In the world of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), success isn’t just about having the latest arcade games, laser tag arenas, or VR experiences—it’s about getting people through the door, keeping them engaged, and turning them into loyal guests. You can have the best games in town, the coolest brand, or the brightest lights, but if no one knows you're there, you might as well be hosting a private party for your staff. P1AG wants your arcade to thrive - because it's all about spreading smiles!
The belief that "if you build it, they will come" sounds great in the movies, but in real life, the most successful FECs and arcades have strong marketing and digital strategies that keep their venues top of mind. You don’t need a Hollywood budget to think and act like a big brand (although a blockbuster budget would be nice).
As someone who has started, built, sold, and consulted many businesses through digital strategy, branding, and business development, I’ve observed firsthand how effective marketing can turn any business into the go-to destination in its community. Whether it’s an FEC, arcade, bowling alley, or any other local attraction, smart marketing isn’t just a tool—it’s the fuel that drives long-term success.
At Player One Amusement Group (P1AG), we’ve spent years helping FECs, arcades, theaters, and other other entertainment venues increase revenue and attract guests. I’ve personally worked with businesses that were sitting on goldmines but weren’t leveraging their full potential. A great arcade setup is only half the equation—the right marketing and engagement strategy is what turns a fun space into a thriving community hub.
After reviewing websites and social media accounts of FECs across North America, I’ve identified some key wins that can be deployed and have an immediate impact on your arcade's / FEC's revenue that I wanted to share.
Whether you’re running a small neighborhood arcade, a high-energy bowling alley, or a multi-attraction FEC, here are some practical, easy-to-implement strategies to boost your local presence and attract more guests.
Have a Strong Website That Works for Your FEC / Arcade
Your website is often the first impression guests have of your arcade or FEC. If it’s slow, outdated, or missing key information, they’ll move on—probably to a competitor. Think of your website as your digital front door—it needs to be inviting, informative, and easy to navigate.
When building or updating your website, be sure that every page is SEF (search engine friendly). SEO (search engine optimization) is an ongoing initiative that helps your potential customers find your website. There are plenty of great online resources on SEO, and we will share some of our tips and tricks to help your arcade / FEC be found online in future blogs and newsletters - but for now, laying out the foundation for an awesome website is key.
Here’s what your website should include:
- ✅ Professional visuals – High-quality images and engaging headings that reflect the fun and excitement of your venue.
- ✅ Detailed descriptions of attractions – Clearly list all available games and activities so guests know what to expect.
- ✅ New game releases & tournaments! – Keep guests excited by highlighting the hottest new games like Icee Slush Rush. Promote upcoming tournaments with prizes to drive repeat visits.
- ✅ Operating hours and pricing – Ensure this information is up-to-date and easy to find.
- ✅ Event and party booking system – A simple, intuitive booking experience increases conversions.
- ✅ Photo gallery – Showcasing smiling guests, exciting games, and delicious food helps potential visitors imagine their experience.
- ✅ Blog / News – A great way to keep your guests (and Google) updated!
- ✅ Links to social media – Make it easy for visitors to connect with you across different platforms.
💡Pro tip: Use free tools at your disposal such as: Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Page Manager to understand what your website visitors are doing or not doing on your website. Make incremental changes to optimize all of your efforts. It takes a bit of practice, but it will become second nature in no time. There are plenty of free training courses online to help you get started.
Embrace Social Media—Your Free Marketing Advantage
Social media is a must for arcades, bowling alleys, and FECs. It allows you to showcase the excitement of your venue, promote special events, and engage with your guests in real-time. The best part? It’s free (unless you’re running paid ads).
Here’s how to maximize your social media marketing efforts:
- 📸 Use high-quality visuals – Clear, well-lit photos and engaging videos make your posts more attractive.
- 📅 Promote new prizes! – Just added Nintendo Switch consoles, giant plush toys, and arcade game credits to your redemption counter? Post about it!
- 🎥 Utilize video content – Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels favor short, engaging videos that showcase your facility.
- 📢 Announce tournaments! – Hosting a Pac-Man Championship or a Mario Kart Showdown? Build hype online!
Social Media Image Size Guidelines
Be sure to size your images according to each platform's guidelines for the best results. (I popped them below for reference)
- Facebook – Posts: 1200x630px, Cover: 820x312px
- Instagram – Square: 1080x1080px, Reels: 1080x1920px
- TikTok – Videos: 1080x1920px
- X (formerly Twitter) – Header: 1600x900px, Posts: 1200x675px
💡 Pro tip: Use a tool like Hootsuite, HubSpot, ZOHO, or Buffer to schedule and automate posts while maintaining consistency.
Use Email Newsletters to Keep Guests Engaged
Email marketing is still one of the best ways to engage past visitors and keep them coming back for more. However, in this industry more than 70% of email opens happen on mobile devices, so your newsletters must be optimized for both desktop and mobile to ensure they display properly.
- 📧 Offer signup incentives – Free game credits or a chance to win exclusive merch.
- 📢 Highlight upcoming events – "Don't miss our Glow Arcade Night this Saturday!"
💡 Pro tip: Use Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or HubSpot for professional email automation. Always preview emails on both desktop and mobile before sending!
Get Involved in Your Local Community
Your local community is your biggest supporter. Getting involved at the grassroots level builds brand loyalty and keeps your arcade or FEC top of mind for families, schools, and event planners.
Here’s how to get involved:
- 🏅 Host an "Arcade Olympics" – Family vs. Family in a battle of the best!
- 🎉 Sponsor school events – Provide game night prizes or donate a free birthday party package for fundraising raffles.
- 👫 Partner with local businesses – Work with pizza shops and bowling alleys to create mutual promotions.
Give Back and Be a Community Staple
FECs thrive when they build meaningful relationships with the community. Giving back doesn’t just create goodwill—it fosters customer loyalty and keeps your brand top of mind.
Here’s how your FEC can give back:
- 🎮 Host charity gaming nights – A portion of proceeds goes to a local nonprofit, school, or youth program.
- 🤝 Support local fundraising efforts – Sponsor youth sports teams or local school events.
- 🎟️ Offer discounts for first responders, teachers, and military families – A simple thank-you goes a long way.
Marketing Your FEC / Arcade Should Be Fun, Too!
Marketing isn’t just a task—it’s an opportunity to showcase what makes your arcade amazing. The more fun you have creating content and engaging with guests, the better results you’ll see.
- 💡 Be creative and stay authentic – Fun and engaging content will always outperform generic promotions.
- 📊 Test and learn – Try different marketing strategies and track what works best.
- 🔄 Stay consistent – Regular communication and brand engagement create a loyal customer base.
At Player One Amusement Group (P1AG), we understand that running an FEC or arcade is about more than just operating games—it’s about creating an experience that keeps guests coming back. Need help optimizing your arcade setup, rotating games, ensuring your prizes are desirable, maximizing revenue, or developing a killer marketing strategy? We’re here to help. Let’s make your FEC the best it can be! Our revenue sharing partnerships are truly a win/win, and our marketing team is here to help.
