Easy Branding Ideas for Your Bar

Your brand image tells the public who you are. It directly influences how customers feel about your establishment and what kind of environment you want to create. Below, we have some tips to create a fresh and reliable brand image and foster a long-lasting partnership between your bar and the customers supporting you.

Benefits of Branding

Branding helps distinguish your bar from the competition. You want the public to notice this and see a location that is different from everywhere else. Building trust with your customers is a great way to build loyalty, especially in a competitive market. Being able to compete is important too, since having a distinct image garners more curiosity from the public. No one wants more of the same. They want options! Plus, imagine the pride you’ll have as a business owner shaping your own image! A distinct brand can also help with customer and employee retention, saving you money in the long run. If you’re creating an image, you’ll want the right people visiting you. This will be easier if the right people are working for you. Image is more than just a logo!

Be Memorable

If a customer has a good experience at your location, they will likely spread the word. That’s why creating a brand that elicits positive reactions is so important. Having merchandise such as shirts, beer glasses, koozies, etc. will all help craft your brand and get the local public familiar with you. Curiosity will naturally lead to more business. Giving customers reasons to visit is important, but developing long-lasting customer relationships is the tricky part, which is why putting in the time to create this image is absolutely worth it.

Where to Start? What Do You Need?

Physical material is a good place to start. Advertising around your location (signs, décor, graphics, menus, etc.) helps, but creating memorabilia is another good option. Merchandise for purchase helps customers feel like they belong at your bar. Having each part of the customer’s experience associated with the brand will do wonders for their impression. If your image is on point, your products are tasty, and your staff reflects enthusiasm, the cohesive brand will be present to the customer. Creating the right culture is also a good idea to lead with. You need to figure out your target demographic and cultivate ideas that will draw them in. Of course, everyone is welcome, but trying to appeal to every crowd may become overwhelming. It is important to know your audience.

Common Mistakes

As previously mentioned, consistency is important. A lack of uniformity will create a fractured image. If customers see menus with different logos than the sign out front, it might be difficult to remember your bar. Losing them could be detrimental to your business! Consistent presentation will likely lead to an increase in sales. On the same note, having enough of your brand present is important as well. You want customers to see your logo in all areas of the bar. Cultivating the proper environment is half the battle, but customers must remember what location provided this. Think about every time a customer walks into a Starbucks. They walk into an environment that is consistent across all locations with their brand logo placed everywhere. Merchandise is also present throughout the location. Their business and profits reflect that. Such a model provides consistency and has developed a loyal following. It certainly takes effort, but the payoff is worth the work!