College towns and campuses can be great environments to try out some creative marketing strategies in bars. College students often respond to innovativeness and accessibility. They want to see something different. So these days, bars need to take measures to make themselves stand out from the rest. Here are some ideas of great college bar marketing tips to try:
1) Two-for-one drinks: Most college students are on a budget so promoting your drink specials through social media can prove to be extremely profitable for bars!
2) Having free food with happy hour: The thing that college students might just enjoy more than free alcohol—is free food. Even having small appetizers like mini sliders, french fries, or pizza in your bar during happy hour can bring in large crowds. Not to mention, you’ll gain a reputation that will spread fast in these close-knit college communities!
3) Theme nights: Host theme nights that lean into pop culture (what show/movie is everyone streaming that could turn into a costume party or cocktail menu), music (80s/90s music, country western, live bands, karaoke), or bar games (think trivia or bar Olympics). College students love dressing up! The more ridiculous the better.
4) Keep your social media profiles up-to-date: Every bar should have a presence on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at the very least. These pages need to be updated regularly. Posting photos, videos, and information on promotions will help get the word out and establish a following among college students.
5) Keep the rock…rolling: Music is one of the most recognized factors in someone’s going out experience. Rockbot gives college students the control they seek, in their favorite college bars. They can choose their music and therefore make nights out on the town with friends, seem like personalized parties.
6) Host an event: Hosting events like sports-watching gatherings, charity events, sorority or fraternity rush events, holiday parties, and birthday parties are awesome opportunities to get free publicity!
7) Email campaigns, newsletters, and text messaging campaigns are also great ways to spread the word about specials, promotions, and events.
There are easy ways to make your college bar marketing endeavors stand out within the college community. Be imaginative and have fun with it!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published on March 20, 2014, and was last updated on December 4, 2023.
