Looking for a company to manage social media for my bar

[nik82]

I opened a Bar about 6 months ago.
Really hard work but its doing well.
I need help managing my Social Media.
Currently we are doing it in house and its poor and not generating any new customers/revenue.

Can anyone recommend a company?
Someone with Bar/Restaurant experience would be great.
Most people I've spoken to have starter packages from about £200 per month. This is about the level id like to start at until we see some traction.

What do I want from my social media campaign?

When I think social media for businesses I think Instagram and Facebook. I don't know Facebook very well at all.

Currently we have a page which isn't regularly updated. We don't have many followers. Most followers are friends and family.

What we need/want is to increase our followers with genuine local people, How do we do this?

Why do we want this? So that we can keep people engaged with our events and what's going on and ultimately attract new customers/revenue.

We also need to use Facebook generated ads, to reach out to locals that fit our demographic to attend our events, Poker nights, Pool tournament, Friday DJ etc. Do sponsored Facebook ads work for local Bars?

How long will it take to start seeing results?

How much will it cost?

Instagram - This is a platform I use and understand. We are not updating Insta page very often. Our pics and videos are not professional and don't represent what we really are.

-What we want, is for our page to be updated daily.
-For our followers to grow
-For our page to attract new customers/revenue

Any help/ideas with this would be most appreciated.

 

[The Byre]

SM is all about YOU speaking to your customers. It sounds as if you expect someone else to speak for you - and that ain't gonna work.

Make YouTube videos about cocktails, write a blog, be all over FB and engage with your customers. It's all about YOU talking to people! Do a 'What's On!' in your town, mentioning that folks can come to your bar after seeing that play, band or movie.

 

[AllUpHere]

People who will do anything for a couple of hundred quid per month will do more harm than good. You need to up your budget to include an initial plan by someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[Sunny55]

i Agree few hundred quid is low and we probably shouldn’t expect big results from that.

I’m more than happy to go higher if we feel confident in results. Ideally I’d like to have a professional photographer who comes in during events and takes pics and videos. (The content we make in house isn’t a good reflection of what we are)

Send them across to a social media expert who then puts them out there with the best hash tags etc

 

[Sunny55]

I’d also like to have someone that can offers advice and experience on similar campaigns.

Currently we don’t have a social media marketing campaign. We need to work with someone who can help us with strategy.

 

[Darren_Ssc]

I think you are under the impression that you can grow a local social media following organically with a bit of an initial investment.

It doesn't work like that anymore (if it ever did?). The reality is that you will have to pay to build an audience and keep paying for them to see your posts.

I wouldn't advise going any further until you have some clear idea what you want to achieve other than building a following? Your £200 a month may be better spent on something else?

 

[The Byre]

I wouldn't advise going any further until you have some clear idea what you want to achieve other than building a following? Your £200 a month may be better spent on something else?

This!

1. SM is great at building a worldwide audience that can be scaled up and 'monetised' through sales of software, music, films, educational courses, stuff like that!

2. A bar needs physical contact with the punter to earn money. They have to be local, not all over Planet Earth!

3. 1 + 2 means you need LOCAL advertising. Radio, leaflets, posters and that sort of thing.

4. A SM manager is someone you hire AFTER you have built up a large following that needs a dedicated manager. Talor Swift and Nicki Minaj have SM managers, but they hired them because their followers had become so numerous that they needed a dedicated manager.

5. YouTube is the World's second most popular search engine and a great way to reach people across Planet Earth.

 

[Ben E | Videoprawn]

Recent ex social & content marketing manager here. I totally agree with what others have said re: the low figure of £200, as well as not really needing a manager yet.

I would suggest placing an emphasis on content creation - this is something you're best placed to do as you're there with feet on the ground. If you feel you can't do this, then spend that £200 on getting a pro photographer/videographer for the day/night to take as many interesting/exciting videos and photos as humanly possible of your bar in action.

The aim of the game here is to build a bank of appealing content which can be shared out over the following months. The sharing part is easy and something you can do in your spare minutes - you can create a social media content calendar and plan this in advance, as well as scheduling posts in batch beforehand using a tool like Buffer.

Get involved in any local event coverage online, local Facebook Groups are big, follow and piggyback local hashtags.

Facebook fans and reviews are useful, so if you can push for people to review you on Facebook that would be good. Maybe a monthly competition - free round on the house for a randomly selected follower of the month.

Another quick idea - have a free mystery shot (various strange/gross flavours - think Bertie Bott's every flavour beans in Harry Potter) which you give to anyone who will share a video of them drinking it on their Instagram tagging your bar in it. The reactions should be pretty good.

You can have a load of fun as a small local business on social media especially as a bar. Your target audience are people who are likely to enjoy fun and funny content, so enjoy it and get creative!

If you have any questions or anything like that just reply here or PM me, I'd be happy to help you out.

 

[Opinion87]

£200.00 isn't a budget at all. I own a bar and we spend more than that on FB/IG adverts per month alone. Factor in the planning, effort, design work, writing copy, printing, photography, videography, research etc.

 

[Rach M]

What everyone is saying is true, however, only you know what your needs are and that's what's important. You need someone to be able to work with you in identifying those needs and outlining what can be done to achieve your objectives. When you are clear on the work that needs to be done and have clear goals, then it will be easier to budget accordingly.

 

[Herbs]

What is your broadband speed like?

If it is half decent, drop me a PM and I can introduce you to a product for WiFi marketing that will help you massively connect to your customers and understand their demographic. Its been designed specifically for this industry.

 

[Aaron Starc]

I think there Social Media is widely used for reaching out because of its nature of approaching people in a cheaper way, comparatively. Anyhow, what you need is a good bit of designing help and photography whenever there is some event going on. Restaurants and Bars are more into photography; usually run ads about their events in the demography they need to target. Also, the mentioned budget is not enough for Social Media because this is only place you are marketing yourself OR is there any other forefront where you are marketing your business. In your case, there are so many things that can be done to get it up and running.

You just don't need numbers on your profiles, you need a reactive crowd who is content hungry and for that your content needs to be really good and on point. Also, one needs help of someone who has proven track record of work and can come through with newer ideas and follow trends as and when it happens OR an agency that knows how to do it in this business and produce results for you. I can recommend one such agency which has taken care of clients from food industry, Branex UK.

 

[IvoryMint]

I think everyone here has made some really good points. I'm going to reply from a different point of view.

I run my own business (greetings cards and stationery), most of my friends are also self employed and can totally see why you think you need someone to manage your social media. You're time poor and are more valuable running your bar than you are on your phone posting photos.

Definitely not trying to sell myself here however I've recently taken over managing a friends social media account for his business. He is a personal trainer, has no time and hates social media so was more than happy to hand it over. I got to know him and his brand inside and out, his voice and his ethics and his desired target audience. We use Instagram, Facebook and Meetup for his local audience which has had a fantastic effect on his earnings. He's had sellout events, increased attendance on his exercise classes and some really great interaction and exciting leads purely through his social media.

In short, I'd recommend finding someone who can really get to know you and your brand. You need to trust them and let them get on with it whilst also communicate regularly with them (so that they have the most up to date info and photos). I do think that social media IS good for local businesses - its certainly how I find out about whats going on in my local town.

Good luck!

 

[Paulo1Chop]

Do you really need a social media presence? And I don't agree with the "it's what everyone else does' mantra and the sales pitches that are flying back at you in the replies!

Obviously I don't know from your post if you're in a city centre, village or rural location but pound the pavements and get involved with your local community - the people who are likely to come into you bar.

Your marketing efforts should be offline laser targeted on your local demographic not on FB ads and paying some charlatan £200+ (personally - and this might help on Poker night - I'd say to never reveal how much you're willing to spend on anything in a public forum as this will get the vultures circling!!) - how many leaflets could your print out for that much cash?

Concentrate on attracting a local clientele - they'll be your best customers and your best word of mouth advocates! Good luck and one for youself!

 

[TheoNe]

It is my opinion that you will achieve very little with a £200 social media budget per month. By all means create some social media accounts and upload some content, but I think your focus should be on getting the following in place first.

A simple website - featuring some basic contact information, exact location and images on your bar including some shots of your bar in use on a busy night.

Google My Business Listing - requires some basic information to register but will give your bar visibility when internet searches for local bars are performed.

Referral listings - getting listed or recommended on industry listings, review sites and industry sites are a great way of speaking directly to your target market. A few great reviews will place your bar higher in the minds of potential customers.

Once you have the above in place - then look at social media.

 

[Strent12]

Putting in effort to create really high quality content and then dripping them out using scheduling software like buffer is the way to go.

As you're a bar its all about the visual and creating a buzz so as others have suggested youtube videos showing how to make drinks is a good way to go as well as trying to dominate google for your location.

If you're not capable of producing nice looking content then go for pro help but if you've got a great personality for camera for example not being the most polished isn't going to hurt you a la youtube.

Also, it's going to be quite difficult to track success in your case as you won't necessarily know if its the social media stuff that's pushing an increase or not of actual people through the door. So bear that in mind when analysing success or failure with whichever option you go with. Having a ton of inactive followers on facebook isn't a sign of success.

 

[CharlotteS]

I think some of the replies you are getting here are overlooking the fact that you run a BAR!! Of course social media is absolutely crucial to your business, and you're lucky enough to work in one of the niches that in some ways is easiest to promote on social thanks to the wealth of opportunities for user generated content (e.g content from those who frequent it).

Think more about ways you can get your patrons to "advertise" for you, for example put up hashtags on boards around the bar and offer incentives to use them. If you put on any type of events, even if it's a "steak night" or whatever, set them up as events on FB (Facebook is majorly prioritising events at the moment).

Local influencers can be helpful too - if you're happy to give away a few freebies and there are platforms you can use for this.

 

[AllUpHere]

I think some of the replies you are getting here are overlooking the fact that you run a BAR!! Of course social media is absolutely crucial to your business, and you're lucky enough to work in one of the niches that in some ways is easiest to promote on social thanks to the wealth of opportunities for user generated content (e.g content from those who frequent it).

Think more about ways you can get your patrons to "advertise" for you, for example put up hashtags on boards around the bar and offer incentives to use them. If you put on any type of events, even if it's a "steak night" or whatever, set them up as events on FB (Facebook is majorly prioritising events at the moment).

Local influencers can be helpful too - if you're happy to give away a few freebies and there are platforms you can use for this.

I do run a marketing agency - so feel free to PM me - we offer a completely free, no obligation consultation that might help to give you some ideas.

Absolutely crucial? Really?

You are either incredibly naive, or you aren't bothered about the accuracy of what you write, as long as you get to promote your services to the OP.

 

[CharlotteS]

@

Absolutely crucial? Really?

You are either incredibly naive, or you aren't bothered about the accuracy of what you write, as long as you get to promote your services to the OP.

The op runs a bar. One of the most “social” businesses you can get. Not having a social media presence means that customers cannot “check in” cannot review, and cannot tag photos etc.

If you think that type of business doesn’t require social media to work well, then I’m afraid it’s you who is naive.

There are plenty of business that will function perfectly well without it but this really isn’t one of them.

 

[AllUpHere]

@



The op runs a bar. One of the most “social” businesses you can get. Not having a social media presence means that customers cannot “check in” cannot review, and cannot tag photos etc.

If you think that type of business doesn’t require social media to work well, then I’m afraid it’s you who is naive.

There are plenty of business that will function perfectly well without it but this really isn’t one of them.

I'll ask again. Absolutely critical? As in, it would be impossible to run a bar without using social media?

 

[CharlotteS]

@



The op runs a bar. One of the most “social” businesses you can get. Not having a social media presence means that customers cannot “check in” cannot review, and cannot tag photos etc.

If you think that type of business doesn’t require social media to work well, then I’m afraid it’s you who is naive.

There are plenty of business that will function perfectly well without it but this really isn’t one of them.

@



The op runs a bar. One of the most “social” businesses you can get. Not having a social media presence means that customers cannot “check in” cannot review, and cannot tag photos etc.

If you think that type of business doesn’t require social media to work well, then I’m afraid it’s you who is naive.

There are plenty of business that will function perfectly well without it but this really isn’t one of them.

I'll ask again. Absolutely critical? As in, it would be impossible to run a bar without using social media?

I'll ask again. Absolutely critical? As in, it would be impossible to run a bar without using social media?

Ok - I will rephrase - "absolutely crucial in effectively marketing your business". Is that better?

I don't wish to derail the thread any further. I have offered my opinion, some ideas, and an offer of some further free advice, which I hope is a helpful contribution for the OP.

 

[AllUpHere]

Ok - I will rephrase - "absolutely crucial in effectively marketing your business". Is that better?

I don't wish to derail the thread any further. I have offered my opinion, some ideas, and an offer of some further free advice, which I hope is a helpful contribution for the OP.

Nope, no better at all. You can't possibly say whether or not it would be crucial, or even useful, for the OP's business based on the info provided. Telling the OP it's absolutely critical (or crucial) is just daft.

 

[CharlotteS]

Nope, no better at all. You can't possibly say whether or not it would be crucial, or even useful, for the OP's business based on the info provided. Telling the OP it's absolutely critical (or crucial) is just daft.

Again, I have stated that I don't wish to derail the OPs thread, so I'm afraid that I'm not engaging further with you on it, though do feel free to message me if you want to continue the conversation.

 

[NickGrogan]

Not having a social media presence means that customers cannot “check in” cannot review, and cannot tag photos etc.

No, it doesn't, that's not how social media works.

 

[CharlotteS]

No, it doesn't, that's not how social media works.

Well pretty much - yes it is. While any business or location can be tagged - there is then no brand, no cohesion (e.g I tag myself in charlotte’s bar, my mate tags herself in Charlotte bar, someone else tags it as something else etc. No reviews etc.

I have worked with bars, nightclubs and festivals across the UK, Europe and USA and cannot think of one where their social media has not hugely contributed to the success of their events.

 

[Lloyd N8N]

Google My Business and social media would be a great way to promote your business.

I help a number of local businesses with their social media and have seen fantastic results.

A local builder received 17 FB messages asking for quotes (loft conversions, double extensions etc) within the first 8 weeks of me setting up and managing their social media.

A pub I manage has been viewed 18.6k times on Google in the last month alone, 13.7k on maps.

I've got client's with less than 50 likes, however their FB posts regularly reach up to 8,000 people.

If you have an hour or two a week to spare you could get these results yourself... I'm happy to share some ideas with you.

 

[Dolphin-Design]

I disagree that £200 a month is not enough.

Targeting locally via paid facebook ads is easy and not so expensive.

It's all I do with my printing business to drive people to my shop and works well.

 

[Paulo1Chop]

@



The op runs a bar. One of the most “social” businesses you can get. Not having a social media presence means that customers cannot “check in” cannot review, and cannot tag photos etc.

If you think that type of business doesn’t require social media to work well, then I’m afraid it’s you who is naive.

There are plenty of business that will function perfectly well without it but this really isn’t one of them.

I grew up - or at least frequented bars - in the 90's and beyond before social media told us what to do and what to think. During these times of face to face conversation and none electronic social interaction it would be 4 deep at the bar! Every night!

As much as I respect everyone's right to have and express their own opinion I certainly don't believe a social media presence is necessary to "function perfectly well" in this industry!