Owning and operating a bar can be a rewarding but challenging business. With competition from other drinking establishments in your area, it’s important to consistently find ways to attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back. Here are some tips to help boost custom in your bar.
Offer Promotions and Specials
One of the best ways to drive traffic through your doors is by running promotions and specials. Happy hour deals, discounted food menus, two-for-one drink nights – give people an incentive to choose your bar over others in the area. Promote the specials on social media, your website, local publications, and with eye-catching posters in your bar so customers are aware of the bargains on offer.
Host Events and Entertainment
Hosting events and entertainment is a great way to get more people visiting your bar. Live music nights, open mic nights, pub quizzes, comedy shows, sports viewings – give people a reason to come out for the event and stay for drinks. Make sure to promote the events in advance across different platforms. If the events are a success, make them regular occurrences in your schedule.
Refresh Your Drink Menu
Give your customers more choices and reasons to return by regularly updating and refreshing your drink menu. Add some craft beers, signature cocktails, speciality spirits, or non-alcoholic options. Offer drink specials to highlight the new additions. A new and improved menu will help entice both new and existing patrons.
Focus on Providing Excellent Service
Customers will keep coming back to your bar if you provide exceptional, friendly, and prompt service. Train your staff on customer service best practices. Make sure customers are acknowledged and served quickly. Having knowledgeable bartenders who can explain the drink menu and make recommendations is also an asset. Provide table service if possible so customers don’t have to go to the bar every time they want a new drink.
Invest in Ambience and Comfort
The overall atmosphere and comfort level of your bar will affect your bottom line. Invest in improving the ambience through music, lighting, décor, and furniture upgrades. Ensure tables and seating are conducive to relaxation and conversation. Keep noise levels under control. A comfortable, inviting atmosphere encourages patrons to linger longer and spend more.
Read the Pub & Bar Magazine
Reading industry publications like the Pub & Bar Magazine can provide invaluable ideas and insights to improve your business. The Pub & Bar Magazine offers the latest news, expert advice, and innovative ideas across key areas like marketing, management, food & drink trends, and staff training. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices through a pub magazine will help spark ideas to boost custom and stay competitive in your area. You’ll get marketing tips, learn about new hospitality tech, discover drink recipes, and gain insights from other successful publicans.
Research the Competition
Part of boosting your bar involves understanding what your competitors are doing. Research other popular bars in your area and take note of their offerings, pricing, events, promotions, atmosphere, and target demographics. This competitive analysis will help you identify your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. You can then refine your own business strategy to differentiate from competitors and meet customer needs even better.
Leverage Social Media
Promoting your bar’s unique selling points, events, specials and ambience on social media platforms gives you an opportunity to attract new patrons. Focus on visual content – spotlight your drinks, food, décor, and lively atmosphere with enticing photos and videos. Share updates across Instagram, Facebook, and other channels. Respond quickly to feedback and reviews. Running social media promotions and contests also helps engage your audience.
With a combination of promotions, events, menu updates, great service, and savvy marketing, you can drive up custom and make your bar the go-to spot in your area.
