![Sports Bar: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-7_ddb796f3-a0b5-4182-95bc-9b92901a7a11.png?v=1715865727&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram aren't just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best sports bars in the world use strategically to attract fans and customers.
We know you're busy running your sports 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 fans to your bar stools.
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 sports bar owners.
Get the content idea list made for sports bar owners
A lot of sports 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 sports bar
We have analyzed numerous sports bars' social media accounts to create our strategy pack for sports bars - here’s what consistently brings in new patrons.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Sports Bar |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Game Day Photos | Captivating images of fans enjoying the game can entice potential customers to join the excitement at your sports bar. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the bar setup, bartenders, and 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 your sports 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 your sports bar to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming games, live music, or special theme nights can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal drinks or holiday 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. |
| Recipe Shares | Sharing recipes of popular bar snacks or drinks can intrigue food and drink enthusiasts and motivate them to try the original at your bar. |
| Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps your sports 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. |
| Game Day Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for the best game day experience can engage followers who are sports 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 sports bars make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best sports bars in the world. Replicate them now!
How can sports bar owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your sports bar are essential.
People are drawn to vibrant, lively images. Make sure the lighting captures the energy of your space, the drinks look refreshing, and the food presentation is mouth-watering.
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 sports bar. 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 offers, game nights, or seasonal events. 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 sports bar 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 sports bar “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your sports 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 sports 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 sports 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 sports bars on social media
Our team has crafted this list featuring highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for sports bars, with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your sports bar.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Game Day Photos | Capture the excitement of game days using natural light and your smartphone. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Fan Testimonials | Ask enthusiastic patrons to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free drink or appetizer as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their game day photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your sports bar on Instagram. |
| DIY Drink 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 daily prep or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Daily Special Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily 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 teams 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 drinks or game day snacks. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your sports bar. |
| Homemade Drink Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like coasters, 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 bar prep work, such as mixing drinks or setting up for game day. 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 or appetizer. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free snack. |
| Seasonal Drink Posts | Highlight seasonal ingredients and drinks using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the drink to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best sports bars in the world!
There are sports 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 sports bars
Investing in top-notch social media content for your sports 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 |
|---|---|
| Live Game Streaming | Hosting live streams of popular games with interactive commentary can create a virtual sports community and attract fans who can't make it to the bar. |
| Virtual Bar Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your sports bar, including the bar area, seating, and game zones, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Drinks | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal drinks available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| VIP Game Night Experience | Offering an exclusive game night experience where customers can enjoy premium seating, special menus, and personal screens can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Sports Stats Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your menus where customers can see live sports stats and player profiles can enhance the viewing experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Sports Events | Hosting themed sports events, such as a Super Bowl party or a World Cup viewing, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Sports Trivia Contests | Organizing sports trivia contests can create a fun and competitive atmosphere, attracting sports enthusiasts and trivia buffs. |
| Collaborative Viewing Parties | Partnering with local sports teams or fan clubs to host viewing parties can introduce your sports 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 bar, the local sports teams you support, or the personal journey of your bartenders can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Drink Selection | Allowing customers to choose ingredients for a custom drink 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 Bar Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile bar in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main sports bar later. |
| Game Day Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive game day packages with snacks, drinks, and bar merchandise 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 Viewing Parties | Organizing flash mob viewing events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous sports fans looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for sports bars on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many sports bar owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new patrons to your sports bar.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Sports Bars | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the sports bar appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your bar, staff, and patrons enjoying games 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 day highlights, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with sports or your bar confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on sports events, bar activities, 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 sports, 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 sports teams, 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 sports bar. |
Make your sports bar more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best sports bars in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your sports bar
We understand that as a sports 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 sports 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 sports 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 sports bar. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small sports bars on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your sports bar's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your sports bar's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your sports bar could make more money!
Most sports bar owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
