As the warm summer months approach, it’s the perfect time to ramp up your marketing initiatives and promotions to attract more foot traffic to your self-pour business. With the right strategies, you can turn your bar or taproom into a bustling summer hotspot. Here are some creative and effective summertime bar promotion ideas to boost sales and keep your patrons coming back for more.
Calculate Your Self-Pour ROI
Leverage Seasonal Events and Holidays
Summer Holidays and Festivities
The summer season is packed with holidays and special events that provide excellent opportunities for promotions. For instance, you can host themed events for the Fourth of July, complete with patriotic decorations, special drinks, and exclusive discounts. Similarly, organize an end-of-summer bash for Labor Day with live music and food pairings. Don’t forget to tap into local festivals and community events. Partnering with these events can help you cross-promote and attract a larger crowd.
Sporting Events
Summer is also a prime time for sports fans. Hosting viewing parties for major summer sports events such as baseball games, the Olympics, or soccer tournaments, can draw in large groups. Create special offers and promotions tied to these games, like discounted drinks for every home run, gold medal won, or goal scored.
Create Summer-Themed Drink Menus
Refreshing Self-Pour Beverage Options
Nothing says summer like a refreshing drink. Introduce limited-time summer beverage options, such as fruity cocktails, iced teas, and lemonades. Highlight local brews and seasonal craft beers to give patrons a taste of the best your region has to offer.
Signature Self-Pour Cocktails
Did you know that one of the most popular self-pour options sold through PourMyBeer locations is a margarita? Get creative with your self-pour offerings by curating unique cocktail recipes that patrons can mix and enjoy. Provide recipe cards or digital guides so they can replicate their favorite drinks at home, adding an extra layer of engagement to their experience.
Host Themed Nights and Events
Summer BBQs and Cookouts
Organize BBQ nights with special food and drink pairings. Partner with local food trucks for outdoor events, offering a variety of culinary delights alongside your self-pour beverages. This creates a fun, casual atmosphere that encourages patrons to linger and enjoy themselves.
Live Music and Entertainment
Live music and entertainment can significantly enhance the summer vibe at your establishment. Schedule performances by local bands or DJs to create a lively ambiance. Collaborating with local artists not only supports the community but also attracts their fan base to your venue.
Implement Loyalty Programs and Special Discounts
Summer Loyalty Programs
Create a summer-themed loyalty program that rewards repeat visits and referrals. Offer incentives such as discounts, free drinks, or exclusive event access for loyal patrons. A well-structured loyalty program can keep customers coming back throughout the season.
Happy Hour Specials
Extend your happy hour timings during the summer months to attract more patrons. Offer special deals on self-pour beverages during specific hours to encourage guests to visit more frequently and stay longer.
Enhance Outdoor and Patio Spaces
Outdoor Seating Arrangements
Invest in comfortable and attractive outdoor seating to make the most of the summer weather. Create shaded areas with umbrellas, canopies, or pergolas to provide relief from the sun while still allowing patrons to enjoy the outdoors.
Decor and Ambiance
Decorate your outdoor spaces with summer-themed elements such as fairy lights, lanterns, and plants. Set up outdoor games and activities like cornhole or giant Jenga to entertain guests and enhance their overall experience.
2023 Self-Pour Impact Report
Collaborate with Local Influencers and Businesses
Influencer Partnerships
Partnering with local influencers can be a powerful way to promote your self-pour establishment. Host influencer events or exclusive tastings to generate buzz and attract new patrons. Influencers can share their experiences on social media, reaching a wider audience and driving foot traffic.
Cross-Promotions with Local Businesses
Collaborate with nearby businesses for joint promotions. Offer discounts to patrons who visit partnering establishments, creating a network of mutual support that benefits everyone involved. This can also introduce your business to new customers who might not have discovered it otherwise.
At PourMyBeer, the average check amount is $22.52 and the average profit margin for self-pour systems is 70%. The table below uses the following formula to calculate your gross sales and gross profit:
Utilize Social Media and Digital Marketing
Social Media Campaigns
Run summer-themed contests and giveaways on your social media platforms to engage with your audience. Encourage patrons to share their experiences at your establishment by posting photos and tagging your business. User-generated content is a great way to build a sense of community and attract new customers.
Email Marketing
Keep your patrons informed about summer promotions, events, and special offers through email newsletters. Provide exclusive discounts and early access to events for email subscribers to make them feel valued and appreciated.
Get Promoting!
Summer is the perfect time to implement creative promotions and marketing strategies to increase sales and foot traffic to your self-pour business. From leveraging seasonal events and creating themed drink menus to enhancing outdoor spaces and collaborating with local influencers, there are countless ways to make your establishment the go-to summer destination. Share your own summer promotion ideas and success stories in the comments below, and let’s make this summer the best one yet!
