6 Tried and Tested Marketing Strategies for Dance Bars

A single beat won’t fill the dance floor, and one disco ball won’t create a party vibe. In the same way, distributing a few coupon codes won’t make your dance bars the talk of the town. 

With more than 67,000 dance clubs in the US, high-selling marketing strategies are the only way to pull night owls through your doors. 

This can be done in many ways, from marketing your bar using a QR code menu to staying updated with what’s trending. 

You can also set up themed nights in your bars — think 90s night, red dress party, or masquerade eve. 

Want to keep your customers coming back? Here are six tried-and-tested marketing strategies for attracting crowds to your dance bar. 

How to fill your dance bars: 6 promotional strategies

Use social media to your benefit

Digital platforms also give you a feel of the hottest spots in the neighborhood. A recent Adobe study found that 52% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials are influenced by social media for restaurant ads. 

In fact, 48% of consumers say that they purchased products after seeing a promotion on social media. With this many potential dancers on digital platforms, social media is one of the best advertising channels for these bars. 

You can run interactive polls on your stories and use your feed posts to connect with the customers better. Ask them what type of music they want to hear. Gather feedback on which theme nights excite them the most. 

Organize polls to get the scoop on the drinks they prefer. The goal is to build a loyal following around your dance bar and make customers feel valued. Because when people feel heard, they’re more likely to return and interact with your brand. 

Here are some of the best bar marketing ideas you can deploy on social media:

• Share reels of DJ performances and behind-the-scenes bar preparations.
• Organize live streams on Instagram or Facebook during peak hours or holidays.
• Give special discounts for social media followers (like a free drink with entry).
• Ask followers to post a video of their best dance moves and tag your bar.
• Partner with local influencers to host giveaways where followers can win drinks.

Induce FOMO through in-bar promotions

According to Finances Online, a business review site, more than 55% of all social media users deal with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). This is the feeling that many people get when they think others are having more fun than they are. 

As a dance bar promo, one of the best things you can do is induce FOMO in potential visitors. You want customers posting about how fun your bar is to dance to so everyone feels like they’re missing out. 

With the right in-bar promotions, you can create an exciting atmosphere that makes people wish they were there, boosting attendance. To do this, host a celebrity DJ, wine-tasting events, or limited-time drink specials. 

Market these promotions as one-time events on your social media to build urgency. Set up live competitions and photo booths (and think of a fun hashtag) to encourage people to share their pictures online. 

Collaborate with local influencers

Nearly 7 out of 10 (or 69%) consumers trust recommendations from influencers. When people see someone they follow partying inside your bar instead of a static ad, they’re more likely to visit. This is social proofing at its best. 

Because of influencer trust, credibility, and authenticity, bars to dance to earn $5.78 for every dollar spent on these high-following individuals. 

To get the most out of influencer marketing, partner with someone who regularly visits bars and nightclubs. Don’t go after mega influencers and celebrities with over 450K followers because they often charge higher and are unlikely to visit your bar. 

Remember, the engagement rate is more important than the number of followers an individual has. 

In other words, an influencer with 5,000 engaged followers is better than one with 50K disengaged followers and low reach. 

The best option is to partner with micro-influencers. These have an engagement rate of 2-3% or higher and 1,000 to 100K followers. Then, niche to those specializing in nightlife, food, and entertainment. 

For the best results, invite them to your bars in exchange for free drinks, food, or money. Make sure they upload reels and feed posts of themselves while partying in your bar, and see your results soar! 

Participate in community events

If you want to keep your bars filled with customers, make sure you’re an active member of the local community. 

When you regularly engage with the community, you build a positive brand image, representing your dance bar as socially responsible. 

After all, 78% of millennials prefer spending money on experiences over things, which shows the power of community events. 

To do this, arrange charity runs at your place, or even better, sponsor the local sports team. All you need to do is find high school teams and fund their uniforms and equipment. 

In return, your branding and logo will be displayed across their promotional items, increasing brand visibility. This way, players will visit your dance bar along with their spectators, fans, and friends. 

Talk to the team and host official after-parties at the dance bar to attract regular customers. Give them a discount — and you’ll have guaranteed customers after the match every Sunday. 

Introduce exclusive VIP dance bar packages

Sometimes, making your customers feel exclusive (and special) is the best way to pull them through your doors. 

This can be done by introducing VIP packages, which have been noted to bring around 25% of business revenue. With 44% of members willing to spend 50% more on VIP packages, these deals can become your bar’s biggest moneymakers. 

If you want night owls to splurge, invest in things that they look for private lounges, VIP-only DJ, and bottle service options. 

Offer special packages for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or birthdays. 

Couple these celebrations with a reserved area, complimentary drinks following cocktail trends, and themed decor. This can double the cost of 28% of customers' spending and lead to an improved customer experience. 

Host themed nights to draw a crowd

If you want people to return to your bar or nightclub, make sure there’s a new reason for them to come.

You can do this by hosting themed nights centered around a particular idea, setting your night apart from other bars on the street. 

In fact, Statista revealed that around half of American adults say they would celebrate valentines with their loved ones. 

Naturally, there’s no better day to add a themed night to your calendar than February 14th. To plan the decor around Valentine's Day, put up heart-shaped balloons. 

Make a playlist of romantic songs and introduce themed cocktails like “Love Potion.” Host a contest for the “Best Dressed Couple” to encourage participation and word-of-mouth. 

The bottom line is to host themed nights on evenings when you do not have a huge crowd. 

For example, mid-of-the-week days like Wednesday and Thursday or corporate Monday mornings. 

Some ideas for bar themes include:

• 80s Retro Night
• Masquerade Ball
• Latin Dance Night
• Halloween Horror Night
• Casino Night
• Harry Potter Night 
• Awards Night Party

QR code menu software: The best marketing tool to increase sales

Let’s accept it: running a bar means wearing a hundred caps at once. You need to market your place, manage operations, keep the guests entertained, and ensure the drinks taste refreshing. 

Besides, thinking about how to collect customer feedback and present menu offerings can take up even more of your time and energy. 

This is where an interactive restaurant menu software like MENU TIGER steps in, simplifying your operations and marketing. 

With the benefits of QR code menu technology integrated into the software, it’s easy to boost your bar in a simple MENU TIGER setup.

Let’s look at how this tool helps bars succeed.

Real-time menu updates 

A QR code menu lets patrons view the menu, place orders, and pay directly from their smartphones. This reduces wait times and makes the order process smoother and faster. With real-time menu updates, you can also change menu items and prices in no time. 

So, whether you want to add themed drinks or limited editions, updating the menu page is as easy as it gets. 

Note: Remember to provide proper instructions on how to scan a menu QR code to provide a smooth ordering experience. 

Upselling and cross-selling opportunities

MENU TIGER also lets you add choices and add-ons to your online menu. This feature helps bar owners bundle their low-selling drinks with highly profitable ones. 

When a customer selects an expensive Champagne, the menu can automatically suggest the classic Margarita for less. This helps you increase revenue while providing a superior customer service experience, keeping patrons coming back for more. 

Customer feedback and reviews

There’s no way you can better your bar without implementing customer feedback into your operations. After all, it’s all about providing an experience the patrons want and desire.

MENU TIGER helps you obtain customer reviews within seconds, providing actionable insights on streamlining your operations. Just display QR codes on tables, counters, and exit doors, and encourage your customers to scan (and leave feedback). 

Become the go-to bar in town with MENU TIGER QR code menu software

If you want to make your dance bar the “talk of the town,” streamline its operations, and boost profitability with MENU TIGER. 

This QR code menu software lets you update and adjust your menu offerings in real-time, presenting them in an appealing manner. 

You can also add multimedia elements like pictures and videos to display special promotions and limited editions. 

So, whether you want to keep your customers informed or collect feedback on the go, MENU TIGER is what you choose. So, signup now and feel the difference in your attendance! 

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