How to Set Up a New Pub Online Presence

Whether you are opening a brand new pub or taking over one with no digital presence, this guide walks you through setting everything up from scratch. Follow these steps in order for the smoothest setup.

8 Steps

to a complete online presence - follow this guide in order

Pub website on laptop and mobile screens — Your online presence starts with the basics - get these right first

Step 1: Secure Your Domain Name

Before anything else, register your domain name (website address). Even if you are not ready to build a website yet, securing the domain protects your brand.

Domain Tips

Try to get yourpubname.co.uk or yourpubname.com
If taken, try yourpubname-town.co.uk
Use a reputable registrar (123-reg, GoDaddy, Namecheap)
Cost: around £10-15/year
Set up auto-renewal so you do not lose it

Step 2: Create Your Google Business Profile

This is your most important online asset. It is free, it appears in Google searches and Maps, and it is often the first thing customers see.

Initial Setup

Create Your Profile

Go to business.google.com and click "Manage now" or "Add your business".

Enter Basic Information

Add your pub name exactly as you want it to appear, select category "Pub", add your full address and phone number.

Verify Ownership

Google will send a postcard or call you to verify. Complete this as soon as possible.

Your Google Business Profile is free and often more important than your website. Complete it fully before moving on.

Completing Your Profile

Profile Completion

Accurate opening hours for every day
Business description (up to 750 characters)
All relevant attributes (outdoor seating, WiFi, dog-friendly)
At least 10 photos to start (exterior, interior, food, drinks)
Your website URL when ready
Your menu (as photos or a link)

For detailed guidance, see our Google Business Profile setup guide.

Step 3: Set Up Your Facebook Page

Facebook is still the most important social platform for pubs. Many customers check your Facebook before visiting.

Facebook Setup

Profile picture: Your pub sign or logo (works best as a square)
Cover photo: Your best photo of the pub (820x312 pixels ideal)
About section: Full description of your pub
Opening hours: Keep these synced with Google
Call-to-action button: Set to 'Call Now' or 'Book Now'
Website link: Add when ready

Consistency across platforms builds trust with customers and search engines

Step 4: Claim Other Directory Listings

Your pub may already appear on these sites with incomplete or incorrect information. Claim and update them:

Essential Directories

TripAdvisor - create or claim your listing
Yell.com - check and update
Yelp - if relevant to your area
Foursquare - powers many other apps
CAMRA WhatPub - if you serve real ale
Local tourism websites - search for local directories

Use exactly the same name, address, and phone number everywhere. Consistency helps your SEO and builds trust with Google.

Step 5: Build Your Website

With your Google and social presence established, now build your website. You have three main options:

Option A: DIY Website Builder

Platforms: Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com
Cost: £10-30/month
Pros: Quick, cheap, you control updates
Cons: Generic design, limited SEO, time-consuming

Option B: Professional Build

Cost: £1,500-5,000 one-off
Pros: Custom design, proper SEO, saves your time
Cons: Higher upfront cost, need someone for major changes

Option C: Pub-Specific Agency (Like Us)

Cost: Varies, often between DIY and general agency
Pros: Understand pub industry, know what works, often include SEO
Cons: Need to find a specialist

Essential Website Elements

Website Must-Haves

Mobile-friendly design
Clear contact information on every page
Tap-to-call phone number
Online booking (widget or form)
Full menu (not just a PDF)
Quality photos
Your location mentioned throughout

Need a Professional Website?

We build pub websites designed to rank locally and convert visitors into bookings.

See our website design service

Step 6: Set Up Email Marketing

Start collecting customer emails from day one. This becomes your most valuable marketing channel over time.

Email Setup

Choose a platform: Mailchimp (free for small lists) or MailerLite
Create a simple signup form
Add form to your website
Create a signup sheet for the bar
Offer an incentive: 10% off, free drink, exclusive offers

Step 7: Set Up Analytics

Install tracking so you know what is working:

Analytics Tools

Google Analytics - free, tracks website visitors
Google Search Console - free, shows search performance
Facebook Insights - built into your page
Google Business Profile Insights - built into your profile

Step 8: Create a Content Calendar

Consistency matters more than frequency. Plan what you will post and when:

Consistency

matters more than frequency - plan a schedule you can maintain

Posting Schedule

Google Business Profile: 1 post per week
Facebook: 2-3 posts per week
Instagram: 3-4 posts per week (if using)
Email: 1-2 newsletters per month

Content ideas: Daily specials, events, behind-the-scenes, staff spotlights, customer photos (with permission), local news, seasonal updates.

Need Help Setting Up?

Setting up everything properly takes time. If you'd rather focus on running your pub, we offer complete setup packages for new pub landlords.

Get a free consultation