Simple Social Media Ideas to Get People Into Your Pub This Dry January

January can be a challenging month for pubs. After the festive rush, spending slows, routines reset, and for many customers, Dry January becomes the focus. But going alcohol-free doesn’t mean going out-free and with the right approach online, January can still be a strong month for footfall, engagement, and community-building.

Here’s how pub owners can use social media to stay visible, relevant, and inviting throughout Dry January without relying on pints to pull people in.

Reframe Dry January: It’s About Choice, Not Absence

The biggest mistake pubs make in January is going quiet. Instead of seeing Dry January as a limitation, treat it as an opportunity to show variety and inclusivity.

Many customers still want:

• A reason to leave the house
• A warm, social environment
• Something to look forward to midweek
• Affordable, low-pressure plans

Your social content should reflect this shift - focusing on experiences, atmosphere, and options rather than alcohol or nights out.

Use Social Media to Sell the Experience, Not the Drink

In January especially, people decide where to go based on how a place makes them feel. Your social channels are the perfect place to show that.

Instead of drink promotions, try highlighting your:

• Cosy interiors and warm lighting
• Friendly faces behind the bar
• Quiet midweek vibes
• Comfort food, hot drinks, and low-alcohol options

Short videos, Stories, and Reels give you the perfect opportunity to capture the real atmosphere of your pub, this performs best when the content feels relaxed and authentic.

Content Ideas Pub Owners Can Use Throughout January

Below are some practical, ready-to-use content ideas to help your pub stay active on social media and give customers a reason to visit even during Dry January.

1. Showcase Your Alcohol-Free & Low-Alcohol Options

Let customers know they still have great choices:

• Alcohol-free beers, wines, spirits
• Mocktails or soft drink specials
• Hot drinks (teas, coffees, hot chocolate)

Post idea:

📸 A simple photo or short video of your alcohol-free range

✍️ Caption: “Dry January doesn’t mean missing out - here’s what we’re pouring instead.”

2. Promote Comfort Food & Midweek Treats

January is all about warmth and value.

• Pie nights, curry nights, burger deals
• Early-week offers
• “No-cook nights” for locals

Post idea:

📸 A close-up of a comforting dish

✍️ Caption: “Cold evenings call for comfort food, we’ve got you covered.”

3. Lean Into Community & Atmosphere

Dry January is the perfect time to highlight your pub as a local hub, not just a bar.

• Quiz nights
• Board games
• Book clubs
• Low-key live music or acoustic sessions

Post idea:

🎥 A short video of your pub on a quieter evening

✍️ Caption: “Join us for Quiz Night every Wednesday 7pm!”

4. Use Stories for ‘In the Moment’ Content

Instagram and Facebook Stories are ideal for January because they feel informal and are low effort to produce.

• “What’s on tonight” boards
• Behind-the-scenes prep
• Staff drink or food favourites

This keeps your pub visible without needing polished posts.

5. Promote Sports, Events & Reasons to Stay Longer

Even in January, people gather for shared moments.

• Live sport screenings
• Weekly events
• One-off January socials

Post idea:

📺 A photo of your screen setup

✍️ Caption: “Dry January, wet weather - still the best seat in the house.”

Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

You don’t need to post every day or invest in high production value content. What really matters is posting regularly, keeping your information up to date, and making it easy for customers to quickly understand what’s on and when. Even just two to three posts per week can make a noticeable difference to footfall throughout January.

Make Sure Your Website Matches Your Socials

If someone clicks from your social post to your website, they should instantly find:

• Opening hours
• What’s on this week
• Menus (including alcohol-free options!)
• How to book or walk in

A simple, up-to-date website supports everything you do on social - especially during quieter months.

Make Updating Your Website as Easy as Posting on Socials

Keeping your website up to date shouldn’t feel like a chore, especially during busy periods when time is limited. If you’re already posting on social media, your website should be just as easy to manage.

That’s exactly why we built My Place. It’s a website generator designed specifically for pubs and hospitality businesses, and it’s as easy to use as Instagram. Whether you’re updating opening hours, adding a January menu, or promoting what’s on this week, changes can be made in just a few taps.

Better still, My Place is free to try, so you can see how simple it is to keep your website in sync with your socials. When everything is up to date and easy to find, customers are far more likely to follow through from a post to a visit even during quieter months like January.

Try My Place for free now

Final Thoughts

Dry January doesn’t have to mean empty pubs. With the right social content, it can be a chance to:

• Attract new customers
• Strengthen community support
• Show that your pub is for everyone

By focusing on atmosphere, experience, and choice, you’ll stay front of mind and keep people walking through the door, pint or no pint.