Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best craft beer 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 beer enthusiasts to your bar.
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 craft beer bar owners.
Get the content idea list made for craft beer bar owners
A lot of craft beer 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 craft beer bar
We have delved into numerous craft beer bars' social media accounts to create our strategy pack for craft beer bars - here’s what consistently works to draw in new patrons.
Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Craft Beer Bar |
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High-Quality Beer Photos | Visually appealing images of craft beers can make potential customers eager to try them, encouraging visits to the bar. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the brewing process, the brewers, and the bar setup 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 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 breweries 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 brews 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. |
Beer Pairing Tips | Sharing tips on pairing beers with different foods can intrigue beer enthusiasts and motivate them to try the pairings at the bar. |
Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily beer specials keeps the bar 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. |
Brewing Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from the brewers can engage followers who are homebrewers and beer enthusiasts. |
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 craft beer bars make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best craft beer bars in the world. Replicate them now!
How can craft beer bar owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your craft beers are essential.
People drink with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the beers look fresh, 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 craft beer bar. Behind-the-scenes photos, brewer 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 brews. 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 craft beer bar’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your craft beer 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 craft beer 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 craft beer bars on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for craft beer bars, 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 craft beer bar.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Beer Photos | Use natural light by positioning glasses 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 pint or a small discount as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their beer photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your bar on Instagram. |
DIY Brewing Tips | Film short, simple brewing tips or beer tasting notes 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 daily operations or introduce the team during slow hours. |
Daily Special Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily beer specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a mouth-watering photo. |
Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members 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 beers or suggestions for new brews. |
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 beers. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your bar. |
Homemade Beer Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling or using local ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the brewing process, such as adding hops or bottling beer. 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 pint. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free beer flight. |
Seasonal Beer Posts | Highlight seasonal brews using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the beer to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best craft beer bars in the world!
There are craft beer 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 craft beer bars
Investing in top-notch social media content for your craft beer 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 |
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Virtual Beer Tasting Sessions | Hosting live or recorded virtual beer tasting sessions where your brewmasters guide viewers through different beer styles can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
Interactive 360° Bar Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your bar, including the brewing area and taproom, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
Limited Edition Brews | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal brews available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
Brewmaster’s Table Experience | Offering an exclusive experience where customers can sit with the brewmaster and learn about the brewing process while sampling beers can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
AR Beer Menu Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your beer menus where customers can see a 3D representation of the brewing process can enhance the drinking experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
Themed Beer Events | Hosting themed beer events, such as Oktoberfest or a beer and cheese pairing night, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Beer Challenge Contests | Organizing beer challenge contests (e.g., a beer tasting competition) can create viral moments, attracting competitive drinkers and spectators. |
Collaborative Brew Events | Partnering with other local breweries or bars to host collaborative brew 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 beers, the local ingredients you use, or the personal journey of your brewmaster can create an emotional connection with customers. |
Interactive Beer Selection | Allowing customers to choose ingredients for a custom brew 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 brewing practices or sustainable sourcing, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Beer Truck Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile beer truck in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main bar later. |
Beer Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly beer selections and tasting notes can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Brewing Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced brewing techniques from your brewmaster can attract beer enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Beer Tastings | Organizing flash mob beer tasting events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous drinkers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for craft beer bars on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many craft beer 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 Craft Beer Bars | Do This Instead |
---|---|---|
Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the bar appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your craft beers, 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 behind-the-scenes brewing processes, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with craft beer or the bar confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your craft beers, brewing 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 craft beer, 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 breweries, 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 craft beer bar more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best craft beer bars in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your craft beer bar
We understand that as a craft beer 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 craft beer 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 craft beer 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 craft beer bar. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small craft beer bars on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your bar's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your craft beer bar's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your craft beer bar could make more money!
Most craft beer bar owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.