Why Every Brewery Needs an Email List—Especially Now
In recent years, Facebook has gone from being the digital town square to something more like a fading billboard. With user engagement declining and many people stepping away from the platform entirely, breweries that once relied on Facebook to connect with their fans are finding themselves shouting into the void. If you’re a brewery still counting on social media alone to stay in touch with customers, it’s time to shift your strategy—and building an email list should be your top priority.
The Decline of Facebook = A Wake-Up Call
For years, Facebook was the go-to spot for event promotion, beer release announcements, and community building. But algorithms changed. Organic reach shrank. And now, many customers are either off the platform or hardly engage with it. That means your latest can release or trivia night reminder might never reach even your most loyal fans.
Email: Your Direct Line to Customers
Unlike social media, email gives you total control. There's no algorithm deciding who sees your message. When you send an email, it lands directly in your customer’s inbox—where they’re more likely to see and respond to it.
Email also performs. Studies consistently show that email marketing delivers one of the highest ROIs of any marketing channel. Even a simple monthly newsletter with taproom updates, upcoming events, and featured beers can keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
List = Lifeline
Here’s why your brewery’s email list matters more than ever:
It’s owned: You don’t “own” your social media followers, but your email list is yours. No platform changes or outages can take it away.
It’s reliable: People check their email daily. Many check it multiple times a day.
It builds loyalty: Regular, thoughtful emails help create a deeper connection with your audience.
It boosts turnout: From beer fests to small batch releases, emails are proven to drive foot traffic and online sales.
Getting Started (or Ramping Up)
If you haven’t started collecting emails, don’t panic—just start now. Put a sign-up form on your website. Ask for emails at the register or during events. Offer incentives like early access to releases, exclusive event invites, or discounts.
If you already have a list, treat it like the treasure it is. Send regular, useful content. Celebrate your community. Highlight your people and your beer. And always make it easy for new fans to join.
In a digital landscape that’s always shifting, an email list gives your brewery a solid foundation. It’s your direct connection to the people who love your beer. So if Facebook is on the way out, let email be the way forward.
