If you run a pub in 2025, Facebook is still your most powerful marketing tool. Despite the rise of TikTok and Instagram, Facebook remains the UK’s most-used platform for community events and local business updates. With over 44 million UK users logging in monthly (Statista), it’s where your regulars hang out.
But there’s a catch: simply posting about your drink deals isn’t enough anymore. To stand out, you need a smart Facebook marketing strategy designed for pubs — one that builds community, drives event attendance, and keeps your tables full all week long.
This guide will give you the complete playbook.
Why Facebook Still Matters for Pubs in 2025
- Community reach: Local Facebook Groups are the modern-day village noticeboard.
- Event promotion: Facebook Events are one of the most effective free tools for pubs.
- Age demographics: While under-25s prefer TikTok, the core pub demographic (25–54) is still highly active on Facebook.
- Ads platform: Facebook Ads Manager remains the cheapest way to target people within 3–5 miles of your venue.
According to CGA Strategy, pubs that consistently post engaging Facebook content see up to 22% higher footfall midweek than those that don’t.
The 7 Pillars of Facebook Marketing for Pubs
Build a Content Calendar That Matches Pub Life
Consistency beats creativity. Plan weekly posts around:
- Monday/Tuesday: Quizzes, deals, or sport teasers
- Wednesday/Thursday: Food specials or events build-up
- Friday/Saturday: Big push for sport, live music, or DJs
- Sunday: Family-friendly content or community events
Create Facebook Events for Every Occasion
Don’t just post — use Facebook Events. They:
- Notify people automatically
- Allow sharing into community groups
- Build FOMO as others mark “Interested” or “Going”
Pro tip: Always include high-quality visuals and link to bookings.
- Meta Business Help explains how Events boost reach.
Leverage Local Facebook Groups
Most towns have dozens of groups like “What’s On in [Town]”. Posting event posters there often drives more traffic than ads.
- Case study: A Sunderland pub promoted a Tuesday quiz in 5 groups — 80+ attendees, £1,200 in sales.
- Morning Advertiser shares landlord strategies on community engagement.
Mix Content Formats (Not Just Posters)
Static posters get ignored. Mix it up:
- Reels: 15-second clips of a pint being poured
- Memes: Football banter always lands
- Behind-the-scenes: Staff prepping cocktails or food
- Customer shoutouts: Tag groups to spread organically
Use Facebook Ads (But Keep It Local)
Forget nationwide campaigns. For pubs, geo-targeting within 3–5 miles works best. Ads can cost as little as £0.50–£1.00 per click if set up right.
Best-performing ads for pubs:
- Live music nights
- Big football screenings
- Food & drink deals
- Authority link: AdEspresso shows how small businesses succeed with hyper-local targeting.
Timing Is Everything
Post when your audience is scrolling:
- Lunchtime (12–1pm) for food offers
- Mid-afternoon (4–5pm) for sport reminders
- Evening (8–9pm) for quizzes and late events
7. Automate to Save Time (and Stress)
Posting daily by hand is a nightmare. That’s why landlords either give up or spend too much on agencies.
- With SmartPubTools, you can:
- Generate pub-specific post ideas
- Auto-schedule them to Facebook
- Get engagement-boosting visuals instantly
Automation doesn’t just save time — it makes sure your pub always looks lively online, even on your busiest days.
Example: 1-Week Facebook Plan for a Pub
| Day | Post | Format | Boosted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Quiz Night Teaser | Funny meme | Organic |
| Tue | Live Sport Countdown | Video reel | Boosted (£15) |
| Wed | Curry + Pint Deal | Food photo | Organic |
| Thu | Karaoke Night Poster | Event listing | Organic |
| Fri | DJ Night Hype | Staff dancing reel | Boosted (£25) |
| Sat | Premier League Game | Watch party video | Boosted (£30) |
| Sun | Family Roast Special | Community share | Organic |
Common Mistakes Pubs Make on Facebook
- Only posting posters (audiences scroll past them)
- Ignoring comments (Facebook rewards replies)
- Not boosting key posts (small spend = huge reach)
- Posting at the wrong times (early morning = wasted effort)
- Forgetting consistency (1 week busy, next week silent)
Final Thoughts
Facebook marketing for pubs in 2025 isn’t rocket science — but it does require consistency, creativity, and a little automation. Landlords who treat Facebook as a community hub, not just a noticeboard, will see their pubs packed more often.
Here’s your winning formula:
- Create engaging, varied posts
- Use Events and Groups strategically
- Boost key posts with small budgets
- Automate the rest with tools like SmartPubTools
👉 If you’re tired of wasting hours or seeing dead posts, start with SmartPubTools. It makes Facebook marketing effortless, so you can focus on running a busy, profitable pub.