As you know, a lot more goes into running a successful coffee shop than just the coffee. With so many coffee shops vying for customers, you’ll likely need more than the best cup of joe to grow your business and keep customers coming back for more. And that takes promotion.
So what should you do to increase business and grow your loyal fanbase? Promoting your shop is about more than simply posting on social media or relying on word of mouth. To truly succeed, you’ll want to implement various marketing tactics.
Let’s delve in and look at ten ways you can promote your coffee shop today.
- Create a Loyalty Programme
Offering punch cards or reward programmes are excellent ways to keep people coming back for more. These loyalty programmes allow you to offer rewards such as discounts or free drinks to those who frequently return to your shop. E.g., for every ten drinks someone buys, they’ll get the 11th for free – seems simple – but they work.
There are plenty of options to choose from here when it comes to implementation - you can hand out actual cards or use a customer’s phone number to keep track of their purchases digitally. Regardless of what you choose, make sure employees explain the benefits of this programme to all who walk through the door. There’s nothing like a freebie when it comes to motivating your customers.
- Offer Reusable Mugs
Encourage customers to revisit your shop by implementing a reusable mug or drinkware programme. Some shops allow customers to use their reusable mug or cup to receive a small discount on their drinks. By doing so, you’ll save money on drinkware costs while helping protect the environment.
Determine what your target audience will find valuable. That way, you can create an atmosphere in which they’ll enjoy spending time. Additional freebies and incentives will only motivate them further.
- Step up Your Social Media Presence
If your coffee shop isn’t already posting on social media, now’s the time to get started! These days, it’s about more than simply showing up and sharing a fun photo or two. TikTok videos and Instagram reels have taken over the social media world, so you can establish a following if you’re consistent with it.
Use social media as a place to share your menu and your story. Don’t be afraid to keep things real here! People will come back to your shop if they feel connected with your mission and the team you’re building.
- Run Creative Ads
Search ads - placing online advertisements on web pages that show results from search engine queries - can increase brand awareness by more than 80%. So if you’re not already running ads on search engines like Google, you’ll want to add this to your list of promotional to-dos. Working with an ad specialist will allow you to widen your reach and promote your shop to potential customers.
Consider running ads on platforms such as YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Remember: It’s about understanding your audience and knowing where they spend their time. Then, you can be sure to show up in the places they are most likely to be hanging out.
- Connect With Influencers
The influencer marketing industry is set to reach $16.4 billion in 2022. Yes, you read that correctly! So there’s no better time than now to get started with influencers.
Take a look around your community and see whose voice is often heard against the noise. For example, there might be an Instagram influencer or community leader who loves coffee and would be willing to help promote your shop. This detailed guide will help you get started if you’re new to all-things influential!
- Focus On Your Branding
It can be challenging to promote your coffee shop if you haven’t made time to map out your branding. Before you go crazy on social media, you’ll want to define your brand style, colours, voice, tone, and message. What do you stand for, and what makes you different to the competition? How can you stand apart from the others? With strong branding and a clear message, you will be more recognisable, as people can get to know who you are and what you’re all about.
- Collaborate With Local Businesses
Networking is a powerful tool for business growth, so think about how you can connect with other entrepreneurs in your community. For example, if there’s a local bakery your customers rave about, try offering some of their baked goods inside your shop. Then, they can add your coffee to their menu as well – a win-win!
Make it a goal to attend a handful of networking events each year – or even host a breakfast meeting in your coffee shop. You’ll connect with business owners who understand concepts like marketing and can offer further advice on how to succeed in your space.
- Host Events
Even if only on a small scale, hosting events at your coffee shop is a great way to promote your offers. The options are endless, from cupping events to food tastings. These events are also opportunities to further collaborate with local businesses, which will help you reach a wider audience.
Consider offering a handful of samples to event attendees or giving them a coupon for a free drink the next time they stop by. These little incentives can make a big difference in how people feel about your shop. And don’t forget to have plenty of products on standby to upsell to your guests too.
- Run Giveaways
Hosting giveaways on social media is a fantastic way for your brand to reach new people. Keep it simple and use the opportunity to ask people to like and follow - the overall process doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Check out this guide to learn more about hosting a giveaway on Instagram!
- Create Seasonal Specials
Creativity is vital when it comes to gaining new customers and retaining loyalty! Many coffee shops serve the same drinks every single day. Though their customers might have a favourite order, this can get a little boring! To best promote your shop, create time-limited seasonal specials. This will build excitement around your menu and encourage customers to stop by and try something new.
Promoting your coffee shop should be fun and engaging, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box here. Utilise these tips and watch as your shop continues to grow!
And if you’re looking to get the most out of your budget when it comes to your equipment, remember to open a trade account with Coffee Hit. We stock everything you need for your business, with discounts of up to 50% on the industry’s leading specialty coffee brands.
Looking for at home coffee gear? Head over to Coffee Hit
