Let’s face it… it’s tough to increase brewery sales. You spent time, money, and passion building your dream taproom. The beer is cold, the space is chef’s kiss, and it should be packed with people. Right? But it’s not.
You might be wondering: Why aren’t people lined up outside? Why isn’t my brewery or taproom the go-to spot in town yet?
The truth is, brewing great beer and creating an inviting space is only half the equation. The other half? Making sure people actually know you exist, feel excited to visit, and remember to come back.
If you’re a brewery owner or manager wondering how to increase brewery sales, you’re not alone. The craft beer scene is more competitive than ever, and being good isn’t good enough. You need visibility. You need foot traffic. And you need to show up where your customers already are.
Here are three things you can do today to start driving more sales and getting the attention your brewery deserves.
#1. Get Intentional on Social Media
You’re probably already posting on Instagram and Facebook. Maybe you’ve shared a few photos of your latest hazy IPA or last weekend’s band. That’s a good start. But are you posting with a plan?
Most breweries treat social media like an afterthought. But social is where people decide if your taproom is worth checking out. It’s your first impression, your digital storefront, and your daily reminder to the community that you’re active, fun, and worth visiting.
Here’s how to level up:
- Post consistently. Aim for 5-7 times per week. Show off your beer, food, staff, events, and anything that makes your space unique.
- Use Reels and trending audio. Instagram is prioritizing video. Even a 10-second pour can bring in hundreds of new views.
- Boost your best posts. Spending $10–$25 to target local beer lovers can drastically increase visibility.
- Run giveaways quarterly to grow your following and create buzz. In North Carolina, you can’t give away alcohol, but gift cards, merch, and swag bags work great.
Example: Check out a giveaway we ran for Seven Mile Post in Wilmington, NC. It led to an increase in followers, almost 100 likes and several hundred comments.
Also: always tag your location, use local hashtags, and post to your Stories. That extra effort keeps you top of mind.
#2. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
When people search for “breweries near me” or “live music Wilmington,” your Google Business listing is often the first thing they see. If it’s outdated or poorly managed, you’re losing customers before they even walk in (the opposite of increasing brewery sales).
Take five minutes and check:
- Are your hours accurate? Especially around holidays or events. Few things turn customers off faster than showing up to a locked door.
- Are you responding to reviews? Thank the positive ones, address the negatives professionally. People read these.
- Are you posting weekly updates? New beer releases, trivia nights, or food trucks—these can all be posted directly to your profile to show you’re active – and help increase brewery sales.
An up-to-date and engaging profile improves local SEO and helps your brewery stand out in search results, leading to an increase in brewery sales over time.
#3. Keep Your Website Fresh and Functional
Your website doesn’t need to be flashy, but it does need to work. People want to know what’s on tap, when you’re open, and what’s happening this weekend.
Make sure your site includes:
A current beer list or taproom menu
- An updated events calendar
- Specials (like $5 pint nights, taco Tuesdays, etc.)
- Clear hours, location, and contact info
- Bonus: Add a newsletter sign-up so you can stay in touch with your biggest fans.
Think of your website like your digital taproom. If it’s outdated or hard to navigate, people will leave—and maybe not come back.
Bonus: Collaborate and Cross-Promote to Increase Brewery Sales
Want to grow without paying for ads? Partner up.
Try:
- Co-hosting events with musicians, artists, food vendors, etc.
Example: Our client, Tides Taproom, partnered with Wilmington’s permanent jewelry vendor Tiny Welds to host Wednesday night trivia, increasing visibility and engagement for both businesses.
- Creative collaborations with local businesses
Recently, local radio station The Penguin 98.3 celebrated its birthday with a special beer collaboration called A Different Kind of Bird, created by Wilmington Brewing Company.
The radio station’s slogan-turned-beer gained traction, increasing visibility for both brands.
- Inviting local influencers or creators in for a pint in exchange for a shoutout
Collaboration with Wilmington, NC influencers like CheckWhatsGood and LaurensSuitcase puts you in front of new audiences and helps you stay connected to the local scene.
TLDR? Here’s Where to Put Your Effort for Boosting Brewery Sales
If you’ve been asking yourself why your beautiful taproom isn’t packed every night, start with what you can control:
- Show up consistently on social
- Keep your Google profile and website fresh
- Create real excitement through updates, partnerships, and giveaways
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we help breweries like yours get noticed, stay relevant, and grow sales—without gimmicks or overpriced fluff.
Need support with social media, local ads, or marketing strategy? We’re here when you’re ready.
