If you run a successful bar business, then you know it’s not just the cocktail menu that keeps customers happy and coming back for more.
At the heart of nearly every business is the customer experience, and it starts the moment they walk through the door.
With over 50 years experience in helping establishments create an environment catered to their customers, we’ve learned a thing or two about helping bar owners and managers reach a wide audience, increase traffic, and drive repeat customers. Here are 7 ways to boost your bar sales, improve profit margins, and keep customers coming back for more:
- Choose The Right Sports Content for Your Establishment
- Host Watch Parties for Big Events
- Start Promotions Three Weeks Ahead of Time
- Leverage Social Media to Stay Top of Mind & Expand Reach
- Offer Unique Event Day Specials
- Reward Loyal Customers
- Build Partnerships and Collaborate with your Local Community
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPORTS CONTENT FOR YOUR ESTABLISHMENT
Offering the right sports content is what sets your bar apart from the competition. When it comes to attracting new customers and maintaining a loyal fan base, it’s important to understand your target audience… are you catering to die-hard fans of a specific sport and/or team or more casual sports enthusiasts? Tailoring your sports content to match their interests is what will give your bar the competitive edge it needs to stand out and become the go-to spot.
Keep in mind that you can’t just turn on your bar TV’s and start streaming all your preferred live sports content. Partnering with a content partner such as Joe Hand Promotions ensures that you legally gain the access your establishment needs.
Whether it’s showing highly anticipated UFC or boxing events, or other premium sports events like college football, Joe Hand Promotions empowers you to curate a selection that aligns with your audience.
2. HOST WATCH PARTIES FOR BIG EVENTS
Fans have plenty of options on where to watch a live sporting event. Whether they purchase tickets to enjoy in person or pay for a streaming service or PPV to tune in from the comfort of their own home, they have the power to choose. So how do you encourage fans to walk through your doors? The answer is simple – watch parties!
Nothing beats the energy and excitement of a crowded bar during a big event. The lively atmosphere is a magnet for sports fans looking for a fun social atmosphere. Hosting watch parties draws attention and interest, ultimately increasing foot traffic,boosting bar sales and creating customer loyalty.
3. START PROMOTIONS THREE WEEKS AHEAD OF TIME
Getting the word out that your establishment will be hosting a particular event ahead of time, is a marketing & sales game changer. Not only will it allow you to build excitement and anticipation, but creating buzz in advance will also give fans time to make a plan with friends to meet at your bar, increasing your chances of a packed house. We recommend starting to promote events about three weeks in advance. Promotion can include hanging materials around your establishment, posting to your social media channels, or getting the word out via local media.
4. LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY TOP OF MIND & EXPAND REACH
Posting on your establishment’s social media pages is a powerful tool for engaging with your customers, building brand loyalty, and increasing foot traffic. The beauty of social media is that it allows you to stay connected with your customers even when they’re not at the venue. Not sure where to start? Just remember to:
- Post consistently to keep your business top-of-mind and build a sense of community
- Publish pictures and videos of unique aspects of your venue that are customer favorites to make them eager to visit your establishment soon.
- Promote upcoming events as early as possible for customers to plan ahead and mark their calendars.
5. OFFER UNIQUE EVENT DAY SPECIALS
Everyone loves a theme. Lean in and create an experience your customers will remember (and share on social media) by offering unique drinks & specials tailored to the big event. For example, you can introduce specialty cocktails or craft beers inspired by the main event athletes , or feature food items that are popular among fans .
Encourage customers to share their experience on social media using relevant hashtags, and consider running contests or giveaways where participants have a chance to win gift certificates. These interactive elements not only generate buzz around your business, but also attract new customers who are enticed by the unique offerings and the potential rewards.
6. REWARD LOYAL CUSTOMERS
You know what people love more than a theme? Free stuff. Implementing a loyalty program can help cultivate a loyal customer base and encourage repeat visits. By offering rewards and incentives to regular customers, you not only increase customer retention but also foster a sense of appreciation and exclusivity.
Design a loyalty program that offers enticing rewards to your regular customers. This can include drink specials exclusive to loyalty members, free menu items or discounts on their birthday, or even VIP access to live events hosted at your establishment. These rewards create a sense of value for your customers and make them feel appreciated.
7. BUILD PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATE WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Collaborating with local businesses, organizations, and influencers who match your vibe allows you to tap into their customer base and introduce your bar to new audiences who may not have known about you otherwise. It’s an excellent way to attract potential customers and increase foot traffic.
YOU’RE READY TO INCREASE TRAFFIC & BOOST BAR SALES
Remember, it’s not just about the drinks. It’s about crafting a memorable customer experience that begins the moment they step through the door and remains long after they’re gone. By implementing these 7 strategies, you’ll be well on your way to increasing traffic and boosting your bottom line.
PLUS: Joe Hand Promotions provides you with all the marketing materials required to promote upcoming events so you can focus on what matters!
ABOUT JOE HAND PROMOTIONS
We bring fan communities into bars, restaurants, casinos and cinemas for unforgettable viewing experiences. With our deep portfolio of live sports and entertainment content, we can amplify the experience you want to deliver your clientele. Our team will help you promote your sports content and watch parties to new and existing patrons, with a focus on maximizing retention and driving your business forward. Turn viewers into advocates and visitors into loyal customers.