Showing live sports in your establishment is a game-changing strategy to elevate success and drive growth for your business. Whether you run a bar or restaurant, harnessing the excitement of live sports events can unlock a world of opportunities. From attracting new customers to fostering loyalty among existing ones, the impact of live sports transcends the boundaries of traditional marketing and establishes a winning edge over the competition.
FANS AGREE: LIVE SPORTS IN A BAR OR RESTAURANT IS THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING AT THE EVENT
When fans are looking for a place to tune in, they are eager to find a space that mirrors the feeling they get when standing in a crowded stadium or arena. A live event brings fans together, creating a sense of camaraderie through shared support and reactions to key moments. The same feeling can be found when a group of fans gather in a bar or restaurant – resounding excitement that rivals the energy and sense of community of an event.
Some argue that watching an event in a more intimate setting like a sports bar ensures they never miss a moment. Large, high-definition screens offer an unobstructed view of the game and access to the live commentary provides the behind the scenes analysis you don’t get while you’re in a packed arena.
THE JHP PLAYBOOK: HOW TO LEVERAGE LIVE SPORTS CONTENT TO INCREASE YOUR REVENUE
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPORTS CONTENT FOR YOUR ESTABLISHMENT
Offering the right premium 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 a go-to.
Keep in mind that you can’t just turn on your bar TV’s and start streaming all your preferred live sports content, as you will run into piracy issues that may result in large fines and penalties. Partnering with a content partner such as Joe Hand Promotions ensures that you gain the access your establishment needs, without breaking the law.
Joe Hand Promotions enables you to pay for premium sports content that fits your audience’s needs. Whether it’s showing highly anticipated UFC or boxing events, or other premium sports events like college football, we empower you to show content that aligns with your audience.
2. DON’T JUST SHOW LIVE SPORTS, HOST WATCH PARTY EVENTS
Watch parties provide an immersive experience, enhanced fan engagement, and opportunities for special promotions that elevate your bar’s reputation as a live sports viewing destination. They go beyond just featuring the games on the big screens; they create an atmosphere where fans can share in the excitement, cheer for their favorite teams, and bond over their shared passion.
By curating an engaging environment that fosters camaraderie and a sense of belonging, your establishment becomes more than just a place to watch sports—it becomes a hub of celebration and connection.
This unique experience not only keeps customers coming back for the next big game but also solidifies your establishment as the go-to destination for unforgettable game day experiences in your local community.
3. LAUNCH A MARKETING STRATEGY TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND DRIVE TRAFFIC AND REVENUE
Social media, local community partnerships, and email marketing are key components to a winning marketing strategy to foster a strong and loyal sports loving community.
Local Community Partnerships
Developing cross promotional partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and influencers, especially sports-related ones, enables you to tap into their customer base and introduce your establishment to new audiences who may not have known about you otherwise. It’s an excellent way to attract potential customers and increase foot traffic.
Collaborate with nearby gyms, sports clubs, or fitness centers, as well as sports merchandise stores. Cross-promote each other’s businesses through joint events, social media shoutouts, or special offers for each other’s customers. This creates a network of support and increases exposure within the local community.
Support local community sports teams and offer sponsorships to help them purchase new jerseys or uniforms. Display local team memorabilia in your establishment to showcase local talent and pride, and organize events or special watch parties specifically for local teams. By aligning your sports bar with the local sports community, you not only strengthen your relationship with existing customers who support these teams, but you also attract new customers who appreciate your involvement and support for the local sports programs.
Getting your name known among local sports fans and communities can have a positive impact on your bar’s reputation and visibility. It showcases your genuine passion for sports and your dedication to uplifting the local sports scene. This community involvement not only helps promote your bar but also creates a sense of connection and loyalty among customers who value your commitment to the local community.
Email Marketing
Engage with your customers beyond the walls of your establishment. If you don’t have one already, prioritize the development of an email list and start sending out regular newsletters with updates on upcoming live sporting events and exclusive promotions. Make sure you include a compelling subject line to pique interest and include the upcoming sports schedule so customers can plan ahead.
4. UPDATE GOOGLE MY BUSINESS REGULARLY TO INCREASE VISIBILITY
With a Google My Business listing, your sports bar becomes more visible to potential customers who are searching for local businesses on Google Search and Maps. GMB is a free tool provided by Google that empowers you to reach a wide audience without any additional expenses. You can also post real-time updates, such as upcoming live sporting events your bar will be featuring, watch parties, and promotions – keeping your local community informed and engaged.
5. JOE HAND PROMOTIONS HAS YOU COVERED WITH DIGITAL MARKETING ASSETS
We provide you with all the marketing materials required to promote upcoming events so you can focus on what matters, increasing traffic and revenue. Leave the creative to us.
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 premium sports content and special events 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.