![Board Game Cafe: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-2_2fcabff2-4fd8-49cf-bea6-d61f1619186e.png?v=1715865706&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best board game cafes in the world use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy running your board game cafe and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new players to your tables.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for board game cafe owners.
Get the content idea list made for board game café owners
A lot of board game cafes manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a board game cafe
We have studied dozens of board game cafes’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for board game cafes - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Board Game Cafe |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Game Photos | Visually appealing images of popular board games and gaming setups can entice potential customers to visit and play. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the cafe's ambiance, game collection, and staff interactions builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to visit the cafe. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts on game nights, and membership deals can attract new customers looking for value. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the cafe to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming game tournaments, themed nights, or special events can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal games or holiday-themed events can attract customers looking for special experiences during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
| Game Reviews | Sharing reviews of popular or new board games can intrigue game enthusiasts and motivate them to try the games at the cafe. |
| Daily Game Highlights | Regularly updating followers with daily game highlights keeps the cafe top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Game Tips and Strategies | Sharing tips and strategies for popular games can engage followers who are game enthusiasts and new players. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly products appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some board game cafes make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best board game cafes in the world. Replicate them now!
How can board game café owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your board games and cafe ambiance are essential.
People play with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the games look exciting, and the atmosphere is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your board game cafe. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special events, game nights, or new game arrivals. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
An example of our marketing pack for board game café owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your board game cafe “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your board game cafe, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for board game cafe owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your board game cafe. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for board game cafes on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for board game cafes, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively leverage social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your board game cafe.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Game Photos | Use natural light by positioning game setups near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied patrons to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free drink or game session as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their game night photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your cafe on Instagram. |
| Game Tutorial Videos | Film short, simple tutorials of popular games using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your game collection or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Game of the Day Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for the game of the day using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a captivating photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about their favorite games. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the cafe. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite games or suggestions for new additions to your collection. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite games. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your cafe. |
| Game Night Photos | Create attractive game setups using inexpensive items like themed tablecloths, props, and decorations from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling game components or using sustainable materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of game setup or unboxing new games. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free game session. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free drink or snack. |
| Seasonal Game Posts | Highlight seasonal or holiday-themed games using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the game to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best board game cafes in the world!
There are board game cafes that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for board game cafes
Investing in top-notch social media content for your board game cafe might be worth it because many other places won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal crowd.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Live Game Tutorials | Hosting live or recorded game tutorials where your staff teach viewers how to play popular board games can create a sense of community and attract a global audience of game enthusiasts. |
| Interactive 360° Cafe Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your cafe, including the game library and cozy seating areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Game Nights | Creating buzz with limited edition or themed game nights available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Game Designer Meet & Greets | Offering exclusive events where customers can meet and interact with game designers can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Game Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your game previews where customers can see a 3D representation of game components can enhance the experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Game Events | Hosting themed game events, such as a fantasy night or a sci-fi marathon, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Game Challenge Contests | Organizing game challenge contests (e.g., a speed round of a popular game) can create viral moments, attracting competitive players and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local cafes or game stores to host pop-up events can introduce your cafe to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your games, the designers you feature, or the personal journey of your staff can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Game Selection | Allowing customers to choose games for a game night via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the games they helped select. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable materials for game components or hosting zero-waste events, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Game Cafe Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile game cafe in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main cafe later. |
| Game Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly game recommendations and rental kits can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Game Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced game strategies from experts can attract game enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Game Events | Organizing flash mob game events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous gamers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for board game cafes on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many board game cafe owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new visitors to your cafe.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Board Game Cafes | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the cafe appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your games, staff, and cafe to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like game tutorials, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with board games or the cafe confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your games, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your cafe's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your cafe positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on games, community, and your cafe's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your cafe can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your cafe seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your cafe. |
Make your board game cafe more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best board game cafes in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your board game cafe
We understand that as a board game cafe owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a board game cafe are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for board game cafe owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your board game cafe. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small board game cafes on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your cafe's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your board game cafe's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your board game cafe could make more money!
Most board game café owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
