Paid Ads vs. Organic Social

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, indoor pickleball clubs and pickleball facilities need a strong marketing strategy to stand out, attract new players, and retain existing members. But when it comes to pickleball marketing, what works best - paid ads or organic social media?

Both strategies have unique advantages, and for pickleball clubs, the right approach can make all the difference in customer acquisition and membership growth. Let’s explore the benefits of paid advertising and organic social media and how combining both can help your pickleball facility grow.
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What Are Paid Ads?

Paid ads are advertisements on platforms like Facebook and Instagram designed to target specific pickleball players based on location, interests, and demographics. These ads can be optimized to drive membership sign-ups, clinic registrations, tournament sign ups & much more.
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Benefits of Paid Ads for Pickleball Clubs:

• Instant Visibility – Reach hundreds of thousands of potential pickleball players on demand.
• Targeted Customer Acquisition – Advertise to players near your pickleball facility or those interested in indoor pickleball.
• Scalability – Adjust ad spend to increase traffic on demand.
• Measurable ROI – Track ad performance, conversions, and cost per acquisition using our integrations with CourtReserve & PodPlay.

You can learn more about pickleball advertising here: The Economics of Pickleball Advertising
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Challenges of Paid Ads:

• Requires a budget to run effectively.
• Needs regular optimization for best results.
• If not well-targeted, ads may reach the wrong audience.
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What Is Organic Social Media?

Organic social media refers to free content shared on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to engage with pickleball players and create brand awareness. This includes match highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, event promotions, member testimonials & much more.
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Benefits of Organic Social Media for Pickleball Clubs:

• Builds Trust & Community – Showcases real experiences from members and highlights club culture.
• No Ad Spend Required – Unlike paid advertising, organic posts are free, making it a budget-friendly marketing strategy.
• Encourages Engagement – Share user-generated content, tournament updates, and social media polls to keep your audience active.
• Long-Term Growth – Over time, consistent organic content builds a strong pickleball brand.
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Challenges of Organic Social:

• Takes time to see significant growth.
• Limited reach due to social platforms prioritizing paid content.
• Requires consistent posting and engagement.
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‍Which Strategy Works Best for Pickleball Clubs?

For pickleball facilities looking to acquire new players and grow membership, a hybrid strategy - combining both paid ads and organic social media works best.

Paid ads allow clubs to quickly reach and convert new members, while organic social media fosters long-term engagement and brand loyalty. Clubs that leverage both strategies can maximize growth, build stronger connections with their community, and create a sustainable marketing system.
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Final Thoughts

For pickleball clubs aiming to attract new players, drive court bookings, and increase membership sales, leveraging both paid advertising and organic social media is essential. Paid ads generate immediate results, while organic content strengthens community engagement over time.

If you need expert support in advertising your pickleball facility, we specialize in running high-converting Facebook and Instagram ads for pickleball clubs. The best part? You won't need to lift a finger.

Our team handles everything from the ad design, to publishing & management, a custom CRM set up, automated SMS & campaigns, and automated reporting, that way you know your ad dollars are returning a profit.

Interested in learning more about how we can help your club attract more players?