The humble bulletin board remains a surprisingly effective marketing tool. Here’s why it should still be part of your strategy.

Tangible Impact & Local Engagement
Physical materials offer something digital often can’t: engagement. A well-designed bulletin board grabs attention and creates a lasting impression. Whether it’s a community event flyer or a club update, seeing it in person deepens the connection. Placed in high-traffic areas like arenas or coffee shops, bulletin boards ensure your message reaches the local community, creating a bridge between your club and its members.

High Visibility & Community Building
Bulletin boards stand out in ways online ads can’t. Unlike digital banners that can be ignored, a striking display on a bulletin board is hard to miss. Beyond marketing, they help build community by sharing news, promoting events, and strengthening connections among local members. They provide a space to showcase club achievements, volunteer opportunities, and more, fostering a stronger sense of belonging.

Keeping It Fresh
To maintain impact, keep your bulletin board updated. Stale content can signal neglect, while fresh visuals and timely announcements attract new visitors and remind regulars that your club is active and thriving. Keeping it fresh keeps people coming back.

Complementing Digital Marketing
Bulletin boards and digital marketing work best together. Flyers can drive traffic to your website, while digital posts can direct people to bulletin boards for exclusive updates. This combined approach enhances your overall marketing impact.

The Value of Handcrafted Content
Handmade designs, though simple, resonate with authenticity. Personalized content on bulletin boards—whether a hand-drawn flyer or a quirky, custom display—adds a personal touch that mass-produced digital ads can’t replicate. It builds a stronger, more genuine connection with your audience.

Quick Ideas
Using black poster board as the background for your entire bulletin board can help make white or colored paper an eye-catching display. Or use your clubs’ colors only for a uniformed and club spirit appearance. Though some information will remain the same (website address, etc.), each week (yes, each week!) 1-3 things should change on your bulletin board; whether it is a notice, a picture, a good luck message to skaters for an up-coming competition or congratulation on tests passed or placing announcement, keeping it fresh and informative weekly, keeps club members and passerby’s engaged.

Examples of My Personal Successful Engagement Displays
In my experience, creative, seasonal displays work wonders. For the holidays, I set up a toy train circling a lit-up village, complete with snow and a frozen lake mirror. The whimsical setup caught the eye of both kids and adults. For Halloween, I used a spooky poster attached to a tombstone saying “join us” in a creepy font with information on our group programs, complete with a hand coming out of the ‘ground’ in front of the tombstone and a motion-detecting goblin, which had both parents and kids remarking, “cool”. A “Quote of the Week” also keeps people engaged—parents each week stopping to read the quote though their child was not involved with our sport.

Residual Impact
As your displays catch the eye of passersby, they spark curiosity. Other ice users begin sprucing up their own bulletin boards and dusting off their trophy cases, hoping to capture some of the attention drawn by the energy your content creates and the informative and vibrant displays. Your arena manager and workers will appreciate the refreshed atmosphere, too.

Conclusion
Bulletin boards (and trophy cases) remain a powerful, cost-effective marketing tool. Their ability to engage local audiences and complement digital efforts makes them invaluable. Next time you pass by a bulletin board, take a moment to appreciate its role in connecting people. How will you use this timeless tool to strengthen your marketing today?

Save Time & Get Inspired: Free Download 48 Weeks of Quotes + Bulletin Board Headings
If you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve put together a free downloadable resource of 48 weeks of quotes you can use for your own bulletin board. Whether you’re seeking something inspiring, humorous, or thought-provoking, these quotes can help keep your display fresh and engaging all year long. Headings are an excellent way to keep your board organized and visually appealing. Even if there isn’t a notice under a specific heading one week, having the section clearly labeled signals to readers that this topic is on your radar. It encourages them to check back regularly to see when new information is added.

Wanna Bounce Some Idea’s around?
You’d like to make your bulletin board the standout feature of your community or arena. With so many possibilities, it can be hard to know where to start—or maybe you’d like some feedback on your current display. I’d love to help! I offer a complimentary 30-minute session to brainstorm creative ideas and strategies for your bulletin board or marketing efforts or if your shy, send me your questions at he***@ch**********.com. Subject: Bulletin Board

Is your club’s bulletin board something you’re proud of – Send me a picture—I’d be happy to share and include your inspiration in this blog post!