The Power of Shareability in Nightlife: It’s Free Marketing

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have revolutionized the way young people discover and choose nightclubs, bars, and other hot spots. The concept of shareability has become a key factor in attracting and retaining customers. Here’s why:

Why Shareability Matters

  1. Visual Appeal: Young people are drawn to visually appealing venues that look great in photos and videos. Aesthetic interiors, unique decor, and vibrant lighting can make a venue more shareable.

  2. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Seeing friends and influencers enjoying a particular spot can create a sense of FOMO, driving others to visit the same place.

  3. User-Generated Content: When patrons share their experiences on social media, it acts as free advertising for the venue. This user-generated content can reach a wide audience and attract new customers.

  4. Influencer Marketing: Collaborating with influencers who have a strong following can boost a venue’s visibility and credibility. Influencers can showcase the venue in a positive light, encouraging their followers to check it out.

Real-Life Suggestions for Different Types of Venues

Nightclubs

  1. Themed Nights: Host themed nights that encourage patrons to dress up and share their experiences online.

  2. Photo Opportunities: Create Instagram-worthy spots within the club, such as neon signs, murals, or unique seating areas.

  3. Live Performances: Feature live performances by popular DJs or artists to attract a crowd and generate buzz on social media.

Bars

  1. Signature Cocktails: Develop unique and visually appealing cocktails that patrons will want to photograph and share.

  2. Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements like AI-powered cocktail suggestions or games that encourage social media sharing.

  3. Happy Hour Specials: Promote happy hour specials on social media to draw in customers during off-peak hours.

Restaurants

  1. Plating and Presentation: Focus on the presentation of dishes to make them more shareable on social media.

  2. Exclusive Menu Items: Introduce limited-time or exclusive menu items that create a sense of urgency and excitement.

  3. Customer Engagement: Encourage customers to share their dining experiences by offering incentives like discounts or freebies for tagging the restaurant in their posts.

Tracking the Impact of Shareability

Tracking the impact of shareability is crucial for venues to understand the effectiveness of their social media strategies. Here are some methods venues can use:

  1. Social Media Analytics: Monitor engagement metrics, follower growth, and reach and impressions to gauge the success of social media content.

  2. User-Generated Content: Track hashtags, mentions, and tags to see how often patrons are sharing their experiences.

  3. Influencer Collaborations: Analyze the performance of influencer campaigns and track referral traffic from unique links or promo codes.

  4. Customer Feedback: Collect feedback through surveys and reviews to understand how patrons discovered the venue.

  5. Website and Booking Analytics: Use website analytics tools to track referral sources and conversion rates from social media.

Encouraging Patrons to Share Their Experiences

Encouraging patrons to share their experiences can significantly boost a venue’s visibility and attract new customers. Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Create Shareable Moments: Designate photo spots and offer unique experiences that patrons will want to share.

  2. Offer Incentives: Run contests and giveaways, and offer discounts or freebies for social media posts.

  3. Engage with Patrons Online: Repost user-generated content and respond to comments to show appreciation.

  4. Collaborate with Influencers: Invite influencers to visit the venue and share their experiences.

  5. Use Branded Hashtags: Create and promote a unique hashtag for patrons to use.

  6. Enhance the Customer Experience: Provide exceptional service and add personal touches to create memorable experiences.

By leveraging the power of shareability, venues can attract a younger crowd and create a buzz that keeps customers coming back. Implementing these strategies can help venues enhance their social media presence and drive more foot traffic.

Lars Kristiansen