5 Digital Marketing Tips for Bars in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its eclectic charm, thriving arts scene, and incredible craft beverage culture. Whether you’re running a cozy cocktail bar or a vibrant taproom, digital marketing is key to standing out in this competitive, creative market. Here are five expert tips to help your bar thrive in Asheville’s unique landscape.

1. Embrace Asheville’s Craft Culture with Engaging Content

Asheville is a hub for craft beverages, and your bar can leverage this to connect with locals and tourists alike. Showcase your creativity by sharing behind-the-scenes videos of your bartenders mixing signature cocktails or creating seasonal drinks using locally sourced ingredients.

What You Can Do:

• Post vibrant photos of your drinks, especially those inspired by Asheville’s artisanal spirit.

• Highlight collaborations with local breweries or distilleries to attract craft beverage enthusiasts.

• Use popular local hashtags like #AshevilleEats, #AVLFoodie, and #CraftCocktailsAsheville to reach the right audience.

Pro Tip: Partner with Asheville-based influencers, such as @AshevilleFoodies, to amplify your posts and engage their followers.

2. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is a powerful (and free) tool to attract customers searching for bars in Asheville. By optimizing your profile, you’ll increase your visibility and make it easier for locals and tourists to find you.

What You Can Do:

• Ensure your hours, location, and contact information are up to date.

• Add keywords like “Asheville craft cocktail bar” or “live music bars Asheville” in your profile description.

• Upload high-quality photos that showcase your atmosphere, signature drinks, and events.

Pro Tip: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Positive feedback can significantly boost your ranking in local search results and help potential patrons choose your bar.

3. Use Social Media to Promote Live Events

Asheville’s nightlife thrives on events, from trivia nights to live music. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are ideal for promoting these gatherings and keeping your audience engaged.

What You Can Do:

• Use Instagram Stories to create countdowns for upcoming events and polls to engage your followers.

• Share user-generated content by reposting customers’ photos of your drinks or events.

• Promote happy hour specials and limited-time offers with visually appealing graphics or videos.

Pro Tip: Create a branded hashtag for your bar, such as #CheersAsheville, to encourage your customers to tag you in their posts.

4. Build Relationships Through Email Marketing

Email marketing is an excellent way to stay connected with your loyal customers and promote new offerings. By building a local email list, you can deliver updates about your bar directly to your audience’s inbox.

What You Can Do:

• Collect email addresses in-person during events or through a signup form on your website.

• Send regular newsletters highlighting upcoming events, drink specials, and exclusive offers.

• Segment your list to send personalized invites, such as birthday discounts or tailored event reminders.

Pro Tip: Offer incentives for sign-ups, like a free drink coupon or a discount on their next visit.

5. Partner with Local Businesses and Events

Collaboration is key in a community like Asheville. Partnering with local businesses and events can help you tap into new audiences and build lasting relationships within the community.

What You Can Do:

• Collaborate with Asheville breweries, food trucks, or musicians to host co-branded events at your bar.

• Offer exclusive deals to attendees of nearby festivals or events in the River Arts District.

• Sponsor local events and highlight your involvement on social media to build credibility and visibility.

Pro Tip: Promote these partnerships in your marketing materials to showcase your commitment to the Asheville community.

The Takeaway

Asheville’s vibrant and creative culture offers an incredible opportunity for bars to thrive. By implementing these digital marketing strategies, you can connect with locals and visitors, build your brand, and create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

Are you ready to take your bar’s marketing to the next level? The Jasper Company specializes in digital marketing for boutique hospitality businesses. Let’s craft a strategy tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today!