Congratulations on your new pub. Now for the less glamorous part: sorting out the digital mess you've probably inherited. Here's exactly what to do, in order of priority.
The Urgent Stuff (This Week)
Update Your Phone Number Everywhere
If the previous landlord's phone number is still listed online, you're losing customers right now. Priority places to update:
- Google Business Profile
- Facebook page
- The website (if you have access)
- TripAdvisor
- Any other listings you can find
Claim the Google Business Profile
This is often the first thing customers see. If you don't control it, you can't fix anything. Full GBP guide here.
If the previous owner cooperates:
- Ask them to add you as an owner or manager
- Once added, update your details
- Remove them when you're confident everything is transferred
If the previous owner is unavailable:
- Search for your pub on Google
- Click "Own this business?"
- Follow the verification process (can take 1-4 weeks)
Update Opening Hours
Wrong opening hours cost you customers. Someone drives over based on Google and finds you closed — they won't come back.
Update Hours On
- Google Business Profile
- Your website
- TripAdvisor
- Any booking platforms you use
The Important Stuff (First Month)
4. Get Access to the Website
Questions to answer:
- Who built it and do they still maintain it?
- Where is it hosted?
- What are the login credentials?
- Can you update content yourself?
- Is the domain name included in your lease/purchase?
Immediate Website Updates
- Remove any mention of the previous landlord
- Update contact details
- Update or remove outdated menu
- Check all forms and booking systems come to you
5. Sort Out Social Media
Facebook:
- Ask previous owner to make you an admin
- If they can't, you may need to create a new page
- Update all information and images
- Post an update introducing yourself
Instagram:
- Get login credentials if possible
- Update bio and contact info
- If no access, create a new account
6. Respond to Reviews
You've inherited the review history. While you can't delete old reviews, you can manage them professionally.
The Foundation Stuff (First Quarter)
7. Audit All Online Listings
Your pub probably appears on:
- TripAdvisor — claim and update
- Yell.com — check and correct
- Yelp — claim if in your area
- Foursquare — powers many other apps
- Various pub finder websites
- Local tourism sites
8. Decide What to Do With the Website
Keep it if:
- It's reasonably modern and mobile-friendly
- You can update it yourself
- It ranks well for your pub name
Replace it if:
- It looks dated or unprofessional
- You can't get access
- It doesn't work on mobile
- It's very slow to load
Common Mistakes New Landlords Make
- Ignoring the digital handover: Old phone numbers lose you money every day
- Not claiming Google Business Profile: You can't fix what you don't control
- Deleting old social media: You lose followers and reviews
- Forgetting the domain name: You could lose your web address
- Not responding to old reviews: Looks like no one cares
First Week Priority Checklist
- Update phone number on Google Business Profile
- Update phone number on Facebook
- Update opening hours everywhere
- Start Google Business Profile claim process
- Get website login details
- Respond to recent reviews
Need Help Sorting It Out?
The digital handover can be messy. We help new pub landlords audit their inherited online presence, reclaim accounts, and build proper foundations.
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