Pub Social Media Strategy: How to Pull Pints of Engagement

Ever walked past a rival pub on a drizzly Tuesday night and wondered why they’re heaving while your place has more empty stools than occupied ones? Spoiler: it’s not just their ale. It’s their pub social media strategy working overtime behind the scenes.

In today’s digital-first pub culture, Instagram feeds, TikTok reels, and Facebook events are as powerful as your pumps. According to a 2024 Sprout Social study, 76% of consumers have purchased—or visited—a venue after seeing it on social media. For pubs, that’s proof in the pint: your digital presence directly fuels foot traffic.

So, how do you go from posting blurry pint shots to creating a strategy that fills your bar—even on a Monday? Let’s get into the dos and donts of a pub social media strategy that actually works.

Sell the Vibe, Not Just the Pint

Your regulars aren’t coming for “beer” alone—they’re coming for atmosphere. A solid pub social media strategy should showcase what makes your boozer buzz:

• Live band nights that get punters singing.

• Bartender tricks that make jaws drop.

• Pub quizzes where teams battle for bragging rights.
  

Tip: Video posts get 48% more engagement than still images. That quick clip of your bartender pulling a perfect Guinness will do far more than another stock image of a frothy pint

Don’t: Post boring, generic pint shots. Every pub does that. Show off your personality instead.

Keep It Local, Keep It Loyal

Pubs are the heartbeat of their communities. Your socials should reflect that. Talk about local events, partner with nearby food vendors, or shout out community heroes.

• Promote when the local football team’s match is showing.

• Share snaps from charity nights.

• Tag and collaborate with local musicians.
  

Fact: Posts with location tags see 79% more engagement. That’s your chance to remind people you are not just a pub—you are their pub.

Don’t: Ignore comments and DMs. Each unanswered message is a pint (and customer) poured away.

Timely Campaigns = Full Tables

Your pub social media strategy should be a content calendar, not a lucky dip. Time your posts around what punters actually care about:

• Six Nations specials with pints and pies.

• Summer garden launches with spritzes on the terrace.

• Halloween “spirit specials” with fancy dress discounts.
  

Pro stat: During big Premier League games, searches for “pubs near me” can spike by over 200%. If your bar is packed, your socials should show it.

Don’t: Go radio silent in busy seasons. If your pub’s buzzing offline, make it buzz online too.

Show the People Behind the Pints

The charm of a pub isn’t the furniture—it’s the faces. Put your team front and centre:

• Introduce your bar staff and their favourite drinks.

• Share behind-the-scenes reels from the kitchen.

• Post your team’s playlists or “staff picks of the week.”
  

Stat: 70% of consumers feel more connected to brands when employees are featured on social channels.

Don’t: Hide behind a faceless logo. People come for the pint, but they stay for the personalities.

Let Your Punters Do the Talking

User-generated content (UGC) is gold dust in pub marketing. When customers tag you in their posts, reshare it. It’s social proof—and it feels authentic.

• Create a hashtag for your pub nights.

• Reward people for check-ins or tagged photos.

• Reshare raw, unpolished content—it’s real, and that’s what works.
  

According to Nielsen, 92% of people trust UGC more than branded content. That selfie of a group clinking pints in your garden will sell your pub better than any ad campaign.

Don’t: Over-edit or stage every shot. Real moments win.

The Golden Rule: Consistency is Your Best Pint

The best pub social media strategy isn’t about posting the flashiest cocktail pics—it’s about showing up consistently with the right tone, timing, and authenticity. If your content isn’t converting, it’s time to rethink. Social media for pubs isn’t an afterthought anymore—it’s the front door before your actual front door.

At Content Pie, we don’t just make pubs look good online—we make them perform. Because at the end of the day, your feed should be as full as your bar.

👉 hello@contentpie.in
📞 +91-8218798070
🌐 www.contentpie.in

Follow us on Instagram to see our work: @contentpiestudio