How Digitize Now Helped a Toronto Sports Bar Quadruple Its Foot Traffic
In the competitive hospitality scene of downtown Toronto, one sports bar found itself at a crossroads. That was until Digitize Now stepped in.
The Challenge: A Great Bar, But Empty Seats
“Good vibes, great screens, and even better wings”—that was the promise of the sports bar nestled in North York. Despite its prime location and game-day energy, the bar was struggling to get people through the doors. With competition from larger franchises and local pubs, foot traffic had plateaued—and even declined post-pandemic.
Enter Digitize Now: The Digital Makeover
In March 2024, The Sports Bar partnered with Digitize Now, a full-service digital marketing agency known for its sharp data strategies and hyperlocal targeting. The goal? Make The Sports Bar the go-to game-day hangout in Toronto.
Here’s how Digitize Now worked their magic:
1. Geo-Fencing Campaigns That Captured the Right Crowd
Digitize Now implemented geo-fencing ads around rival sports bars, universities, gyms, and even the Scotiabank Arena. When users within a 1km radius opened social media or sports apps, they were hit with mouth-watering ads: “$5 beers during Leafs games” and “Free wings for first-timers.”
2. Optimized Google & Waze Ads for Last-Minute Decisions
Using real-time intent data, Digitize Now activated hyperlocal Google Ads and even Waze location pins that helped redirect hungry, thirsty fans heading out. “Watch the game—2 mins from where you are” was one of the most clicked campaigns.
3. Live Game Nights + Influencer Stories
Digitize Now also helped the bar create buzz on Instagram and TikTok by collaborating with Toronto-based micro-influencers. These creators posted from the venue during playoff games, tagging the location and showing off the crowd, deals, and energy—driving serious FOMO.
4. Loyalty Offers Tied to QR Codes
A custom QR code campaign offered “free nachos on your 3rd visit.” Customers scanned codes at the bar, creating a measurable loop between ad exposure and repeat foot traffic—fueling both word-of-mouth and loyalty.
The Results: A Full House (And Then Some)
In just three months, The Sports Bar saw:
- A 4x increase in foot traffic on game days
- A 26% lift in repeat customers through loyalty campaigns
- Over 1 million ad impressions targeting local sports fans
- A packed house during the NHL playoffs—every night
Final Whistle: What This Means for Local Businesses
Digitize Now didn’t just drive traffic—they built a community. By combining smart tech, local insight, and creative storytelling, they turned a struggling bar into a fan-favorite hub.
Whether you’re running a restaurant, salon, or sports bar—this proves one thing: digital done right, works wonders.
Want results like this? Let’s talk. Contact Digitize Now and let’s turn your foot traffic into a full house.
