Attracting new members to your pickleball group

Growth doesn't happen by accident. If you want to attract new players to your pickleball community, you need a proactive marketing strategy. The good news is that you don't need a huge budget. Here are five effective strategies to get more players on your courts.

This is the single most effective way to attract new players. Many people are 'pickle-curious' but intimidated to join an existing group. Host a free 90-minute clinic once a month. Cover the basic rules, scoring, and on-court etiquette. You'll not only grow the sport but also create a pipeline of new members for your group.

Create a dedicated Facebook page or Instagram account for your group. Consistency is key. Post high-quality photos and videos of your members having fun, share weekly event schedules, and celebrate your players. Use relevant hashtags like #[YourCity]Pickleball to increase discoverability.

Think outside the court. Print simple flyers and ask to post them at local community centers, libraries, coffee shops, and recreation departments. These high-traffic areas are filled with people looking for new social and fitness activities.

Your current members are your best marketers. Implement a simple referral program. For example, 'Bring a new player, and both of you get 50% off your next drop-in fee.' This encourages word-of-mouth marketing, which is incredibly powerful.

When a potential new member finds you, their next step must be simple. A messy spreadsheet or a confusing sign-up process is a major turn-off. Use a platform like paddlX to create a clean, professional-looking home page where new players can easily see upcoming events, create a profile, and sign up in a few clicks.