![Cocktail Bar: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-2_4e29e3dd-96e4-4f81-9ded-becf201b3fbd.png?v=1715865679&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best cocktail bars in the world use strategically to attract patrons.
We know you're busy running your bar 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 customers to your barstools.
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 cocktail bar owners.
Get the content idea list made for cocktail bar owners
A lot of cocktail bars 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 cocktail bar
We have delved into numerous cocktail bars' social media accounts to create our strategy pack for cocktail bars - here’s what consistently works.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Cocktail Bar |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Cocktail Photos | Visually stunning images of cocktails can entice potential customers, making them eager to experience the drinks firsthand. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the bar, mixologists, and drink preparation processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real patrons provide social proof and encourage others to visit the bar. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and happy hours can attract new customers looking for deals. |
| 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 bar to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, live music, or special theme nights can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal cocktails or holiday-themed drinks 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. |
| Recipe Shares | Sharing recipes of popular cocktails can intrigue drink enthusiasts and motivate them to try the original drink at the bar. |
| Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps the bar top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the bartenders creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Mixology Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from the bar can engage followers who are cocktail enthusiasts and home mixologists. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or locally sourced ingredients 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 cocktail bars make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best cocktail bars in the world. Replicate them now!
How can cocktail bar owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your cocktails are essential.
People drink with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the cocktails look vibrant, and the presentation 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 cocktail bar. Behind-the-scenes photos, bartender stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal cocktails. 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.
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 cocktail bar’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your cocktail bar, 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 bar 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 cocktail bar. 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 cocktail bars on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for cocktail bars, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively leverage social media.
Consider incorporating some of these ideas into your cocktail bar's marketing plan.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Cocktail Photos | Utilize natural light by positioning cocktails near windows during the day. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Invite satisfied patrons to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a complimentary drink as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their cocktail photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your bar on Instagram. |
| DIY Cocktail Recipe Videos | Film short, simple recipes of your popular cocktails 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 bartenders crafting cocktails or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Daily Special Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily cocktail specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a tantalizing photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature bartenders with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the bar. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite cocktails or suggestions for new menu items. |
| 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 cocktails. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your bar. |
| Homemade Cocktail Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using reusable straws or sourcing local ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the bar prep work, such as mixing ingredients or garnishing drinks. 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 drink. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free cocktail. |
| Seasonal Cocktail Posts | Highlight seasonal ingredients and cocktails using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the drink to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best cocktail bars in the world!
There are cocktail bars that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for cocktail bars
Investing in top-notch social media content for your cocktail bar 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 |
|---|---|
| Virtual Mixology Classes | Hosting live or recorded virtual mixology classes where your bartenders teach viewers how to make your signature cocktails can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Bar Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your bar, including the lounge and bar areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Cocktails | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal cocktails available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Bartender’s Table Experience | Offering an exclusive experience where customers can sit at the bartender’s table and interact with the mixologists while they craft cocktails can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Drink Menu Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your drink menus where customers can see a 3D representation of cocktails can enhance the drinking experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Cocktail Nights | Hosting themed cocktail nights, such as a 1920s speakeasy or a tropical tiki night, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Mixology Challenge Contests | Organizing mixology challenge contests (e.g., creating the best cocktail with a mystery ingredient) can create viral moments, attracting competitive mixologists and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local bars or mixologists to host pop-up events can introduce your bar to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your cocktails, the distilleries you source from, or the personal journey of your bartenders can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Cocktail Creation | Allowing customers to choose ingredients for a custom cocktail via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste cocktails or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Cocktail Bar Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile cocktail bar in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main bar later. |
| Cocktail Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly cocktail recipes and ingredient kits to mix your bar’s drinks at home can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Mixology Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced mixology techniques from your bartenders can attract cocktail enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Cocktail Experiences | Organizing flash mob cocktail events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous drinkers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for cocktail bars on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many cocktail bar owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new patrons to your bar.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Cocktail Bars | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the bar appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your cocktails, bartenders, and bar ambiance 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 cocktail-making tutorials, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with cocktails or the bar confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your bar, cocktails, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your bar's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your bar 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 cocktails, community, and your bar'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 bar 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 bar 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 bar. |
Make your cocktail bar more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best cocktail bars in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your cocktail bar
We understand that as a cocktail bar 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 cocktail bar 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 cocktail bar 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 cocktail bar. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small cocktail bars on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your cocktail bar's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your cocktail bar's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your cocktail bar could make more money!
Most cocktail bar owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
