Turn Your Bar or Pub into the Ultimate Hangout Spot with Local SEO
Last updated Nov. 17, 2024
Written by Iftekhar Chowdhury. In collaboration with oDeskStudio
It’s Friday night, and your city is buzzing with people looking to unwind. Some are craving craft beer, others are hunting for the perfect cocktail, and a few just want a cozy spot to catch the big game.
Now, here’s the kicker: where do they go?
If your bar or pub isn’t showing up in their search results when they Google “best bars near me” or “happy hour deals tonight,” you’re losing business to the competition down the street.
That’s where Local SEO comes in. With the right strategies, you can be the go-to spot for nightlife lovers in your area. Let me show you how.
Why Local SEO Matters for Bars and Pubs
1. People Search for Bars in Real-Time
Whether it’s a spontaneous night out or planning a group gathering, most patrons search online to decide where to go. Local SEO ensures your bar is top of mind when they’re ready to make a decision.
2. Bars and Pubs Depend on Local Audiences
Unlike restaurants or coffee shops, bars thrive on local foot traffic and loyal regulars. Appearing in local search results helps you build that community.
3. Stand Out in a Crowded Scene
With dozens of bars and pubs competing in every city, Local SEO gives you the edge to outshine your competition and draw the crowd.
Local SEO Strategies to Fill Your Bar or Pub Every Night
1. Claim Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing
Your GMB profile is the cornerstone of your Local SEO strategy. Make sure you:
- Add Photos: Show off your pub’s vibe, drink menu, live events, and even your outdoor patio.
- Update Hours: Include happy hours, special event timings, and late-night hours.
- Use Posts: Promote live music nights, trivia events, or special drink deals.
Pro Tip: Add seasonal events like Oktoberfest beer specials or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to your GMB posts.
2. Target Bar-Specific Keywords
Generic keywords won’t cut it. You need to get specific with phrases like:
- “Cocktail bars near me”
- “Sports bar with big screens in [City]”
- “Best happy hour deals [City]”
These keywords should be strategically placed:
- In your homepage’s title and description.
- On blog posts like “Top 5 Craft Beers to Try in [City].”
- In landing pages for events like “Karaoke Night Every Thursday.”
3. Build Dedicated Pages for Your Specials
Don’t bury your specials in a menu PDF. Instead, create dedicated landing pages like:
- Happy Hour Specials: List your deals by day, e.g., “$5 Margaritas on Mondays.”
- Event Pages: Promote live music, trivia nights, or sports screenings.
- Seasonal Drinks: Highlight limited-time offerings like summer cocktails or winter ales.
Pro Tip: Add schema markup to these pages to help search engines display rich snippets like pricing or event times in the search results.
4. Encourage and Manage Reviews
Positive reviews can make or break your bar’s reputation.
- Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.
- Respond to reviews—thank your fans, and address criticism with professionalism.
- Showcase the best reviews on your website and social media.
5. Run Location-Based Ads
Location-based Google or Facebook ads can instantly boost your visibility, especially for new bars or pubs.
- Target nightlife districts or neighborhoods within a 5-mile radius.
- Use event-specific ads, e.g., “Watch the Big Game with Us This Sunday – Drink Specials All Night!”
6. Collaborate Locally
Team up with nearby businesses like:
- Local breweries for exclusive beer nights.
- Food trucks for outdoor events.
- Entertainment providers for trivia or live music nights.
These partnerships can help you gain backlinks, attract shared audiences, and boost your Local SEO.
Success Story: The Pub That Became a Local Icon
Take The Velvet Taproom, a small pub in Austin, Texas. Before investing in Local SEO, they struggled to fill their seats on weeknights.
They optimized their GMB profile, targeted keywords like “best whiskey bar in Austin,” and promoted weekly trivia nights on their website. Within six months, they saw a 40% increase in foot traffic—and now, they’re the talk of the town.
Your Action Plan for Local SEO Success
Here’s how to start optimizing your bar or pub for local searches:
- Claim and optimize your GMB listing with eye-catching photos and up-to-date details.
- Build dedicated landing pages for specials, events, and seasonal offerings.
- Collect reviews and actively engage with them.
- Target bar-specific keywords in your content and ads.
- Partner with local businesses for collaborations and backlinks.
Conclusion
Running a successful bar or pub isn’t just about serving great drinks—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. And Local SEO is the tool that helps you bring people through your doors to enjoy that experience.
Whether you’re looking to fill seats on a slow Tuesday or dominate happy hour, these strategies will help your bar or pub become the go-to nightlife destination in your city.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your bar on the map—and your tables packed. Cheers!