For sports bars, marketing and promotion are crucial to stay ahead of the competition. Because customer tastes can change frequently, promotions can help get new faces in the door and start to build a loyal customer base. To attract people who are right for your bar, choose targeted promotions that will appeal to your desired clientele.
Female Promotional Models
Appeal to the male portion of your audience by using attractive female promotional models. Depending on the style and character of your bar, they can be scantily clad or not. If your bar is near a street with high foot traffic, have them pass out fliers or hold signs; they can also offer coupons and flirt with passing men. This type of promotional campaign is great for bars that have a reputation for having a mostly male clientele. Continue the promotion by having your models in the bar, serving drinks or mixing with the customers.
Event Parties
To promote your sports bar, hold big events on site during major games such as the Super Bowl or regional championships. If there is a strong team support or rivalry in your town, capitalize on it by rooting for a specific team or by giving free drinks to people wearing team gear. Give drink discounts and serve free food to make the party a good deal as well as a way to socialize; in doing so, you can bring in people looking to watch the event in a social atmosphere.
Focus on Identity
Bar-goers often tend to seek out bars that fit a certain profile, depending on the experience they want to have. In your promotions, let your customers know what kind of a sports bar you are: female-friendly or lounge-style, for example. In your promotional materials, use imagery and font that matches the look of your bar: It should be clear from the pieces whether you are more of a down-home, beer-and-peanuts place, or if you cater to a suit-wearing executive crowd.
Ladies' Nights
Female sports fans can feel intimidated by male-dominated sports bars; give them an incentive to come in your bar by holding ladies' nights. This is particularly effective in college towns, where students are on a limited budget and will jump at the chance to save money. Offer drink promotions or special entertainment, or waive the cover charge for women. Although a ladies' night focuses on females, it can also attract men looking to meet new women.
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