Running a successful bar isn't just about serving great drinks and creating a lively atmosphere - it's also about effective marketing. In today's digital age, it's easy to focus solely on online marketing and forget about the power of offline marketing.
However, traditional marketing tactics can still be incredibly effective in driving foot traffic and attracting new customers to your bar. In this blog post, we'll explore 11 offline bar marketing ideas that you can use to get more people through your doors and keep them coming back for more. From hosting events to creating unique merchandise, these strategies will help you increase brand awareness and build a loyal customer base.
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1. Find your personal touch
Find your thing.
Matching outfits? Funny writings on the wall? Movie-themed bar? Steam-punk bar? Crazy cocktails? Sustainability? There’s room for any idea!
Bring out the personality of your bar by telling a story! Let your customers know what they can expect from your place in terms of drinks, food, or experience by simply stepping into your venue! Pay attention to details, and have a little bit of secrecy to elevate their experience.
2. Partner with local businesses to host popups
One tactic that can be effective is partnering with local businesses to host pop-ups.
This is a great way to get your bar’s name out there, and it can also be a lot of fun. You can team up with a local restaurant to do a pop-up dinner or partner with a clothing store for a pop-up shop. There are endless possibilities! Be sure to host these events during “quiet hours”!
Not only does this give you a chance to show off your bar to potential new customers, but it’s also a great way to build relationships with other local businesses. These partnerships can be beneficial in the long run, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for new marketing ideas.
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3. Use PR
Do you have a story about your bar that would be of interest to local newspapers? If so, contact one of your local newspapers and let them know about your business.
Public relations can help you get media coverage, which can in turn help you attract more customers.
Here are a few tips for using PR to market your bar offline:
1. Make a list of the media outlets you want to target. This can include local newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations.
2. Reach out to these outlets and pitch your story. You can offer to do an interview, provide photos, or write an article.
3. Follow up with the outlets you pitch. If you don’t hear back, reach out again.
4. Be prepared for media coverage. If you do get coverage, make sure you’re prepared with additional materials, such as a press kit.
4. entertain your customers with Bar games
There's nothing like a good game to bring people together, and that's especially true in a bar setting. Games are a fun way to socialize and can be a great way to keep customers engaged.
There are a lot of different options when it comes to bar games, so you can find something that fits your establishment perfectly. Board games, arcade games, classic bar games, and even competitive socializing games are all great options.
Think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create in your bar and choose games that will fit that vibe. Whether you want something low-key and relaxed or something a little more high-energy, there's a bar game out there for you.
Check out this list of 16 of the best bar games to increase footfall in your place!
5. Celebrate events and popular holidays
St Patrick's day? Easter? Summer solstice? There’s something to celebrate each month throughout the year! Don’t forget to announce these events to your customers ahead of time, so they can return. Some tips to advertise it: hand out flyers or promote these events on social media. Don’t forget to add discounts, exciting themed drinks, or special offers for the event.
6. Word of mouth and community building
A great online presence is crucial for your business - but it’s always about the people! To have a great balance of returning customers and new ones, you’ll have to engage with them actively. Reward your loyal customers, and offer an unforgettable experience for the new ones! Your staff is the number one factor in creating a great customer experience, so make sure to build a community!
7. Offer a unique experience
There is no doubt that people love to have unique experiences when they go out for a night on the town. And what better way to create unique experiences than by utilizing the bars themselves?
They’re already set up for socializing and they have the liquor to help people loosen up and have a good time. So why not use this to your advantage?
Here are a few ideas:
create a themed night – This is a great way to get people in the door and talking about your bar. Decorate the bar, create special cocktails, and hire entertainment that fits the theme.
Offer something unique – People love to have something that they can’t get anywhere else. Whether it’s a special cocktail or an interactive dartboard, offering something unique will get people talking.
Host an event – From live music to comedy shows, there’s no limit to what you can do.
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8. Create a loyalty program
As a bar owner, you know that happy customers are loyal customers. And what better way to show your customers some love than by creating a loyalty program?
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a loyalty program. First, what kind of rewards will you offer? Some bars offer discounts on drinks, while others offer free appetizers or even VIP access to special events. Second, how will you track customer purchases? Will you use a punch card system, or will you track purchases electronically? Lastly, how will you promote your loyalty program? Be sure to let your customers know about the program and how they can sign up.
A loyalty program is a great way to show your customers that you appreciate their business. By offering rewards, you can keep them coming back again and again.
9. Improve street visibility
There are many ways to market your bar, and one important tactic is to improve street visibility. By making your bar more visible from the street, you'll be able to attract more customers and build a stronger brand.
First, make sure your bar's signage is visible and eye-catching. This means having a well-designed sign that is illuminated at night. Secondly, keep your bar's exterior clean and inviting. This means keeping the sidewalk clean and trimming any bushes or trees that obscure the view of your bar. Finally, consider adding outdoor seating or a patio to your bar. This will not only make your bar more visible, but it will also give customers a reason to stop by.
Improving street visibility is a simple and effective way to market your bar. By taking a few simple steps, you can attract more customers and build a stronger brand.
10. Bar staff as promoters
Your staff is one of the most important factors in your place's success. They are in a unique position to promote your venue. They are in constant contact with customers and have a good understanding of what they are looking for in a night out. By recommending certain nights or events to customers, they can help to create a buzz around a venue and ensure that it is always busy.
11. Live music
This is a great way to bring in new customers and create a buzz around your business. You can partner with local bands and artists to put on regular shows, or host larger concerts with well-known acts. Either way, live music is sure to attract attention and get people talking about your bar.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning live music events at your bar. First, you'll need to make sure you have the proper sound equipment and stage set-up. This will ensure that the music sounds great and that the performers have everything they need to put on a great show. Secondly, you'll want to promote your events ahead of time to build excitement and get people in the door. You can use social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth to get the word out. Finally, you'll need to be prepared for the influx of customers. Make sure you have enough staff on hand to serve everyone and be sure to stock up on drinks and snacks.
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