or “Tips to Stop Sucking at Sports Bar Social Media”
Ok, we get the picture you have a sports bar and someone told you that you need “have” Facebook or Instagram…(BTW WTF Does “have” Facebook or Instagram even mean?) The fact is they are right. Social Media marketing is the best way to put your brand on display and introduce it to a like-minded audience. But, having a Social presence for the sake of having a presence is an exercise in futility. It will never help your business and you will grow bitter about the medium.
So you are in luck, the Best Bites Marketing team are comprised of avid sports fans that have some ideas to your Sports Bar Social Media & Digital Marketing.
Top 5 Sports Bar Social Media Tips
1. Have a bar home team for each of the major sports seasons and know everything about them. Ok, we know you are not going to become the next Cubs GM, but know what is going on with the team you’re backing. There is nothing worst than a sports bar posting photos of their supposed rival on their Instagram feed, unless you are making fun of them of course.
How awesome would it be if you were known as the go to Dodgers bar in Los Angeles? Your presence on Social Media should reflect 100% who you are as an establishment.
TIP: If you are a sports bar without a team in your city, like I am here for the NFL with the Chargers leaving (touchy subject…) ask your employees who they pull for and find some common ground there. If your city is without a team, you can bet your patrons and employees are fans of someone.
2. Highlight special events and big games. Yes, the Super Bowl and Championship Games are the biggest, but everyone knows that they are big. There are other big games and rivalries that happen within the season. Ohio State vs. Michigan is huge. Yankees vs. Red Sox are big regular season rival games. Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos is huge. Know they big games and highlight them during game week. Many times people seek out sports bars because they are simply advertising what they could be watching in the convenience of their own home.
3. Appeal to women. When it comes to social media marketing you need to appeal to many people. Mix up your post images and verbiage to appeal to the female fan and non-fan alike. I know many women who love their football Sundays. Wednesday night baseball or Friday night hoops. Do not ignore the female patron, just because your perception of sports fans is twisted.
TIP: Sometimes, when predominantly men try to market to women they go over the top. When catering your Facebook posts or Instagram images to female do not be insulting. Not all women want an Appletini or Lemondrop Shot. Do not be stupid.
4. Show off the fun. We come to your sports bar to enjoy the game, food, beverages and have fun. Show off people having fun whenever possibly. Show off staff having fun. Tell me on social media, without telling me why I need to be at your bar for the next big game. If I don’t go, show me what I missed.
5. Highlight specials when possible. Show off your special events, pay per view events, alumni parties, food and drink specials and whatever else you have going on. Specials do not mean discounts, in this context I am talking about whatever and however you are special and what makes you a go to game day destination.
Another Six Sports Bar Social Media Tips
6. Stay away from being salesy. Make it about the customer’s experience.
7. Taco Tuesday does not make you unique, so what does?
8. Girls in referee uniforms are not a good look for your brand.
9. Try to appeal to the sports (football) widow, she needs a day of fun too…
10. Be you, be who you are, let people know what they are getting into
11. Do not forget the Fantasy Sports Fan. Let them know what out of market games you are showing.
Take these tips and get your sports bar social media (back) on point. Like all social media, it all comes back to knowing who you are, your customer and melding the two together.
If this seems like a tall task or feel you need help Trinity Web Media’s Best Bites Marketing team is here for you. Fill out the contact form for a free 30-minute consultation and let’s talk it over.