Why Push Messages Are the Secret to Audience Engagement for Arts & Culture Organizations
The Audience Engagement Challenge
Performing arts and cultural organizations face a growing challenge: keeping audiences engaged beyond the stage. Traditional marketing channels—email, social media, and direct mail—struggle to cut through the noise. Email open rates are declining, and social media algorithms limit organic reach, making it harder than ever to stay top-of-mind with patrons.
So how do you ensure your messages reach your audience at the right moment?
Enter push messages—a direct, real-time communication tool that fosters engagement before, during, and after a visitor’s experience. Whether it’s last-minute ticket sales, event reminders, or personalized content, push messages create meaningful touchpoints that enhance audience relationships and drive action.
The Power of Push Messages
1. Instant Visibility and Higher Engagement
Push messages grab attention the moment they appear on a user’s screen. Unlike emails that often go unread, push messages have a 90% delivery rate and a seven times higher click rate compared to emails (MoEngage). Nearly 40% of users interact with push messages within an hour of receiving them.
Real-world example: Mirvish Productions, one of Canada’s largest commercial theater companies, strategically schedules push messages three hours before each performance. This ensures patrons receive reminders about digital programs, real-time weather updates, and traffic alerts—enhancing their overall experience.
2. Strengthening Community Connection Beyond the Event
Engagement doesn’t stop when the curtain falls. push messages keep your audience connected, fostering loyalty and repeat attendance.
A study by Airship found that retention rates are nearly three times higher for users who receive at least one push notification within their first 90 days compared to those who don’t.
Real-world example: New World Symphony keeps audiences engaged by sending pre-show insights, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive updates to subscribers. This ongoing interaction has resulted in over 60% of app users opting in to receive push messages, reinforcing their sense of connection with the organization.
3. Personalized Messaging for Maximum Impact
Audiences are far more likely to engage with messages tailored to their interests. Personalized push messages generate four times higher engagement than generic messaging (Reckless Digital Marketing).
Real-world example: Thanksgiving Point, a nonprofit museum and garden complex, leverages automated push messages to deliver relevant updates based on visitor preferences. Whether it’s exhibit recommendations, ticket reminders, or special event alerts, their personalized approach ensures guests feel valued and engaged.
4. Cost-Effective, High-Impact Communication
Unlike SMS campaigns, which incur per-message costs, push messages are free to send at scale and offer rich user experiences with images, GIFs, and custom CTAs.
Real-world example: For an app with 50,000 downloads, sending a monthly SMS to every community member would cost nearly $10,000 in carrier fees annually. In contrast, push messages allow unlimited messaging at no additional cost, making them a budget-friendly engagement tool.
5. Event-Based Notifications for On-Site Engagement
Push messages can enhance the visitor experience by delivering messages when a show begins or ends. This ensures real-time communication and improves overall engagement.
How it works: Organizations can send automated notifications on a show start time, and when integrated with Tessitura, can identify ticket holders, providing relevant information such as event details, special offers, or exclusive content.
Real-world example: Many museums and performing arts venues have started using event-based push messages to welcome guests, share venue maps, and even provide guided tours through their mobile apps. This seamless interaction enhances the visitor experience by offering timely, relevant updates as they move through the space.
Why InstantEncore?
InstantEncore’s push notification system is designed specifically for arts and culture organizations, offering:
Seamless ticketing integration with Tessitura for event promotions
Personalized event updates that keep patrons engaged
Donor and membership engagement tools to drive contributions
Real-time audience interaction before, during, and after performances
Simple, user-friendly tools tailored for organizations of all sizes
Get Started with InstantEncore Today
It’s time to elevate your audience engagement strategy. Book a free demo and discover how push messages can transform your audience relationships—keeping them informed, engaged, and excited at every stage of their journey.
