How Leveraging Influencers for Entertainment Marketing Can Turn Your Brand into the Main Attraction

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Ever wondered how the hottest entertainment venues and experiences become the talk of the town? In today’s digital age, it all comes down to unforgettable entertainment marketing strategies and influencers who know how to help create them.

That’s because influencers aren’t just talking about entertainment—they’re living it. They’re the ones who can turn a regular movie night into an epic adventure or transform a concert into a shared memory that lingers long after the last note.

That powerful influence is currently being felt by entertainment brands worldwide. And in this blog, we’ll discuss how your business can harness it to drive awareness and traffic like never before.

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A woman with yellow paint powder in an example of entertainment marketing influencers

How can influencers help improve entertainment branding?

Influencers are the ultimate boosters for entertainment branding. Here are a handful of different ways their authenticity, relatability, and reach can be an invaluable asset to your entertainment marketing strategy:

  • Increase attendance and ticket sales.
  • Improve brand awareness.
  • Unlock cost-effective marketing potential.
  • Build a positive online reputation.
  • Reach hyper-targeted audiences. 

Increase attendance and ticket sales.

Influencers can create excitement and anticipation perfect for entertainment marketing. By showcasing the atmosphere and sharing their experience at entertainment venues, these creators can drive interest and curiosity and ultimately get more people through the door.

Keep in mind: Influencers aren’t just saying, “Hey, go check this place out.” They’re taking their followers on a journey. And by doing so, they become the bridge between your brand and potential customers.

The best creators add a personal touch and relatability that traditional ads often miss. As a result, you become more than just a venue or service; you’re a place where cool, relatable people are having a blast, and everyone wants to be a part of the action. 

Improve brand awareness.

Let’s say you’ve got a killer venue that’s the place to be on a Friday night. Everyone who goes there loves it, but you need to get the word out because attendance isn’t quite where you’d like it to be.

That’s where entertainment influencers come in. These creators have their own dedicated followers who trust their tastes and opinions. So, when an influencer steps into your spot and has a blast, guess what happens? They’re not just having a good time—they’re creating buzz among their audience and getting them to pay attention to you.

When influencers share their adventures, they’re showing your business in a whole new light. They’re capturing the energy, the vibe, the excitement of being there. And their followers aren’t just passive viewers. They’re actively engaging with the content, leaving comments, asking questions, and sharing it with their friends. 

Unlock cost-effective marketing potential.

Print ads, billboards, radio spots—these are all dated advertising methods. Not to mention, they’ll cost you a pretty penny.

Entertainment influencers, on the other hand, can provide even more traction at a fraction of the cost. The key is finding a creator who aligns with your mission and is genuinely passionate about what you’re offering. 

For example, a sports venue could hook an influencer up with some free tickets and a few in-game perks. In turn, the creator posts about it, leveraging their trust and engagement with their audience to get more people jazzed about attending the next game. By doing this, you’ve created some serious interest among your target audience for the price of a couple of free tickets. 

Build a positive online reputation.

Influencers have the incredible power to shape perceptions when it comes to entertainment marketing. Their quality content and contagious enthusiasm result in a full library of pictures and videos showcasing all the fun, energy, and awesome moments you have to offer.

In a way, influencers become your online cheerleaders. They’re the ones rallying their followers and creating a chorus of positivity around your brand. And it’s not just about one-time posts; it’s a lasting impact. Those posts stay out there, reminding people that your venue is the place to be for an unforgettable time. 

Reach hyper-targeted audiences. 

Traditional entertainment marketing is like casting a wide net and hoping you catch the right fish. Influencer marketing, on the other hand, involves folks who know exactly where to drop their line. 

Influencers have a niche following and an audience that shares specific interests, passions, and vibes. So, when you partner with them, you’re not just reaching anyone; you’re reaching people who are likely to be super interested in what you have to offer.

The best part? These creators have done the groundwork for you. They’ve built a community of like-minded individuals who trust their taste and recommendations. So, when an influencer talks about something they’re truly passionate about, they’re speaking directly to the hearts of their followers.

Top niches leveraging influencers for entertainment marketing

Influencers are ripe for just about any entertainment marketing niche you can think of. Check out this quick list of some of the top attractions that should start enjoying the fruits today:

Amusement parks

@simplyyykatie Come with me to Alton Towers..🎢🎡 thanks to my @Carex soap and it's incred promotional offer – that you can all take advantage of too!🫶🏻 #lifesahandful #ad ♬ Kulture Klub (Sped up Version) – Lucy Tun

Paying the way for an influencer to spend the day at your park and encourage them to capture all the thrilling rides, tasty treats, and magical moments you have to offer. When they share that content with their followers, their authentic perspective makes your park irresistible, drawing new visitors eager to live that excitement for themselves.  

Casinos

@arod23pr @Mohegan Sun @PlayMohegan #arod23pr #casino #ad ♬ original sound – Arod23pr

Ready to roll the dice on some creative marketing strategies without breaking the bank? Influencers can boost your casino’s allure by showcasing the entertainment, luxury, and experiences it offers.

When audiences see these creators enjoying a night of gaming, fine dining, and a show, it creates FOMO for their followers. Their endorsements make your casino a must-visit for those seeking a similar experience, driving plenty of new footfall and engagement. 

Live betting and gaming sites

@mmmjoemele #ad The Day in the Life of my New York Father😂 @DraftKings #makeitreign #ad ♬ original sound – Joe Mele

Nothing enhances the appeal of live betting and gaming sites quite like sharing the thrill of real-time action. As influencers share the excitement and potential wins with their followers, it brings the rush of the game directly to their audience’s screens. It also never hurts to give your influencers a few perks and promo codes they can share with their fans to help boost adoption on your platform. 

Sports entertainment marketing

@chelseaasoflate Going back to the US Open is an ACE experience #withAmex Got to experience all the magic of this incredible Tournament with the perks of being a Card Member. The US Open @americanexpress Fan Experience was the perfect place to cool down, enjoy fun games + activities and grab some refreshments pre match! terms apply. #AmexAmbassador #ad ♬ GASLIGHT – INJI

Influencers and sports entertainment marketing are another all-star duo. Influencers can amp up the hype for sports venues by capturing the energy of a live game, the cheers of the crowd, and the camaraderie among fans at your venue.

When they share these moments with their followers, it’s like teleporting them to the front row of the action. Their posts inspire others to be part of the electrifying atmosphere, boosting attendance and creating a loyal fan community.

Movie theaters

@gwynethyuma Snag a small @Coca-Cola drink & small popcorn for only $5 with @amctheatres #FlavorMaker Combo! (with student ID) #amc #cocacolafreestyleusa #moviesnacks #ad ♬ original sound – Gwyneth • グウェネス

Movie theaters can boost ticket sales by encouraging Influencers to post exclusive previews and reviews, capture the energy ahead of a big premiere, or engage in discussions and analysis after the film. The authenticity and storytelling skills they provide are sure ways to pull people away from their little screens and in front of the big ones. 

Live music promotion

@gasolina_party DC always goes crazyyy 🔥 We’ll be back at @9:30 Club on Friday 7/14! Tix ➡️ gasolina.us #reggaetonparty #gasolinaparty #washingtondc #930club ♬ original sound – Gasolina Party ⛽️

Influencers bring a unique spark to live music venues, making performances unforgettable memories. And as they share these moments with their followers, it’s like passing on an invitation to an exclusive music experience.

Influencers also have a knack for creating a sense of anticipation. For example, a creator might tease their followers with hints about an upcoming gig at your venue to get their audience talking about what could be in store for them. And when the big day arrives, fans are already pumped up to be there in person.

Ticketing resale and discovery

@horchata_soto Our VIP Nation package even included a Q&A with Foreigner!! Oh.. and the views from the venue just made it even more magical 🌅 #livenationpartner @Live Nation Concerts ♬ original sound – Jorge Soto

Ticketing resale companies get a nice boost when influencers share personal anecdotes about using the service. For instance, the influencer might create a video or post sharing tips on how they navigated the ticketing process, found great deals, or secured last-minute tickets. Their followers get a firsthand glimpse into how your platform makes it possible to be part of exciting events, even when tickets seem scarce.

Nightclubs

@bongersyara Party time #versuz #nightlife #comewithme #foryoupage #goingout #goingoutoutfit ♬ original sound – Mike Demero

Influencers can light up nightclubs by turning the spotlight on the experience they offer and inviting followers to the ultimate party. Thanks to the relationships these creators have built with their audience, securing a recommendation from a respected influencer is just as valuable to your target audience as advice from a friend on where to have an epic night out.  

Streaming platforms

@max_balegde I AM ON THE ABSOLUTE EDGE, NEXT EPISODE NOW!!! #TheWitcher @Netflix ♬ original sound – Max_Balegde

Streaming services take on a whole new life when influencers start getting hyped about their platform and content. We’ve all seen how a popular show can go gangbusters on social media when the right people start talking about it, so the viral nature of influencer marketing makes partnering with creators an ideal match.

Influencers are also great for tips and best practices. They might share how they curate their watchlist, find hidden gems, or even host discussions about plot twists and character developments. Their followers see them as fellow fans, making the platform’s content feel more relatable.

Museums

@jenz_losangeles Come with me to the grammy museum✨ in LA 🥳 first time trying an actual voiceover lmk if is better #la #thingstodo #losangeles #grammy #museum #dtla #downtown #bucketlist #fun #dateidea #exploring ♬ Funny Background – Stefani

When influencers head to the museum, their followers can learn in a way that feels like a friendly conversation. Curiosity is the driving force for museum-goers, and relevant creators are the perfect ones to pique it. Whether hosting live Q&A sessions with museum experts or encouraging their followers to ask questions and delve deeper into the exhibits, this interactive approach turns passive learning into an active exploration.

Zoos and aquariums

@nicolerice22 forever and always my fav aquarium 🩵🦈 (shameless plug go hit up the silly new shark week post on my instagram😽) #sharks #aquarium #sharkweek #oceanaesthetic #shark #utah #pettingsharks #vlog #videodiary #aquariumvlog #sharkegg #aquariumdate #aquariums #sharkgirl #hornshark #bambooshark #blacktipshark #reefshark #sharkencounter ♬ original sound – Leo 🎸

Influencers have the power to turn zoos and aquariums into their own virtual safari. Sharing these moments with their followers creates excitement for everything the exhibits and attractions have to offer, encouraging folks to come to check it out in person.

But leveraging influencers isn’t just good for business—it can be good for the animals, too. A creator who truly cares about wildlife might partner with conservation organizations and use their platform to raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of protecting their habitats.

Fairs and festivals

@jaidabunni My favorite part of the year!!!🎡 #minnesota #minnesotastatefair #minnesotastatefair2023 @Minnesota State Fair ♬ Jazz Bossa Nova – TOKYO Lonesome Blue

Want some additional fanfare for the next fair or festival? Influencers are the ticket to drawing in bigger crowds and turning them into loyal attendees. They can also create a sense of urgency for an upcoming event by promoting limited-time attractions that encourage their followers to take action before time runs out. Doing so adds a touch of FOMO that nudges people to attend.

Interactive experiences

@thedateconnoisseur SAW inspired escape room🪚 #thedateconnoisseur #sawtheexperience #escaperoom #london ♬ original sound – The Date Connoisseur 🫶🏽

Influencers can ignite interest by showcasing the immersive nature of an interactive event. Their authentic stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and enthusiasm create a buzz that attracts curious participants. When creators share how much they enjoyed an escape room challenge, a VR experience, or a themed dinner, and so forth, it’s essentially like a direct invitation that sparks curiosity and pulls people in the door. 

Key takeaway: Entertainment marketing influencers get visitors through the door and keep them coming back for more.

Ready to start working with the ultimate hype builders in entertainment marketing? Then it’s time to start seeking out influencers who know how to make you the name everyone is talking about. By highlighting your best features and offering special deals and exclusive discounts, creators can keep the loyalty flame burning and turn one-time visitors into life-long fans. 

Updated: March 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Entertainment marketing refers to the strategies and activities that promote and advertise various forms of entertainment, such as movies, music, live events, theme parks, gaming, and more. It involves using creative and engaging tactics to capture the attention of target audiences and encourage their participation or consumption of entertainment content or experiences.

In other words, entertainment marketing is like throwing a spotlight on all the fun stuff people enjoy. It’s all about getting the word out to new and repeat customers in exciting ways, like using catchy ads and creating social media buzz by partnering with creators who can drive interest, attendance, and long-term loyalty. 

Entertainment & influencer marketing is the dynamic partnership between entertainment brands and influential individuals. It involves leveraging influencers’ reach and credibility to promote and amplify entertainment content, events, or experiences. Through collaborations, content sharing, and authentic endorsements, influencers help entertainment brands connect with their target audiences on a personal level, driving interest, engagement, and loyalty. 

An influencer in entertainment is a person with the ability to impact and shape the preferences and behaviors of their audience in the entertainment realm. Their authentic and relatable content makes them trusted sources of information and can greatly influence their followers’ choices, creating a valuable connection between entertainment brands and their target audience.

Some examples of entertainment marketing include: 

  • Influencer partnerships: Collaborating with influencers to review, endorse, or discuss entertainment offerings with their followers.
  • Premiere events: Hosting special events, premieres, or red carpet galas to create buzz around new movie releases or TV shows.
  • Branded merchandise: Designing and selling merchandise related to entertainment properties, like t-shirts, posters, and collectibles.
  • Music releases: Launching singles, albums, or music videos with strategic promotions to reach and engage the target audience.
  • Live streaming: Using live streaming platforms to showcase behind-the-scenes glimpses, Q&A sessions, or live performances.
  • Event promotions: Advertising and promoting events like concerts, festivals, and theme park attractions to draw attendees.

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Written by Quinn Schwartz

Quinn studied journalism at the University of Kentucky and now lives in Portland, Oregon. He’s particularly interested in storytelling in digital marketing and cost-effective creator strategies for smaller brands. When he’s not writing, you can find him at a concert, dog park, or debating whether or not to go on a run.

© Grin Technologies Inc. 2024. All rights reserved.

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