New Pub Landlord Digital Checklist

Taking over a pub is exciting - and overwhelming. Between staff, stock, and service, the digital side can fall to the bottom of the list. This checklist ensures you get the online fundamentals right from day one.

90 Days

to get your digital foundations in place - follow this checklist

New pub landlord behind the bar — Taking over a pub is exciting - getting your digital presence right from day one sets you up for success

Week 1: The Absolute Essentials

These need doing immediately - they affect whether customers can find you at all.

Claim Your Google Business Profile

Search for Your Pub on Google

Look for an existing listing. Click "Own this business?" or "Claim this business" if one exists.

Verify Ownership

Complete verification (usually by postcard, phone, or email). Then update the business name, address, and phone number.

Update Critical Information

Set correct opening hours and add your website URL (or remove the old one if no website exists).

Google Business Profile is often the first thing customers see. Wrong hours or an old phone number sends them to your competitors.

Update Other Online Listings

Priority Listings

TripAdvisor - claim or update your listing
Yell.com - check and correct
Facebook - update the page or create one
Any pub finder apps showing old information

For a detailed guide, read how to get your pub on Google Maps.

Week 2-4: Digital Foundations

Website Assessment

Ask yourself:

Website Questions

Does the existing website work? Is it mobile-friendly?
Can you update it yourself, or do you need access credentials?
Are the menu, hours, and contact details current?
Is the domain name (URL) included in your lease/purchase?
If no website exists, start planning to get one built

Need a Website?

We build pub websites specifically designed to bring in bookings and rank locally.

See our website design service

Google Business Profile Completion

Complete Your Profile

Add 20+ photos (exterior, interior, food, drinks, team)
Write a compelling business description (750 characters)
Add all your services and amenities
Add your menu as photos or a link
Enable messaging if you can respond promptly

Photos make a huge difference. A listing with 20+ photos gets significantly more clicks than one with just a few.

Your Google Business Profile is your most important online asset - complete it fully

Month 2: Building Momentum

Review Strategy

Reviews Action Plan

Respond to all existing Google reviews (even old negative ones)
Create a process for asking happy customers for reviews
Set up Google Alerts for your pub name
Train staff to mention reviews to satisfied customers

Reviews build trust. A pub with 50 recent reviews will outrank one with 10 reviews from three years ago.

Local Connections

Community Building

Introduce yourself to neighbouring businesses
Join local business groups or Chamber of Commerce
Connect with local event organisers
Reach out to local food bloggers or journalists

Email List

Email Setup

Set up a simple email service (Mailchimp free tier works)
Add a signup form to your website
Create a signup sheet at the bar
Offer an incentive (10% off first booking, free drink)

Month 3: Growth Activities

Regular Marketing Rhythm

Weekly Tasks

1 Google Business Profile post per week
2-3 social media posts per week
Monthly email newsletter to your list
Respond to all reviews within 24-48 hours

Events Calendar

Events Setup

Plan regular events (quiz night, live music, etc.)
Add events to your website and Google profile
Create Facebook events for each
Promote to your email list

For event ideas, read our guide on filling your pub midweek.

Pub quiz night — Regular events like quiz nights build loyal customers who become regulars

Common New Landlord Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring online presence - many customers research before visiting
Inconsistent information - different hours on Google vs website
No photos - customers want to see what they are getting
Not asking for reviews - happy customers need prompting
Trying to do everything - focus on basics before expanding

78%

of customers research a pub online before visiting for the first time

Need Help Getting Set Up?

Taking over a pub is a big job. If you'd rather focus on the bar while someone handles your digital marketing, we offer packages specifically for new pub landlords.

Get a free consultation