Marketing Ideas

1.
Getting Noticed on Social Media

There are several ways to encourage people to post photos and tag your brewery on social media as they enjoy your beers:

Encourage customers to use a specific hashtag when posting photos of themselves enjoying your beer. This will help you track user-generated content and engage with your customers.

Hold a photo contest on social media that requires customers to post photos of themselves enjoying your beer with a specific hashtag. Offer a prize, such as a free brewery tour or a gift card, to the winner.

Offer incentives to customers who post photos of themselves enjoying your beer, such as a discount on their next visit or a free sample of a new beer.

Create visually interesting areas at your brewery where customers can take photos. For example, you could create a mural or an interesting backdrop that customers can use as a photo op.

When customers post photos of themselves enjoying your beer, engage with them by liking and commenting on their posts. This will encourage them to continue posting and tagging your brewery in their photos.

2.
Partnering with local businesses

Here are some opportunities for the brewery to partner with local businesses beyond simply offering your beers for sale:

Collaborate with local businesses to co-host events such as beer tastings, food pairings, or music events. This will allow you to reach new customers and attract more visitors to your brewery.

Work with local businesses to create cross-promotions that benefit both parties. For example, you could offer a discount on your beers to customers who visit a partner business, or vice versa.

Partner with local businesses to create limited edition beers that are inspired by their products or services. This can create a buzz around your brand and help you stand out from competitors.

Partner with local businesses to create a loyalty program that rewards customers for frequenting both your business and partner businesses. This can help drive traffic to both locations.

Sponsor local events such as charity walks, runs, or festivals. This can help increase brand awareness and position the brewery as a supporter of the local community.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Here are some ways to give sincere support to local businesses, develop partnerships with the community, and incorporate support of those businesses across social media into your marketing mix:

Take the time to build genuine relationships with local businesses. Get to know the owners and employees, attend their events, and be an active participant in the local community.

On social media, share posts from local businesses that align with your brand values or may be of interest to your followers. This will help increase their visibility and show your support.

Promote partner businesses on your social media accounts by sharing posts, tagging them in your posts, or creating joint social media campaigns.

Work with local businesses to offer discounts or collaborate on deals that benefit both parties. For example, you could offer a discount on your beer to customers who visit a partner business, or you could collaborate on a package deal that includes a product or service from both businesses.

Sponsoring local events, such as festivals or charity events, can help increase brand visibility and show your support for the local community.

Incorporate a section on your website that highlights local businesses you support. This can be a great way to showcase your commitment to the community and support other local businesses.

Work with local businesses to create joint content, such as blog posts or videos, that showcases your partnership and provides value to your audience.

3.
Being active in the community

Here are some opportunities for the brewery to get involved in the local community beyond simply offering your beers:

Get involved with local events by volunteering your time, resources, or staff. This can be a great way to show your support for the community and build relationships with potential customers.

Consider sponsoring local charities or organizations that align with your brand values. This can help increase brand awareness and position the brewery as a supporter of the community.

Collaborate with local artists to create unique pieces of art or merchandise that incorporate your brand. This can help you stand out from competitors and support local talent.

Source ingredients for your beers from local farmers or suppliers. This can help support the local economy and provide a unique selling point for your brand.

Partner with local food trucks or restaurants to offer food pairings with your beers. This can be a great way to attract new customers and build relationships with local businesses.

Host educational events that teach people about the beer-making process or the history of beer. This can be a great way to build relationships with potential customers and establish the brewery as an authority in the industry.

Collaborate with local schools to offer educational opportunities or sponsor school events. This can help increase brand awareness and show your support for the community.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

What more could we do with the Chamber?  What other local business groups should we consider being part of?

Attend local networking events hosted by the chamber of commerce or other business groups to meet other business owners and potential customers. This can help you build relationships and increase brand awareness.

Participate in business workshops or training sessions offered by the chamber of commerce or other business groups to learn new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

Sponsor events hosted by the chamber of commerce or other business groups to increase brand visibility and show your support for the local business community.

Collaborate with the chamber of commerce or other business groups on joint marketing efforts, such as email campaigns or social media posts, to reach a wider audience.

Join committees or task forces within the chamber of commerce or other business groups to get involved in the community and work on projects that benefit the local area.

Host business events, such as after-hours mixers or educational sessions, at your brewery to showcase your space and build relationships with other business owners.

Offer discounts on your beers or merchandise to members of the chamber of commerce or other business groups to incentivize them to visit your brewery and support your business.

PRESS RELEASES

Here are the general steps to follow when putting out press releases for newsworthy developments such as releasing a new beer, recipe, hosting a special event, or expanding the brewery:

Write a concise and informative press release that highlights the newsworthy development. The release should include a headline, an opening paragraph that summarizes the news, supporting details, quotes from brewery representatives, and contact information.

Identify relevant media outlets and journalists who cover the food and beverage industry, as well as local news and events. Research their contact information and create a media list.

Send the press release to your media list via email or a distribution service. The email should include a brief introduction, the press release, and any supporting materials such as photos or videos.

Follow up with the journalists after a few days to confirm if they received the press release and if they need any additional information or interviews. This can help increase the chances of getting coverage.

Monitor media coverage to see if the press release was picked up by any media outlets. Share any coverage on your social media channels and website.

Analyze the results of the press release, including the number of media outlets that picked it up, the quality of the coverage, and any resulting traffic or sales. Use this information to improve future press releases and marketing efforts.

Overall, press releases can be an effective way to generate media coverage and increase brand awareness for newsworthy developments. However, it’s important to ensure that the news is truly newsworthy and relevant to the media outlets you are targeting. Additionally, follow up with journalists and monitor coverage to maximize the impact of your press release.

CRAFT BEER MEDIA OUTLETS

Here’s a list of craft beer related publications, websites, and YouTube channels that could assist in spreading the word about your brewery:

  1. Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine
  2. Beer Advocate Magazine
  3. Draft Magazine
  4. All About Beer Magazine
  5. Zymurgy Magazine
  1. Brewbound
  2. CraftBeer.com
  3. The Beer Connoisseur
  4. Good Beer Hunting
  5. The Full Pint
  1. The Craft Beer Channel
  2. Beer Geek Nation
  3. Craft Beer Reviewer
  4. The Beer Whisperer
  5. Tasting History

These publications, websites, and YouTube channels are popular and highly respected in the craft beer industry. Getting coverage in any of them could help increase brand awareness for your brewery and potentially attract new customers.

4.
What makes us unique

Emphasizing your brewery’s unique story and offerings is important in differentiating yourself from other local bars and restaurants, but it’s also important to maintain positive relationships with these businesses. Here are some ways you can emphasize your uniqueness without talking down local bars and restaurants:

Emphasize your brewery’s history and how it sets you apart from other local bars and restaurants. Share your passion for crafting beer, wine, cider, and root beer, and highlight the unique flavor profiles you create.

Highlight the breadth and depth of your offerings, including your unique beers, wines, ciders, and root beer. Explain how you create each beverage and what makes them stand out.

Work with local bars and restaurants to create unique food and drink pairings that feature your products. This can help promote your brewery while also supporting other local businesses.

Attend local events and festivals to showcase your unique offerings and connect with the community. This can help increase brand awareness and foster positive relationships with other businesses.

Highlight your commitment to collaboration and community building. Show how your brewery supports other local businesses and the local economy, and how you work together to promote each other’s offerings.

By emphasizing your uniqueness in a positive way and collaborating with local businesses, you can help increase brand awareness and attract new customers without talking down to other establishments.

COMPANY CULTURE

Here are some suggestions to emphasize your unique culture and journey in a way that resonates with the general public and craft beer enthusiasts:

Share the story of how your brewery came to be, including your inspiration, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This can help connect with people on a personal level and showcase your passion for brewing.

Explain how you craft your unique beers, wines, ciders, and root beer. Share the ingredients you use, the brewing techniques you employ, and the equipment you rely on. This can help people understand and appreciate the craft behind your products.

Introduce the people behind your brewery and their individual stories. Share their backgrounds, their expertise, and their passion for brewing. This can help humanize your brewery and create a personal connection with your customers.

If your brewery has a commitment to sustainability, highlight it! Share how you’re reducing your environmental impact, using locally-sourced ingredients, and supporting your local community.

Create opportunities for your customers to engage with your brewery and team. Host tastings, tours, and events that showcase your unique offerings and allow customers to connect with your team. You can also encourage customers to share their experiences on social media and incorporate user-generated content into your marketing efforts.

By highlighting your unique culture and journey in a way that connects with people on a personal level, you can differentiate yourself from other breweries and attract both general consumers and craft beer enthusiasts alike.

YOUR NICHE

Craft breweries typically have a niche that is defined by their unique beer offerings, their location, and their branding. The craft beer industry is known for its experimentation, creativity, and focus on quality over quantity.

As for your general demographic, it depends on your specific brewery and location. However, craft beer enthusiasts are typically adventurous, curious, and passionate about trying new beers and supporting local businesses. They may be millennials, Gen Xers, or baby boomers, and may have varying levels of knowledge about craft beer.

It’s important to conduct market research and analyze your customer data to gain a deeper understanding of your specific target audience. This can help you tailor your marketing efforts and product offerings to better meet the needs and preferences of your customers.

HIGH END BEER PROMOTIONS

To spread the word to customers who are interested in high-end style beers such as barrel-aged beers, here are some suggestions:

Consider hosting a tasting event where customers can sample your high-end beers, including barrel-aged beers. This can help generate excitement and interest among your target audience.

Partner with local businesses that share your values and target audience. For example, you could collaborate with a high-end restaurant or wine bar to showcase your barrel-aged beers and promote your brewery to their customers.

Use social media to share information about your high-end beers, including barrel-aged beers. Share photos, tasting notes, and information about the brewing process. Encourage your followers to share their experiences and opinions about your beers.

Consider offering limited releases of your high-end beers, including barrel-aged beers. This can create a sense of exclusivity and generate buzz among your target audience.

Participate in beer festivals that attract your target audience, such as those focused on high-end or barrel-aged beers. This can help you connect with potential customers and introduce them to your brewery and products.

By utilizing these strategies, you can effectively spread the word about your high-end style beers and attract customers who are interested in trying unique and flavorful brews, such as barrel-aged beers.

A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT

To encourage a fun, comfortable, and welcoming environment at your brewery, here are some suggestions:

Consider hosting regular events that cater to different interests, such as trivia nights, live music, or game nights. This can encourage customers to visit your brewery on a regular basis and create a sense of community.

Make sure your brewery is clean, well-lit, and has comfortable seating. Consider adding some cozy elements, such as blankets or pillows, to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Set up communal tables or create a seating area that encourages socializing. Consider adding some games or activities, such as board games or cornhole, to encourage interaction between customers.

Consider partnering with a local food truck or offering a menu of small bites or snacks. This can encourage customers to stay longer and socialize over a shared meal.

Ensure your staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming to both regulars and newcomers alike. Train them to engage with customers and make them feel at home in your brewery.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a fun, comfortable, and welcoming environment at your brewery that encourages regulars to return and newcomers to feel welcomed and included.

5.
Newsletter Growth

When it comes to email marketing for breweries, there are a few best practices you can follow to keep your campaigns fresh and interesting. Here are some suggestions:

Your email campaigns should focus on relevant content that your subscribers will find interesting and useful. This could include updates on new beer releases, upcoming events, or promotions and discounts.

Use eye-catching visuals, such as high-quality images of your beer or brewery, to make your emails visually appealing and engaging.

Use personalization tokens, such as the recipient’s name or location, to make your emails feel more personal and relevant.

Segment your email list into different groups based on interests or behavior, and tailor your emails accordingly. For example, you could send different emails to regulars versus first-time visitors.

Keep your emails short and to the point, with a clear call-to-action that encourages subscribers to take action, such as visiting your brewery or purchasing a new beer release.

Ensure your emails are optimized for mobile devices, as many subscribers will be reading your emails on their smartphones.

In terms of what you want your patrons to know and get interested in, you can use your email campaigns to:

  1. Announce new beer releases or seasonal offerings
  2. Promote upcoming events, such as beer tastings, live music, or brewery tours
  3. Share behind-the-scenes stories about your brewery or brewing process
  4. Offer promotions or discounts on beer purchases
  5. Showcase your brewery’s involvement in the local community or charitable causes

 

By following these best practices and focusing on relevant content, you can keep your email campaigns fresh and interesting, and keep your patrons engaged with your brewery.

6.
Hosting Special Events and Groups

There are several things you can do to encourage special events at your brewery:

Use your social media platforms to promote your events and share photos and updates during the event. Encourage attendees to share their experiences on social media as well.

Reach out to local event planning companies and offer your brewery as a potential venue for their events. This can help to bring in new groups of people to your space.

Offer discounts or other incentives for groups that book events at your brewery. This can encourage groups to choose your space over others.

Attend local business events and network with other business owners. Let them know about your event spaces and the types of events you can host. You may be able to form partnerships with other businesses to co-host events.

Attend local festivals and events and bring samples of your beer. This can help to get your name out there and attract potential customers to your brewery.

Remember, word of mouth is a powerful tool, so make sure your events are memorable and enjoyable so that attendees will want to spread the word about your brewery and events to others.

VENUE PROMOTIONS

To create a message about your outdoor expansion and promote it as a cool venue for private events, you can follow these steps:

Determine the types of groups that you want to attract for private events. This can include local businesses, wedding parties, social clubs, and more.

Craft a message that emphasizes your unique selling points, such as your outdoor space, craft beer options, and potential for hosting events. Use language that speaks directly to your target audience and highlights the benefits of hosting their event at your brewery.

Develop visually appealing materials such as flyers, brochures, and social media graphics that showcase your venue and its features. Include information about capacity, rental rates, and amenities like catering options, audiovisual equipment, and more.

Reach out to local event planners, businesses, and social groups to let them know about your new outdoor space and the opportunities for hosting private events. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote your venue and its unique features. Consider paid social media advertising to reach a wider audience.

To generate interest and showcase your outdoor space, consider hosting an open house or showcase event for potential clients. This can include providing free beer tastings, tours of your space, and opportunities for attendees to visualize their own event taking place at your venue.

By following these steps, you can effectively promote your outdoor expansion as a cool venue for private events and attract new groups to your brewery.

GETTING NEW CUSTOMERS

There are many creative ways to get the word out about your brewery to people who have never heard of it. Here are a few ideas:

Partnering with other local businesses can help you reach new audiences. Consider hosting a joint event or offering a special promotion with a nearby restaurant or hotel.

Get involved in community events, such as farmers markets or festivals. This will give you the opportunity to introduce your brewery to a wider audience.

Use targeted social media advertising to reach people in your area who are likely to be interested in craft beer.

Sponsoring a local sports team or charity event is a great way to get your brand in front of a new audience.

Offering tours of your brewery can be a great way to attract new customers and introduce them to your beers.

Partnering with local influencers or bloggers who have a strong following can help you reach new audiences and spread the word about your brewery.

Hosting events, such as live music nights or trivia nights, can attract new customers to your brewery and give them a taste of what you have to offer.

7.
Learning about our customers

There are several ways to learn more about your customers and how to connect with them:

Conduct customer surveys to gather feedback and data on customer preferences, likes, dislikes, and suggestions. You can send surveys via email, social media, or in-person.

Use social media analytics tools to gain insights into your audience demographics, engagement rates, and interests.

Analyze sales data to determine which products are selling well and which are not. This can help you tailor your offerings to meet customer demand.

Have feedback forms available in your physical location, such as at the bar or near the entrance, to allow customers to share their thoughts and suggestions.

Interact with customers in-person, on social media, or through email to gather feedback and insights on what they want and need from your brewery.

Conduct focus groups with your regular customers or potential customers to get in-depth feedback on their preferences and interests.

By leveraging these methods, you can gain valuable insights into your customer base and how to best connect with them.