Social Media for Nightlife: 3 Tips to Build Your Audience

The nightlife industry, especially in a major metropolis like Chicago, is one of the most competitive I know. Those who are succeeding, are effectively using social media. Why? Because the demographic that is most engaged with social media is the exact target market of bars and clubs… the 21 to 35 year olds.

1. Branding is critical – online, with social and in your establishment.

One of the most important tips that I can offer most any business, but especially bars and nightclubs, is to be sure to define a brand and produce everything within those definitions. Are you a local dive bar or are you an upscale lounge? Are you a dance club or live music venue? Are you an Irish pub or punk bar? Are you the cheap, local pub or are you the sophisticated brewery? As a bar, you should have a good idea of who you are. But you should take some time and define it. After you do that, everything you do online must support that image. You should build a website where the customer experience is that same as if they were walking in to the physical location.

2. Know the laws regarding age.

This is typically more applicable to liquor companies than bars, but some states may require you to age-gate your website and social media sites. Boxless Media is located in Chicago, Illinois and Illinois state law doesn’t require you to do so unless you are selling product online (according to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission). If your state or city does, this is a relatively easy process for the major platforms. On the web, instituting a landing page that requires the entry of a birthday is easy. Facebook and Twitter also have tools built in to restrict sites based on age.

3. Utilize all the Features of Facebook.

Facebook is an awesome tool to use for promoting your bar. Encourage likes and reward them somehow. Take pictures at the bar and post them on your page. Then encourage people to tag themselves. Encourage and reward check-ins. The more you use these features, the more people will see your Facebook posts. Then, if you regularly post on your Facebook page, you will build a relationship with your regulars.

The secret to success for bars and clubs online is to build a great presence and stay on top of it. If you constantly show how much fun it is to be at your establishment, people will see that and want to be a part of it.