best game night ever! – Sarah, Yelp Review”) alongside visuals of your branded game sets.
• Web Banners and Pop-ups: Use social proof to boost engagement on your website. Add testimonials as part of your web banners, pop-ups, or landing pages where users can see real customer feedback and feel more confident in their purchase or booking decision.
• Trust Badges: Incorporate quotes into trust badges or testimonials boxes in key areas like product detail pages or checkout pages, ensuring potential customers feel assured of the quality of your games.

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3. Use Third-Party Praise to Validate ROI to Stakeholders:

• Quarterly Reports: Highlight positive testimonials and mentions in your quarterly business reports or presentations to stakeholders. Show how customer feedback and social proof are directly linked to increased sales, higher engagement, or greater brand loyalty.
• Case Studies and Success Stories: Use top testimonials as part of larger case studies or success stories that demonstrate how your games have positively impacted customer experiences, increased brand recognition, and improved business outcomes.
• Client Pitch Decks: Incorporate third-party praise into client pitch decks to give credibility to your offerings. Use a combination of quotes, ratings, and customer images to bolster your claims during meetings with potential clients, resellers, or partners.
• Press Kits: Create a media or press kit that includes key testimonials and quotes from recognized platforms to share with potential media outlets or influencers. This serves as a great starting point for building PR efforts and media relations.

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By incorporating these marketing collateral & mockup strategies and effectively using testimonials & social proof, you can strengthen your brand image, increase customer trust, and ultimately drive sales and engagement.

Discover our basketball games, including Prize Putt and Tabletop Tic Tac Toe. Related content includes beach games and Promotoss music video. For continued reading, check out outdoor game marketing and gamified marketing ideas.