How to attract new players to Airsoft?

[Reef]

Sorry, my marketing head is vibrating (ooerr)

Is there a way to access the UKARA database to find out things like increase/decrease in membership, active members, geographic location, age, etc?

This could be good data on the current membership and possibly show areas for growth. 

It won't show us how to target them but if we know there's an increase in member under 20 years old (for example) we can promote to those people in there mediums.   

 

[DanBow]

Sorry, my marketing head is vibrating (ooerr)

Is there a way to access the UKARA database to find out things like increase/decrease in membership, active members, geographic location, age, etc?

This could be good data on the current membership and possibly show areas for growth. 

It won't show us how to target them but if we know there's an increase in member under 20 years old (for example) we can promote to those people in there mediums.   

Would a Freedom of Information request work?

Edit: apparently not

point 11 - Here

Data is not available, or accessible, to any third party organisation, individual, or for any other purpose than directly related to airsoft RiF purchase.

 

[Poach]

Would UKARA even count as an appropriate organisation as far as sporting recognition would go? It isn't a representation body, and nobody is a dues-paying member. It's a registration system for a legal defence.

For sports recognition you'd want something like UKAPU or the UK Airsoft Federation. I've no idea which, if either, are large enough to make a start on the process.

 

[DanBow]

Would UKARA even count as an appropriate organisation as far as sporting recognition would go? It isn't a representation body, and nobody is a dues-paying member. It's a registration system for a legal defence.

For sports recognition you'd want something like UKAPU or the UK Airsoft Federation. I've no idea which, if either, are large enough to make a start on the process.

My God man, dont get them started on the UKAF/UKAPU debate!!!!! 

 

[Poach]

My God man, dont get them started on the UKAF/UKAPU debate!!!!! 

I was not aware this was a topic of debate at all. My apologies. ?

 

[Madhouse]

Going to the gym is good for people's wellbeing

There’s got to be something said about (legally) shooting someone (while playing Airsoft) as being good for your wellbeing.

Lost count of the times I wished I had my pistol in my desk!! ?

Wish I had enough space somewhere for a range, would be great to have somewhere local to go and plink for a bit. Maybe we need to tack them on to the side of driving ranges?

 

[GenuineGerman]

Reading through the responses on here I get the impression most would like people to naturally come to Airsoft as a sport? 
 

I was thinking about the whole YouTuber/celebrity thing last and came to the conclusion that the large Airsoft channels only get views with click baiting cheat videos(trotting pony etc). Which in turn I think creates a really negative view of airsoft. Obviously not all and there are some really good channels out there. 
 

Perhaps getting some real steel YouTubers might be an idea like Brandon Herrera but I think as players we are the best gatekeepers and also the best people to show off how great Airsoft is. 
 

Just a couple of thoughts really and I may well be wrong. 

 

[Pseudotectonic]

Generally we want to attract new people and retain them, maybe improve their beginner experience, and help them to get over the learning curve

Shops can set up shooting ranges or micro CQB corners / cubicle for testing and attract curious people to try playing with RIFs, this can be a hook to lure people in and give them a first taste of what it is like playing

Fields can make it more beginner friendly by having actually good rental gears that actually give them an advantage rather than disadvantage, and generally level the playing field and make sure teams are balanced

Youtubers can make it more beginner friendly by having better intros and explanations of the gameplay

Memento Mori, Memento the newbie

 

[Enid_Puceflange]

Reading through the responses on here I get the impression most would like people to naturally come to Airsoft as a sport? 
 

I was thinking about the whole YouTuber/celebrity thing last and came to the conclusion that the large Airsoft channels only get views with click baiting cheat videos(trotting pony etc). Which in turn I think creates a really negative view of airsoft. Obviously not all and there are some really good channels out there. 
 

Perhaps getting some real steel YouTubers might be an idea like Brandon Herrera but I think as players we are the best gatekeepers and also the best people to show off how great Airsoft is. 
 

Just a couple of thoughts really and I may well be wrong. 

Both Garand Thumb & Matt Carriker (Demolition Ranch) have videos on their channels of them playing Airsoft , Garand in particular, really rates it as fun but also good training (he enjoys the larp ?)

 

[Dan Robinson]

There’s got to be something said about (legally) shooting someone (while playing Airsoft) as being good for your wellbeing.

Lost count of the times I wished I had my pistol in my desk!! ?

Wish I had enough space somewhere for a range, would be great to have somewhere local to go and plink for a bit. Maybe we need to tack them on to the side of driving ranges?

One of the most cathartic experiences was seeing my son hiding in a tent, and me getting him Centre mass on full auto from about 30 metres.

He didn't know it was me and all I could hear was "aaawwwweee fuck".   Felt my blood pressure drop at least ten points.

 

[Cannonfodder]

There’s got to be something said about (legally) shooting someone (while playing Airsoft) as being good for your wellbeing.

Definitely. I've certainly noticed it helps my mental health to get a game in regularly

Both Garand Thumb & Matt Carriker (Demolition Ranch) have videos on their channels of them playing Airsoft , Garand in particular, really rates it as fun but also good training (he enjoys the larp ?)

I know Garand Thumb did a video on using airsoft for training but I didn't know Demolition Ranch had done one too. Unfortunately from what I've seen many of the real steel youtubers seem to have a massive chip on their shoulders when it comes to airsoft, which really makes no sense to me as I'd bet a significant amount of their viewers play

 

[Enid_Puceflange]

Definitely. I've certainly noticed it helps my mental health to get a game in regularly

I know Garand Thumb did a video on using airsoft for training but I didn't know Demolition Ranch had done one too. Unfortunately from what I've seen many of the real steel youtubers seem to have a massive chip on their shoulders when it comes to airsoft, which really makes no sense to me as I'd bet a significant amount of their viewers play

Yeah, Demo Ranch’s younger brother has an Airsoft channel, tbf , I’ve never really remembered who he is ?


VIDEO-2023-11-19-21-38-40.mov

 

 

[Lozart]

I know Garand Thumb did a video on using airsoft for training but I didn't know Demolition Ranch had done one too. Unfortunately from what I've seen many of the real steel youtubers seem to have a massive chip on their shoulders when it comes to airsoft, which really makes no sense to me as I'd bet a significant amount of their viewers play

Demo Ranch actually made an aursoft version of one of their own branded ARs. It was made by aps so it was dogshit but still.

Bluejean Operator does a lot of airsoft (he's also been cadre for MSW), Savage Actual have done quite a bit of airsoft (although they're buddies with licking wankstain so there's that). Travis Haley is quite well known for being into airsoft with his son.