You're a brewery owner. Imagine this: your taproom is filled with patrons, glasses in hand, enjoying your craft beers—all thanks to your spot-on marketing efforts. Sounds great, doesn't it?
We've observed that many brewery owners face challenges when it comes to devising an effective marketing strategy that delivers results.
That's why we've created a free marketing plan and strategy template, specifically designed for brewery owners. This resource will help you outline a comprehensive marketing plan, aimed at reaching your ideal customers and fulfilling your business objectives.
Moreover, if you're eager to elevate your brewery's marketing with proven methods and strategies, be sure to explore our collection of marketing strategies and tactics tailored for brewery owners.
Continue reading to learn how you can utilize this tool to boost your brewery's marketing initiatives and attract more beer enthusiasts to your taproom.
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Examples of marketing strategies for a brewery
We could go on and on about countless marketing tactics for breweries. But we understand that what you really need are strategies that are practical and specifically designed for the unique world of craft beer.
Marketing strategies for a brewery with a low budget
Great news for brewery owners, attracting new patrons doesn't have to break the bank! Keeping your brewery's budget in check is entirely possible.
Below, we'll briefly cover some fundamental marketing strategies tailored specifically for breweries. For a detailed action plan and practical tips on implementing these strategies economically, be sure to check out our specialized strategy pack designed for breweries aiming to expand their customer base.
Tactic for your Brewery | Budget Range | How to Make It Even More Budget-Friendly |
---|---|---|
Social Media Marketing | $0 - $100/month | Engage followers by sharing posts about new brew releases, behind-the-scenes brewing processes, and brewmaster insights. Encourage visitors to post their brewery experiences and tag your location. |
Email Marketing | $0 - $50/month | Leverage free email marketing tools to distribute newsletters featuring upcoming events, exclusive brews, and special promotions. Gather emails through sign-ups at your brewery or via your website. |
Loyalty Programs | $50 - $200/month | Develop a rewards program where customers can earn points for each purchase, redeemable for discounts or free merchandise. Consider digital loyalty solutions for ease of use and better tracking. |
Collaborations with Local Businesses | $0 - $100 | Form partnerships with local eateries and shops for cross-promotions. For instance, offer a discount on a brew with a receipt from a local partner. Host joint events to boost foot traffic. |
Hosting Community Events | $100 - $500 | Collaborate with local musicians or artists to organize events at your brewery. Offer your venue for community gatherings or fundraisers, sharing costs with collaborators. |
Google My Business Listing | $0 | Ensure your Google My Business profile is up-to-date with your latest brews, events, and operational hours. Motivate satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. |
Beer Bloggers & Influencers Outreach | $100 - $500 | Invite beer bloggers and influencers for a tasting session in exchange for a review. Organize special influencer events to showcase your range and encourage social media sharing. |
SEO for Brewery Website | $0 - $200/month | Optimize your site with relevant keywords such as “craft beer in [city]” or “best brewery near me”. Keep your blog updated with posts about brewing techniques, industry trends, and your specific brews. |
Online Contests and Giveaways | $50 - $200 | Conduct social media contests where participants can win brewery tours, tasting sessions, or branded gear. Use small, cost-effective prizes to drive engagement and attract new followers. |
Local SEO & Directory Listings | $0 - $100 | Register your brewery on local business directories and craft beer-specific listings. Ensure your brewery’s name, address, and phone number are consistent across all platforms. |
Customer Feedback and Referral Programs | $0 - $100 | Offer incentives for referrals, such as a discount on their next purchase. Implement a feedback system on your website or directly at your brewery to gather valuable customer insights. |
DIY Professional-Quality Photos | $0 - $50 | Utilize natural lighting and a high-quality smartphone camera to capture engaging photos of your brews and brewery events. Share these images on social media and your website to draw in more visitors. |
Copy the tactics of the best breweries in the world!
There are breweries that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Marketing strategies for your brewery if you have limited time
Exciting news for brewery owners who are short on time: you don't have to let a busy schedule hinder your marketing efforts.
For a comprehensive action plan and practical tips to deploy these strategies efficiently, explore our specialized strategy pack designed for busy brewery entrepreneurs looking to grow.
Tactic | Time to Spend Each Week | Tips to Maximize Time and Efficiency |
---|---|---|
Weekly Social Media Themes | 2 hours | Set daily themes (e.g., #MaltMonday, #TaproomTuesday) to simplify content creation and target specific customer groups. Schedule posts in advance using social media tools. |
Engaging Instagram Stories | 1 hour | Leverage Instagram's interactive features (polls, questions, countdowns) to create engaging stories quickly. Showcase new releases and behind-the-scenes peeks. |
Google My Business Posts | 30 minutes | Update your Google My Business profile weekly with new brews or events to enhance visibility and attract local beer enthusiasts. Use compelling images to capture interest. |
Partnering with Beverage Influencers | 2 hours | Connect with local beverage influencers for a post or story feature; offer them a tasting session in exchange for exposure. Monitor engagement to gauge impact. |
Email Marketing with Exclusive Releases | 1 hour | Utilize email templates and segment your list to send personalized updates, minimizing time spent on effective campaigns. Highlight limited-edition brews and member-exclusive events. |
Collaboration with Local Businesses | 2 hours | Organize monthly meetings to plan joint promotions or events, sharing marketing efforts and broadening your audience. Develop partnerships that offer mutual benefits. |
Customer Feedback Incentives | 1 hour | Offer incentives like discounts or free merchandise for customers who post about your brewery online using a specific hashtag. Encourage reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google. |
Local SEO Optimization | 2 hours | Ensure your website and online content are optimized for local search terms and that your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information is consistent across all online platforms. Utilize local directories and review sites. |
Flash Sales Announced on Social Media | 1 hour | Announce time-sensitive promotions on social media to create urgency and drive immediate visits to your brewery. Employ eye-catching graphics and clear calls-to-action. |
Participating in Community Events | 3 hours | Engage in local events by participating or sponsoring, using the event's marketing reach to introduce your brewery to new potential customers. Distribute samples or promotional items. |
Marketing strategies for your brewery focused on social media
For brewery owners aiming to maximize their social media impact: you can significantly boost your online visibility and customer interaction with effective digital strategies.
Social Media | Tactic | How to Execute | How to Make It Better |
---|---|---|---|
User-Generated Content | Encourage patrons to post photos of their brewery visits, tagging your location or using a unique hashtag. | Highlight customer posts on your profile, offer incentives like discounts for the best photo each month, and actively engage with these posts to increase interaction. | |
Live Brewing Sessions | Stream live videos showing the brewing process, tours of the brewery, or special brewing events. | Announce live sessions in advance, engage with viewers by answering questions during the stream, and include a call-to-action like a brewery visit or website visit at the end. | |
Limited-Time Offers | Announce special promotions or exclusive brew releases available for a limited time or to the first few customers who respond to the tweet. | Use eye-catching images and relevant hashtags to enhance visibility, and retweet customers' reactions and photos who take advantage of the offers. | |
TikTok | Signature Brew Challenge | Launch a challenge encouraging fans to create their own beer recipes or tasting videos, sharing their experiences on TikTok. | Collaborate with TikTok influencers to promote the challenge, offer rewards for the most creative or popular entries, and share compilation videos of the submissions. |
Story Highlights for Brews and Events | Utilize Instagram Stories to frequently update your followers on new brews, upcoming events, or special promotions, and save them as Highlights. | Organize Highlights by category (e.g., seasonal brews, brewery events) and refresh visuals regularly to maintain engaging and current content. | |
Customer Reviews and Ratings | Encourage visitors to leave reviews and ratings on your Facebook page after their brewery experience. | Respond promptly and professionally to all reviews, showing appreciation for feedback and demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction. | |
Engage in Local Conversations | Participate in discussions about local events, festivals, or community news, linking back to how your brewery contributes or stands out. | Use relevant hashtags and tag other local entities or events to broaden your reach and foster community engagement. | |
TikTok | Behind-the-Scenes Content | Post short, captivating videos that provide a peek into the brewing process, introduce team members, or showcase special brewing techniques. | Stimulate viewer interaction by inviting them to vote on their favorite brew or suggest ideas for new beer flavors. |
Make your brewery more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best breweries in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Marketing strategies for a brewery that work with a significant budget
Indeed, there are efficient and sophisticated marketing tactics that promise a strong return on investment for those prepared to allocate a significant budget.
For a detailed roadmap and expert advice on deploying these high-impact strategies effectively and maximizing your marketing spend, don't miss out on our exclusive strategy pack designed for brewery owners aiming to increase their patronage and brand visibility.
Tactic | Monthly Budget Range (USD) | How to Make It Even Better |
---|---|---|
Professional Video Production for Social Media | $2,000 - $5,000 | Focus on the craft and culture of your brewery, highlight the brewing process, and introduce your team. Distribute these videos across multiple platforms and consider paid promotions to increase visibility. |
Influencer Marketing Campaigns | $5,000 - $20,000 | Collaborate with influencers who are craft beer enthusiasts or those who align with your brewery's ethos. Plan a series of engaging posts to keep the audience interested over time. |
High-End Photography for Brews and Advertising | $1,000 - $3,000 | Utilize these professional photos in your promotional materials and on social media. Update the imagery regularly to showcase new or seasonal brews, keeping your content fresh and appealing. |
Paid Social Media Advertising | $2,000 - $10,000 | Target your ads to craft beer lovers and use A/B testing to refine your ad creatives. Implement retargeting strategies to engage users who have shown interest in your brewery or visited your website. |
Partnerships with Local Events for Featured Beer Tastings | $1,000 - $5,000 | Secure a spot at popular local events or festivals to feature your beers. Use these opportunities to gather feedback and understand consumer preferences to better tailor your future brews. |
Hosting Brewery Tours and Specialty Tasting Events | $10,000 - $50,000 | Create exclusive experiences that can attract beer aficionados. Ensure these events are well-publicized and engage with attendees on social media to maximize reach and impact. |
Creating an Interactive, High-Quality Website with SEO | $5,000 - $15,000 | Develop a user-friendly website that includes a blog featuring brewing tips, industry news, and events. Optimize for SEO to attract more organic traffic and include a virtual tour of your brewery. |
Innovative and creative marketing strategies for your brewery
For brewery owners looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, adopting innovative, creative, and unique marketing strategies can significantly impact your brand's visibility and appeal.
Tactic | Description |
---|---|
Virtual Brewery Tours | Develop a virtual reality (VR) tour of your brewery that allows enthusiasts to explore your brewing process from the comfort of their homes. Use this platform to educate visitors about your unique brewing techniques and the stories behind your beers. |
Online Beer Tasting Sessions | Host live online beer tasting sessions led by your brewmasters. Offer a delivery service for tasting kits so participants can enjoy the full sensory experience. This can expand your reach and foster a deeper connection with your brand. |
Collaborative Brewing | Invite your customers to vote on or suggest new beer flavors and styles. Use social media platforms to run these interactive polls and create limited edition brews based on popular demand, enhancing customer involvement and loyalty. |
Pop-Up Beer Gardens | Set up temporary beer gardens in unique locations such as parks, art galleries, or near landmarks. These events can offer exclusive brews and create memorable experiences that customers will want to share widely. |
Brewing Science Workshops | Conduct workshops that delve into the science of brewing, such as the impact of different yeasts on beer flavors or the chemistry of brewing. These educational experiences can attract beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike. |
Brewery Roadshow | Take your brewery on the road with a mobile taproom that visits different cities, offering a taste of your signature and experimental brews. Engage with local communities and use social media to hype your arrivals. |
Interactive Social Media Campaigns | Launch challenges on social media that encourage users to share their favorite beer moments, participate in virtual beer hunts, or create beer-related art. Offer rewards like exclusive merchandise or brewery tours for engaging posts. |
QR Codes on Coasters | Print QR codes on coasters that, when scanned, lead to interactive content such as behind-the-scenes videos, detailed beer profiles, or invitations to special brewery events, blending technology with the tasting experience. |
Themed Release Parties | Host release parties for new beers where your brewery venue transforms according to the theme of the brew. This could include decorations, music, and staff attire that enhance the thematic experience of the beer. |
Brewery Treasure Hunts | Organize treasure hunts either within your brewery or encompassing several local spots tied to your brewery’s history or beer culture. Offer prizes like exclusive brews or discounts, making the exploration both fun and rewarding. |
Your brewery could make more money!
Most brewery owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
Do you really need a strong marketing strategy for your brewery?
Looking to boost your brewery's revenue? A robust marketing strategy is essential, and it's more than just fancy jargon or abstract ideas.
At its core, a marketing strategy is your blueprint for attracting potential customers and converting them into loyal fans of your brews. The aim is to increase your brewery's visibility, set it apart from the competition, and entice people to sample your beers.
When we reached out to brewery owners, many wondered if a marketing strategy was really necessary.
Yes - it's crucial.
In a market flooded with craft beers and large-scale breweries, standing out is critical. Without a marketing strategy, your brewery might just be another hidden gem, which isn't great for business. Effective marketing puts your brewery on the map, draws in new patrons, and keeps regulars returning.
You don’t need to spend countless hours or hire a marketing expert
You might say you've never tackled marketing before. That’s okay.
You don’t need to get bogged down in complex marketing theories or hire a "marketing guru." While professional help can be beneficial, it's not absolutely necessary, especially when you're just starting or working within a tight budget.
Many marketing elements, especially in today's digital world, can be effectively managed with a bit of research, creativity, and commitment.
Platforms like social media are potent tools for engaging directly with your community, showcasing your brews, sharing customer experiences, and promoting special events or releases.
However, a common challenge you might face as a brewery owner venturing into marketing or social media is the overwhelming array of platforms and tools available, each with its own rules and algorithms.
It can be daunting to figure out where to begin, what content to produce, and how to effectively connect with your audience while managing a busy brewery.
We understand these challenges. That's why we've developed a strategy pack specifically for brewery owners. It contains all the essentials you need, simplified for easy understanding and quick implementation. Go through it, and you could start attracting new customers every week.
You don’t need a big budget
You might be wondering how much breweries typically spend on marketing. It varies significantly based on the size, location, and goals of the brewery.
From our observations, we recommend dedicating about 3-6% of your total revenue to marketing.
For smaller, independent breweries, the budget might be on the lower end, perhaps a few hundred dollars a month, focusing on cost-effective strategies like social media, community engagement, and local events. Conversely, larger or more established breweries might invest thousands in broader campaigns, professional photography, and targeted digital advertising.
There are also effective marketing tactics for breweries on a tight budget. Try to make your brewery a hit online, encourage your customers to leave positive reviews, leverage local media, and engage with your community through events or collaborations.
Being authentic and creative often matters more than big spending. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your brewing process, talk about your team, or showcase how you craft a new beer. These efforts don't cost much but can be highly effective. Need some inspiration? We've prepared a list of content ideas for social media, tailored to breweries, all ready for you to use!
Copy the tactics of the best breweries in the world!
There are breweries that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
What should you prioritize when promoting your brewery?
As a brewery owner, understanding where to direct your marketing efforts is essential to attract the right kind of beer enthusiasts and grow your business.
Don’t try to appeal to every drinker, it’s too costly
Every brewery has its own distinct flavors, brewing techniques, and ambiance, which naturally attract certain types of customers. This is why it's crucial to target the right audience for your brewery.
When we analyzed the brewery sector and developed our marketing strategy pack, we noticed many breweries wasting resources on ineffective strategies because they weren't targeting accurately.
Think of it like this: casting a wide net in the ocean hoping to catch any fish is less efficient than using specific bait to attract the type of fish you actually want. In marketing, the latter approach means your efforts and resources are more effectively used to draw in those who are likely to become loyal patrons, rather than one-time visitors with no genuine interest in your brewery’s unique offerings.
For example, a craft brewery using broad, non-specific ads might fail to connect with true craft beer aficionados who value unique brews and artisanal processes.
Similarly, a brewery focusing on high-cost ads in general interest magazines might miss reaching their ideal demographic, who are more likely to engage through specialized beer festivals or craft beer community events.
This misalignment between marketing strategies and target customer base can lead to ineffective marketing and unnecessary financial expenditure.
Generic marketing advice doesn’t cut it: your brewery is unique
Generic marketing tactics, while basic, often do not perform well when applied to the brewery industry without customization. Context is key. A strategy that works for a retail store, a coffee shop, or a fitness center might not hit the mark with your brewery's target audience.
Each business type serves different needs, operates on different schedules, and engages customers in unique ways.
For instance, while a coffee shop might thrive on morning traffic and quick service, a brewery’s charm often lies in the relaxed, experiential nature of tasting sessions and the community atmosphere. This requires a different approach.
That’s why we crafted a marketing strategy pack specifically for breweries.
Apply common sense in your marketing decisions
What works for breweries? It’s all about creating and sharing experiences that resonate with your brewery's identity.
Social media is an excellent platform for this, enabling you to showcase your unique brews, brewery tours, and events through engaging posts and stories.
Interacting with your followers by responding to comments, posting behind-the-scenes brewing processes, and featuring customer testimonials can add a personal touch that beer lovers value.
It’s not just about frequent posting, but about sharing content that reflects the interests and expectations of your target audience.
Collaborations with local beer influencers, food and drink bloggers, and even other local businesses can also be highly effective. These partnerships help you reach communities and audiences that trust the influencers they follow and are more likely to try out your brewery based on those recommendations.
Lastly, ensure your brewery is easy to find online. Good relationships with search engines are crucial. We’re here to assist with an SEO checklist specifically designed for breweries. Take advantage of it!
Where to get the best marketing strategies for your brewery?
We understand that diving into marketing for your brewery might feel like exploring uncharted territory, especially when you're already spinning many plates.
Perhaps the whole realm of marketing seems a bit foreign, with its complex terminology and myriad strategies. Or maybe you're concerned about the potential costs and time commitment, given your already tight schedule.
And it's completely normal if you've thought, "Hey, my brews are top-notch, isn't that enough?" This sentiment is common, especially when you're deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of your brewery, and perhaps past marketing attempts haven't quite hit the mark.
Here's the good news: we've developed something just for you - a tailored strategy pack designed specifically for brewery owners.
This pack is designed to make marketing straightforward and manageable. We've cut through the jargon and simplified the marketing process into clear, actionable steps. Concerned about time and budget? We've addressed these issues with strategies that are economical and won't demand hours you can't spare. These tools are crafted to seamlessly integrate into the busy life of a brewery owner, focusing on practical, impactful measures.
Additionally, we've included guidance on how to ease into the digital world at a comfortable pace, ensuring you never feel overwhelmed. Our aim is to help you view marketing not as an overwhelming chore but as an enjoyable, rewarding part of your business.
Some breweries make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best breweries in the world. Replicate them now!