12 Unique & Creative Marketing Ideas for Pubs & Bars [2024]

Marketing ideas for pubs are crucial, especially in a bustling industry like ours. And guess what? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune! 

You can use low-budget channels to get your pub noticed by a wider audience. Ready to learn some killer marketing strategies? Stick around to find out!

What is pub marketing? 

Pub marketing is all about getting the word out about your pub and making it the go-to spot for people in your area. 

It’s like putting up a big, friendly sign that says “Hey, come have a great time here!”

Is pub marketing necessary?

Absolutely! Pubs and bars of all sizes can benefit from a marketing strategy. Here’s why:

The bar and pub scene is bustling, especially in cities. Just take a look at these stats: As of 2023, there are 67,531 bars and nightclubs in the U.S., with a 0.09% growth from 2022. 

It’s predicted that the market size will hit $124 million by 2030. So, how do you stand out in this lively, competitive market? A solid pub marketing strategy is key.

On top of that, marketing helps get the word out about your bar and brings in new customers who might not have known about it otherwise. Plus, it’s a great way to keep regulars coming back for more.

How to create a pub marketing strategy?

To market your pubs or bars, you need a clear, well-defined strategy. Don’t worry! It’s simpler than what you think. Here’s how to create one:

Step 1: Who are your best customers?

Imagine your ideal customer. Are they sports fans? Live music lovers? Maybe it’s a mix!  Think about age, interests, and what would make them choose your pub.

Step 2: What makes your pub special?

Why should someone come to your pub instead of another? Is it the amazing craft beers? The cozy atmosphere?  Highlight what makes you unique (USP).

Step 3: Set SMART Goals

This means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals like “increasing foot traffic by 15% within 3 months through social media promotions”. I have more examples for you:

• Increase brand awareness in the local community by X% within X months.
• Attract X new customers per month through social media campaigns.
• Boost sales of a particular beer by X% through targeted online ads.
• Increase customer engagement on social media by X% through interactive content.
• Encourage repeat visits by launching a loyalty program that increases customer retention by X%.

Step 4: Create a Realistic Budget

Hey! Be realistic! Honestly assess how much you can comfortably spend on marketing. Then, divide your budget across the marketing channels you’re going to use.

Step 5: Track, Analyze, and Adapt

And finally, monitor all you’ve done on social media, email marketing, etc. See what’s working and what’s not. Are you reaching your target audience?

If not, maybe you have to try a different social media platform or tweak your ad targeting.

12 Unique & creative marketing ideas for pubs

The following ideas are the best ones for small bars with limited budgets. 

#1. Create an account on Instagram & Facebook

If you’re not on social media yet, get on it pronto! Set up business accounts on Instagram and Facebook, pronto. These platforms are super effective for restaurant marketing or cafe marketing and getting the word out.

Nearly all known pubs and bars like Tonga Room, Katana Kitten, Dante, Attaboy, and more have Instagram and Facebook accounts. 

How to promote a bar on social media?

1. Whip up some catchy reels showing off what goes on behind the scenes at your pub, the awesome atmosphere, your mouthwatering drinks, and maybe even some happy customers. And don’t forget to throw in a clear call to action. 

Photo: Double Chicken Please pub

2. Consistently post engaging Instagram stories like polls and questions. Ask your audience about their preferences, what events they’d like to see, or new menu items they’d try.

Also read: Instagram marketing for restaurants

3. Moreover, include important info like contact info, work hours, location, or your unique selling point in the intro or bio.

4. Use relevant hashtags, a mix of popular and niche ones to reach a wider audience but stay targeted.

5. Another idea is to encourage user-generated content. Run promotions that encourage patrons to share photos or videos at your pub using a specific hashtag.

6. Respond to comments and messages: Show your customers you care by promptly responding to their comments and messages.

7. Post at the right times. Use analytics to see when your audience is most active on social media and schedule your posts accordingly.

8. Promote upcoming events: Hype up live music nights, trivia nights, or themed events to get people excited and coming through the door.

9. Broadcast short snippets of live music performances to give people a taste of what they can expect when they visit.

10. If you have enough budget, consider paid advertising on social media platforms to reach a wider audience beyond your current followers. Target your ads by demographics and interests.

But these are just a few tips to get you started with social media marketing for your bar. For even more details, dive into “Social Media Marketing for Small Business.“

Want to market your pub on Instagram? Let AiGrow’s experienced Insta experts take over your account and grow it with the most effective & updated strategies. 

#2. Optimize your Google My Business profile

Claim your Google My Business listing and keep it updated with accurate information, photos, and positive reviews.

Remember to encourage customers to leave reviews online to boost your pub’s visibility in local search results.

#3. Create a user-friendly website

A mobile-friendly website for easy menu browsing and online ordering is an effective marketing tool. 

Make sure to highlight upcoming events, specials, and happy hours on your website. Also, include high-quality photos and videos that capture the pub’s ambiance.

#4. Utilize Eye-Catching Pub Signage

Eye-catching pub signage creates a positive first impression and entices potential customers to step through the door.

It should be clear and well-lit and reflect your brand identity. Consider eye-catching window displays promoting specials or upcoming events.

#5. Partner with local influencers

This involves collaborating with social media personalities who have a dedicated following within your local area.

In fact, you can benefit from their local reach and credit. In addition, you can keep it budget-friendly by partnering with micro-influencers (those with 1,000-100,000 followers). 

Happily, there are lots of collaboration ideas:

1. For example, you can ask a local food and drink influencer to visit your pub, sample your menu, and share their honest review with their audience.
   
2. Another idea is collaborating on themed events like a pub quiz night or live music featuring a local band. The influencer can promote the event to their audience and potentially even host it.
   
3. Try this one, too: Invite a local influencer to showcase a typical day at your pub, highlighting the staff, atmosphere, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

#6. Embracing Customer Feedback

An effective pub marketing strategy is actively seeking out and responding to the opinions, suggestions, and experiences of your pub patrons.

 It shows you value their input and are committed to improving their experience. You can provide multiple channels for this:

• Comment Cards: Leave comment cards at tables or near the exit, asking for honest feedback on food, drinks, service, and atmosphere.
• Online Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or Facebook.
• Social Media: Actively monitor your social media accounts and respond to comments and messages (both positive and negative).
• Email Surveys: Send out short, post-visit email surveys with multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
• Suggestion Box: Consider placing a suggestion box in your pub for anonymous feedback.

#7. Think Themed Nights & Events

Host trivia nights, live music events with local artists (open mic nights can be a budget-friendly option), or game nights (board games, pub quizzes).

Consider seasonal themes for decoration and drink specials (pumpkin spice cocktails in fall, themed pub crawls around Halloween).

These events create a fun atmosphere and attract new customers.

#8. Spark Customer Loyalty Programs

A customer loyalty program is a marketing strategy that rewards customers for their repeated business.

In the pub industry, it’s a fantastic way to incentivize frequent visits, build customer relationships, and boost revenue.

Use loyalty program apps and offer exciting rewards like complimentary drinks, appetizers, or discounts on meals.

#9. Book a pint reservation system

This pub marketing idea allows customers to reserve tables in advance, especially for popular events like trivia or game nights.

How does it work?

• Online Reservation Platform: You would need an online reservation system (website, app, or third-party service like OpenTable).

• Limited Reservations: Only offer a limited number of tables for reservation, keeping some available for walk-ins. This ensures a good mix of pre-booked and spontaneous customers.

• Event-Specific Bookings: Allow reservations specifically for events like trivia nights, game nights, live music, or themed evenings. Pubs can choose a cut-off time for reservations on event days.

• Clear Communication: Clearly state on their website, social media, and in-pub signage that reservations are available for specific events and how to book.

• Confirmation and Reminders: The reservation system should send confirmation emails or texts to customers with booking details and possibly reminders before the event.

#10. Themed Food & Drink Pairings

Want to create a more memorable and exciting dining experience for your pub patrons? Grab this idea!

Carefully select specific dishes from your menu and pair them with unique cocktails or craft beers that complement their flavors.

How to perform this idea?

1. First, choose a theme: Consider your pub’s atmosphere or a specific cuisine (e.g., Mexican Fiesta, Classic American Burgers & Brews).
   

You can even get creative with seasonal themes (e.g., Spicy Summer BBQ, Cozy Autumn Comfort Food).

2. Select food & drinks: Now, pick dishes that complement the theme.

For drinks, explore craft beers with unique flavor profiles or create signature cocktails using house-made ingredients.

3. Focus on how the flavors will interact: For example, a spicy dish might pair well with a crisp lager to cut through the heat.
   

A rich dish could be balanced by a hoppy IPA. Sweet desserts can be complemented by a fruity cocktail or a light dessert beer.

4. Design the menu: and finally, clearly list the food and drink pairings on your menu. Briefly explain why the pairing works to entice customers to try it. Use creative descriptions to build excitement.

#11. Charity pub crawl

This is a fun and social event where participants visit multiple pubs while raising money for a good cause. 

Remember, there’s no need for expensive equipment or venue rentals. You can partner with the charity and other participating pubs to spread the word and split marketing costs.

Now, let’s take a step forward and find out how to run one:

1. Choose a charity:
   

First off, select a local charity that aligns with your pub’s values and your customers’ interests. Reach out to the charity and discuss the concept, offering a percentage of proceeds from the crawl.

2. Find Participating Pubs:
   

Contact other pubs in your area and explain the concept. Highlight the benefits of increased foot traffic, positive community engagement, and attracting new customers. Negotiate a discount they’ll offer to crawlers and a percentage of those sales that will go to charity.

3. Plan the Route & Logistics:

Map out a walking route that connects participating pubs within a comfortable distance. Also, determine a start and end point, potentially at your pub.

4. Ticketing & Promotion:

Designate a ticket price that covers administrative costs and maximizes the donation to charity. Promote the event through social media, flyers, and local event listings. Partner with the charity for additional promotional efforts.

5. On the Day:

Check in participants at the starting point and provide them with a map and wristbands (optional). Ensure participating pubs are aware of the event and the discounts offered.

Encourage participants to share their experiences on social media using a designated event hashtag.

#12. Social Media Scavenger Hunt

A Social Media Scavenger Hunt is a fun interactive event that gets people engaged with your pub online and physically within the pub itself.

Imagine a treasure hunt, but the clues are hidden online and within your pub! Participants follow a series of riddles, trivia, or visual hints posted on your social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) that lead them to the location of a hidden prize at your pub.

Here are some engaging ideas to add a spark to your Social Media Scavenger Hunt:

• Integrate QR codes into your online and physical clues. Scanning the code could reveal the next location or a short video message with a hint.
  
•  Craft clues referencing iconic movie scenes or lines. The final clue could lead to a movie poster hidden in your pub that participants need to decipher (the movie title relates to the hidden prize).
  
• Award bonus points or entries for participants who share their progress on social media using the event hashtag. This encourages wider reach and promotes the pub to new audiences.

Pub marketing ideas: FAQs

How can you attract customers to your pub?

To Get more customers, you can promote your pub on social media, run local events, create your own website and Google My Business account, and encourage more online reviews. 

How can I market my pub?

First off, you need to set clear goals, a budget, and a target audience. Then use multiple channels like social media, local SEO, influencers, or even email marketing to promote your pub. 

Should I run social media ads for my pub?

Social media ads can be a great way to target a specific audience and reach new customers. However, consider your budget first.  Start with free organic social media marketing and explore paid advertising when comfortable.

How can I measure the success of my pub’s marketing efforts?

You can monitor social media engagement (likes, comments, shares), website traffic, and customer growth.  Consider offering discount codes or asking customers how they heard about your pub to measure the effectiveness of specific campaigns.