Pub Marketing Unplugged: Stories, Strategies & Smart Tools

Beyond the Boost: Facebook & Instagram Ads Done Right for Pubs

Most landlords waste money hitting “boost” on a blurry pint photo and hoping punters show up. The result? 3 likes — usually from your mum, your bar manager, and one random bloke. This episode is your Beyond the Boost playbook: how to stop wasting budget and start running Facebook & Instagram ads that actually sell pints, seats, and roasts. We’ll cover: 🍻 Why boosting is dead in 2025. 📍 How to target locals within 2 miles — not the whole city. ⚽ Templates that fill quiz nights, match days, and roast slots. 📊 Real ROI case studies (£75 → £1,200+ sales). 🎯 How to track bookings, not likes. If you’ve ever sworn ads don’t work for pubs — this will change your mind. 👉 Full Pub Ads Playbook → smartpubtools.com/blog [http://smartpubtools.com/blog] 👉 Ad templates on tap → smartpubtools.net [http://smartpubtools.net]

Implementing Change in Pubs: A Landlord’s Step-by-Step Guide

Great ideas don’t make pubs thrive — great implementation does. In this episode, we break down the exact steps every landlord can follow to make changes stick. You’ll learn: * Why SMART objectives are the backbone of pub improvements. * How the RACI model stops “everyone’s responsible” chaos. * The role of staff training and cheat sheets in reducing fear. * Why piloting changes beats “big bang” rollouts. * How to celebrate quick wins and embed lasting improvements. * Real case studies of pubs that nailed change (and those that flopped). 👉 Full written guide: smartpubtools.com/blog [http://smartpubtools.com/blog] 👉 Automate your pub marketing: smartpubtools.net [http://smartpubtools.net]

Overcoming Resistance to Change in Pubs: Turning Fear into Buy-In

Why do pub staff resist change — and how do you get them on board? Most pushback isn’t laziness. It’s fear, uncertainty, or poor communication. In this episode, we’ll explore: * The 5 biggest barriers to change in pubs (fear of incompetence, loss of control, ripple effects, bad timing, poor comms). * The psychology of resistance (loss aversion, social proof, change fatigue). * Frameworks like Kotter, ADKAR, and Lewin for turning resistance into support. * Real pub case studies: fails and wins. * A landlord toolkit for spotting resistance early and flipping it into buy-in. 👉 Full written guide: smartpubtools.com/blog [http://smartpubtools.com/blog] 👉 Automate your pub marketing: smartpubtools.net [http://smartpubtools.net]

Stakeholder Mapping for Pubs: Who Really Decides If Change Sticks

Every change in a pub affects more than just the landlord. Staff, regulars, breweries, landlords, even the council — they’re all stakeholders. Ignore them, and changes flop. Involve them, and changes thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to use the Power/Interest Grid in a pub context. * Why landlords and breweries sit in “high power, high interest.” * Why staff and regulars need clear communication. * How to tailor your message for suppliers vs regulars vs council. * Real pub case studies of stakeholder fails (and wins). 👉 Full written guide: smartpubtools.com/blog [http://smartpubtools.com/blog] 👉 Automate pub comms: smartpubtools.net [http://smartpubtools.net]

Pub Staff Performance Management for Success

Running a pub is more than pulling pints — it’s about managing people. Too many landlords fall into the trap of only addressing staff performance when problems boil over. That reactive approach wastes talent, drives turnover, and stalls growth. A smarter way is the Performance Management Cycle: Plan → Coach → Review. By setting clear expectations, tailoring coaching styles (think Hersey & Blanchard’s Situational Leadership II), and recognising good performance, landlords can build a culture of continuous improvement. The result? Motivated staff, stronger service, and a more profitable pub.