You're a craft beer enthusiast turned brewer. Imagine this: your beers are the talk of the town, flying off the shelves at local bars and stores, all because you mastered your marketing strategy. Sounds great, doesn't it?
We've observed many craft brewers facing challenges when it comes to developing a marketing plan that really hits the mark.
That's why we've created a free marketing plan and strategy template, specifically designed for craft beer brands. This resource will walk you through the process of crafting a dynamic marketing plan, helping you connect with your audience and achieve your brand objectives.
Moreover, if you're eager to elevate your brewery's marketing with proven methods and insights, be sure to explore our collection of marketing strategies and tactics tailored for craft beer brands.
Continue reading to learn how you can utilize this tool to boost your craft beer brand's marketing efforts and increase your product's visibility and sales.
Get the marketing planner tailored for craft beer brands
The best craft beer brand founders plan their whole marketing strategy. You can do the same now.
Examples of marketing strategies for a craft beer brand
We could go on about countless marketing tactics for craft beer brands. But we understand that what you really need are strategies that are actionable and customized to fit your unique brand.
Marketing strategies for a craft beer brand with a low budget
Great news for craft beer enthusiasts and brewers alike—you can attract more patrons without breaking the bank. Keeping your craft beer brand's budget in check is entirely possible.
Below, we'll briefly cover some fundamental marketing strategies tailored specifically for craft beer brands. For a detailed action plan and practical tips on implementing these strategies efficiently and cost-effectively, be sure to check out our strategy guide designed for craft beer brands aiming to expand their market reach.
Tactic for Your Craft Beer Brand | Budget Range | How to Make It Even More Budget-Friendly |
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Social Media Marketing | $0 - $100/month | Engage followers by sharing posts about new brews, the brewing process, and fun facts about craft beer. Encourage fans to post their own photos enjoying your beer and tag your brand. |
Email Marketing | $0 - $50/month | Leverage free email marketing tools to send updates about new releases, brewing events, and exclusive promotions. Build your email list by offering a discount for first-time sign-ups on your website. |
Loyalty Programs | $50 - $200/month | Create a rewards program where customers can accumulate points for every purchase, redeemable for discounts or free merchandise. Consider digital tracking to minimize costs. |
Collaborations with Local Businesses | $0 - $100 | Form partnerships with local eateries, cafes, and event spaces to offer your craft beer. Collaborate on special promotions or co-hosted events to boost visibility. |
Hosting Community Events | $100 - $500 | Organize beer tastings or brewery tours that engage the community. Partner with local musicians or artists to enrich these events, sharing costs and increasing draw. |
Google My Business Listing | $0 | Ensure your Google My Business profile is up-to-date with your brewery’s hours, location, and events. Encourage visitors to leave reviews and share their experiences. |
Beer Bloggers & Influencers Outreach | $100 - $500 | Invite beer bloggers and influencers to sample your beer. Offer them a tour of your brewery in exchange for a review. Host special influencer events to increase exposure. |
SEO for Brewery Website | $0 - $200/month | Optimize your site with keywords like “craft beer [city]” or “best IPA in [region]”. Keep your blog updated with posts about craft beer culture, brewing tips, and company updates. |
Online Contests and Giveaways | $50 - $200 | Run social media contests where participants can win brewery merchandise or a tour. Use small, branded items as prizes to keep costs low and engagement high. |
Local SEO & Directory Listings | $0 - $100 | Register your brewery on local business directories and craft beer-specific listings. Ensure your brand’s information is consistent across all platforms to boost local search visibility. |
Customer Feedback and Referral Programs | $0 - $100 | Encourage customers to refer friends in exchange for discounts on their next purchase. Implement a feedback system online or at your location to gather valuable customer insights. |
DIY Professional-Quality Photos | $0 - $50 | Use a quality smartphone camera to capture engaging photos of your beers and brewery events. Share these images online to attract enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. |
Copy the tactics of the best craft beer brands in the world!
There are craft beer brands that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Marketing strategies for your craft beer brand if you have limited time
Exciting news for craft beer aficionados who are also budding entrepreneurs: you don't have to let a busy schedule hinder your brand's marketing efforts.
For a comprehensive action plan and practical tips to deploy these strategies efficiently, explore our specialized strategy pack designed for craft beer entrepreneurs on the go, looking to scale up.
Tactic | Time to Spend Each Week | Tips to Maximize Time and Efficiency |
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Weekly Social Media Themes | 2 hours | Set daily themes (e.g., #MaltMonday, #TaproomTuesday) to streamline 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 | Regularly update your Google My Business profile with new brews or events to enhance visibility and attract local beer lovers. Use appealing images to capture interest. |
Partnering with Beverage Influencers | 2 hours | Connect with local or niche beverage influencers for a post or story feature; offer them an exclusive tasting in return. 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 campaign creation. Highlight limited edition brews and member-only events. |
Collaboration with Local Businesses | 2 hours | Schedule monthly meetings to organize joint promotional activities or events, sharing marketing efforts and broadening your audience. Develop partnerships that offer mutual benefits. |
Customer Feedback Incentives | 1 hour | Implement a program where customers receive a discount or merchandise for sharing their brewery visit online with a specific hashtag. Encourage reviews on platforms like Untappd and Yelp. |
Local SEO Optimization | 2 hours | Ensure your website and content are optimized for local search terms relevant to craft beer and maintain consistent NAP listings across all directories. Utilize local craft beer forums and directories. |
Flash Sales Announced on Social Media | 1 hour | Announce time-sensitive promotions on social media to create urgency and drive traffic to your taproom or website. Use engaging visuals and clear calls-to-action. |
Participating in Beer Festivals | 3 hours | Identify and engage in local or regional beer festivals where you can showcase your products, leveraging the event's marketing to introduce your brand to new enthusiasts. Offer tastings and promotional items. |
Marketing strategies for your craft beer brand focused on social media
For craft beer enthusiasts looking to enhance their brand's social media impact: you can significantly boost your online visibility and engage more deeply with your audience by employing targeted strategies.
Social Media | Tactic | How to Execute | How to Make It Better |
---|---|---|---|
User-Generated Content | Encourage fans to post photos enjoying your brews, tagging your brand or using a specific hashtag. | Highlight these customer posts on your profile, offer rewards like branded merchandise for the best photo each month, and actively engage with these posts. | |
Live Tasting Events | Host live video sessions where you taste and discuss various brews, possibly featuring new or limited releases. | Promote these live events in advance, interact with viewers by answering questions during the session, and include a call-to-action like visiting your website or signing up for a newsletter. | |
Limited-Time Offers | Announce special promotions or exclusive batches available for a limited time to create urgency. | Use compelling visuals and hashtags to enhance visibility, and retweet customers who share their purchases or experiences with the offer. | |
TikTok | Brew Challenge | Create a fun challenge encouraging users to create their own beer-related videos, such as pairing your beer with different foods or creating beer-based recipes. | Collaborate with TikTok influencers to promote the challenge, offer prizes for creative entries, and share a compilation of the best videos. |
Story Highlights for Brews and Events | Use Instagram Stories to share updates about new releases, events, or brewery tours, and save them as Highlights for easy access. | Organize Highlights by category (e.g., seasonal brews, brewery events) and regularly update visuals to keep content fresh and engaging. | |
Customer Reviews and Ratings | Encourage fans to leave reviews and ratings on your Facebook page after they try your beers. | Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, promptly and professionally to demonstrate your commitment to customer feedback. | |
Engage in Beer Conversations | Participate in discussions about craft beer trends, local brewing events, or beer tasting notes. | Use relevant hashtags, connect with other craft beer enthusiasts and businesses, and share content that links back to your brand's involvement in these conversations. | |
TikTok | Behind-the-Scenes Content | Post short, engaging videos showing the brewing process, the daily life at the brewery, or introducing team members. | Encourage viewer interaction by asking them to vote on their favorite type of beer or suggest ideas for future brews. |
Make your craft beer brand more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best craft beer brands in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Marketing strategies for a craft beer brand 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 craft beer brands aiming to expand their market reach.
Tactic | Monthly Budget Range (USD) | How to Make It Even Better |
---|---|---|
Professional Video Production for Social Media | $2,000 - $5,000 | Focus on the unique brewing process, highlight the quality of ingredients, and share stories of your brewery's heritage. 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 experts in the beverage industry. Plan a series of engaging posts and tastings to keep the audience interested and involved. |
High-End Photography for Product and Advertising | $1,000 - $3,000 | Utilize these photos in all your marketing materials and social media. Regularly update the images to showcase new or seasonal brews, keeping the content fresh and appealing. |
Paid Social Media Advertising | $2,000 - $10,000 | Target your audience based on their preferences for craft beer styles, use A/B testing for ad creatives, and retarget visitors who have shown interest in your products or events. |
Partnerships with Bars and Restaurants | $1,000 - $5,000 | Work on securing featured taps or exclusive launches at popular venues. Use feedback from these partnerships to understand consumer preferences and refine your offerings. |
Hosting Brewery Tours and Tasting Events | $10,000 - $50,000 | Create immersive experiences that include guided tours, tasting sessions, and guest speakers from the industry. Promote these events heavily and engage with attendees on social media to maximize reach. |
Creating an Interactive, High-Quality Website with SEO | $5,000 - $15,000 | Develop a content-rich blog featuring brewing tips, industry trends, and behind-the-scenes looks at your brewery. Ensure the website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate, with an online store for direct purchases. |
Innovative and creative marketing strategies for your craft beer brand
For craft beer enthusiasts looking to elevate their brand in a crowded market, adopting innovative, creative, and unique marketing strategies is essential.
Tactic | Description |
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AR Beer Labels | Develop an augmented reality (AR) app that animates beer labels when scanned with a smartphone. This can include showing the brewing process or telling the story behind the beer, providing an engaging way for consumers to connect with your brand. |
Virtual Brewery Tours | Offer virtual tours of your brewery led by your master brewers. Participants can learn about the craft beer making process and engage in live Q&A sessions. Consider sending beer tasting kits to attendees for a complete experience, thus enhancing brand loyalty and reach. |
Collaborative Brews | Collaborate with other breweries or local businesses to create limited edition brews. Promote these special releases through social media and special events, fostering community engagement and expanding your audience. |
Pop-Up Beer Gardens | Set up pop-up beer gardens in unique locations such as art galleries, parks, or historic sites. These events can offer exclusive brews and create memorable experiences that customers will want to share. |
Experimental Brews | Introduce experimental brews that challenge traditional beer flavors and brewing techniques. Use these limited releases to spark curiosity and create buzz on social media, attracting adventurous beer lovers. |
Beer Truck Roadshow | Launch a beer truck that travels to different neighborhoods or festivals, offering a taste of your brewery's range. Use social media to announce locations and create interactive challenges or rewards for followers who track the truck down. |
Interactive Social Media Campaigns | Create social media campaigns that encourage users to share their beer tasting experiences, participate in photo contests with your brews, or engage in beer-themed challenges. Offer incentives like merchandise, discounts, or exclusive invites to brewery events. |
QR Codes on Coasters | Print QR codes on coasters that, when scanned, lead to a video about the beer's brewing process, a message from the brewmaster, or invites to special brewery events, blending technology with the beer drinking experience. |
Themed Tasting Events | Host themed tasting events where each session is dedicated to different beer styles or brewing regions. Include educational elements, food pairings, and interactive discussions to deepen the tasting experience. |
Brewery Scavenger Hunts | Organize scavenger hunts at your brewery or at events where your beer is featured. Include clues related to your beer's ingredients, brewing process, or history. Prizes can range from merchandise to private brewery tours, engaging participants in a fun and educational way. |
Your craft beer brand could make more money!
Most craft beer brand founders 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 craft beer brand?
Looking to boost your craft beer brand'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. The aim is to increase your brand's visibility, set it apart from the competition, and get people excited about your brews.
When we reached out to craft beer brand owners, many wondered if a marketing strategy was really necessary.
Yes - it's crucial.
In a market flooded with craft beer options, standing out is critical. Without a marketing strategy, your brand might remain undiscovered, which isn't good for business. Effective marketing puts your brand in the spotlight, draws in new enthusiasts, and keeps regulars returning for more.
You don’t need to spend countless hours or hire a marketing expert
You might say you've never studied marketing before. That’s okay.
You don’t need to delve into 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 aspects, especially in today's digital world, can be effectively managed with a bit of research, creativity, and commitment.
Social media platforms are potent tools for engaging directly with your audience, showcasing your unique brews, sharing customer testimonials, and running promotions.
However, a common challenge you might face as a craft beer brand owner when diving into marketing or social media is feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of platforms and tools available, each with its own best practices and algorithms.
It can be daunting to figure out where to start, what content to create, and how to effectively engage with your audience while managing a busy brewing schedule.
We understand these challenges. That's why we've developed a strategy pack specifically for craft beer brands. It contains all the essentials you need, simplified for easy understanding and immediate 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 craft beer brands typically spend on marketing. It varies widely based on the size, location, and goals of the brand.
From our observations, we recommend dedicating about 3-6% of your total revenue to marketing.
For smaller, independent brands, 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 brands might invest thousands in comprehensive campaigns, professional photography, and targeted online ads.
There are also effective marketing tactics for craft beer brands on a tight budget. Try to make your brand popular online, encourage your customers to leave positive reviews, leverage local news, and engage with your community through events or collaborations.
Being authentic and creative matters more than big spending. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of the brewing process, talk about your team, or explain 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 craft beer brands, all ready for you to use!
Copy the tactics of the best craft beer brands in the world!
There are craft beer brands that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
What should you prioritize when promoting your craft beer brand?
As a craft beer brand owner, understanding where to channel your marketing efforts is essential to attract the right audience and grow your brand.
Don’t try to seduce everyone, it’s too expensive
Every craft beer brand has its unique flavors, brewing techniques, and brand ethos, which resonate with particular groups of beer enthusiasts. This is why it's crucial to target the right customers for your brand.
When we analyzed the craft beer market and developed our marketing strategy pack, we noticed many brands wasting resources on ineffective strategies because they weren't targeting accurately.
Think of it this way: casting a wide net in the ocean hoping to catch any fish is less efficient than using specific bait to attract the fish you really want. In marketing, the latter approach means your efforts and resources are focused on attracting individuals who are more likely to appreciate and stick with your brand, rather than a transient audience with no genuine interest in your unique brews.
For example, a craft beer brand that uses generic online ads might not effectively reach true craft beer aficionados, who seek unique, artisanal experiences.
Similarly, a brand focusing on experimental, niche brews might not see a good return on investment from advertising in mainstream, broad-reaching media outlets, as their ideal customers are likely looking for something out of the ordinary.
This misalignment between marketing strategies and the target customer base can lead to ineffective marketing and financial losses.
Don’t follow generic advice: your craft beer brand is not a regular business
Generic marketing tactics, while foundational, often fall short when applied to the craft beer industry without customization. Context is key. A strategy that works well for a retail store, a tech startup, or a restaurant might not resonate with your craft beer audience.
Each of these businesses serves different needs, operates on different models, and engages customers in unique ways.
For instance, while a retail store might focus on volume and frequent promotions, a craft beer brand thrives on exclusivity, quality, and the story behind each brew. Similarly, a tech startup might leverage cutting-edge technology and innovation, which is a different approach than what might be used for marketing a beverage.
That’s why we created a marketing strategy pack specifically for craft beer brands.
Use common sense when deciding
What works for craft beer brands? It’s all about creating and sharing experiences that reflect your brand's identity.
Social media is an excellent platform for this, allowing you to showcase your unique brews, the brewing process, and the culture of your brand through engaging posts and stories.
Interacting with your audience by responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and highlighting customer reviews can add a personal touch that beer lovers value.
Remember, it’s not just about frequent posting, but about sharing content that aligns with the expectations and interests of your target demographic.
Collaborations with local breweries, beer influencers, and even events can also yield significant results. Such partnerships allow you to tap into existing communities and audiences that trust and value the opinions of the influencers they follow.
Lastly, ensure your brand is easily discoverable online. You need to befriend search engines. We can assist you - here is an SEO checklist tailored to craft beer brands. It’s all yours!
Where to get the best marketing strategies for your craft beer brand?
We get it, diving into marketing for your craft beer brand might seem like stepping into a whole new world, especially when you're already juggling a million things.
Maybe the whole concept of marketing feels a bit alien to you, with all its fancy terms and strategies. Or perhaps you're worried about the cost and time it could eat up, considering how tight things are already.
And we totally understand if you've thought, "Hey, my beer's great, shouldn't that be enough?" It's common to feel that way, especially when you've got the daily hustle of brewing, packaging, and distributing to manage, and maybe you've even been burned by marketing efforts in the past that didn't pan out.
Here's the thing: we've put together something special with you in mind - a strategy pack crafted specifically for craft beer brands.
This pack is all about making marketing straightforward and manageable. We've simplified the jargon and broken down the marketing process into clear, easy steps. Worried about time and money? We've got you covered with strategies that won't break the bank or require hours you don't have. These tools are designed to fit right into the busy schedule of a craft beer brand owner, focusing on practical, impactful actions.
Plus, we've included tips on navigating the digital world at your own pace, ensuring you won't feel left behind. Our goal is to help you see marketing not as a daunting task but as a manageable part of your business that can actually be fun and definitely rewarding.
Some craft beer brands make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best craft beer brands in the world. Replicate them now!