Introduction – Customers Don’t Just Buy Drinks
Gary Vee says: “The personal brand is the business.”
For pubs, this couldn’t be truer. Customers don’t just buy beer. They buy the story, the face behind the bar, and the personality they connect with. In 2025, the landlord’s personal brand is the secret weapon that turns a pub into a community hub.
Why Personal Branding Matters in Hospitality
- 78% of consumers say they trust people more than businesses (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2024).
- Pubs where the landlord is active on social media see 40% higher engagement than faceless brands (Morning Advertiser, 2024).
- Personality-driven venues enjoy stronger loyalty because customers feel like they “know” the team.
In short: people buy from people.
Step 1: Be the Face of Your Pub
Gary Vee calls it “showing your truth.” Don’t hide behind logos.
- Post landlord selfies at the bar.
- Go live before big events.
- Share short clips of daily pub life.
Your face builds trust faster than any advert.
Step 2: Share the Journey, Not Just the Pints
Customers love stories. Share yours.
- Why you run the pub.
- Funny behind-the-scenes mishaps.
- Your favourite drink of the week.
- Gratitude posts for staff and regulars.
Gary says: “The story is the strategy.”
Step 3: Build Familiarity Through Tone
Your brand voice should feel like a landlord’s chat at the bar.
- Friendly, cheeky, honest.
- Reply to comments like you’d reply to a mate.
- Use humour and warmth instead of corporate copy.
Step 4: Use Yourself as Content
Don’t overthink. You are the content.
- Record short daily updates.
- Share quick thank-yous to customers.
- Film staff intros (“Meet Sarah, our quizmaster”).
Your presence makes the pub feel human.
Step 5: Position Yourself as a Local Leader
Gary says: “Attention compounds.” Landlords can lead beyond their pub walls.
- Comment on local events in community groups.
- Support local charities and share it online.
- Be known as more than “the landlord” — be a local voice.
That visibility turns into footfall.
Case Study – The Landlord Who Became a Local Personality
One landlord began posting TikTok clips of himself joking with customers.
- Followers grew to 12,000 in 3 months.
- Pub became “the one with the funny landlord.”
- Bookings surged as people came to meet him.
He wasn’t selling. He was branding himself — and the pub reaped the rewards.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Hiding behind the pub logo.
- Only posting “sales” offers.
- Trying to act like a polished influencer.
Gary’s rule: “Authenticity over everything.”
Want to learn how to build your personal brand without stress?
👉 Try The Gary Vee Pub Marketing GPT — a free AI coach built for landlords.
Personal branding is one piece of Gary’s system. For the full guide →
👉 Gary Vee Social Media Marketing for Pubs: The Ultimate 2025 Playbook
And if you’d rather let AI handle the daily grind →
👉 Check out SmartPubTools
Conclusion – You’re the Brand
Gary’s message is clear: people buy from people.
For pubs, that means the landlord isn’t just running the bar. They’re running the brand. Every pint poured, every post shared, every reply left online — it all builds a personal brand that drives loyalty, community, and sales.