Owning a small business can be a very demanding role and it can be tough to get your name out there and compete against other larger companies. Coffee shops are no exception but as a small business, you can add that personal touch consumers cannot get from the likes of Starbucks. If you own a coffee shop, here are some simple and inexpensive marketing tactics that can get your shop noticed and keep customers coming back.
Rewards System
A rewards system is a simple and easy way to get customers coming back and can be of little cost to you. Many large coffee chains offer a free drink once the customer has earnt so many points. You can do the same by providing a loyalty card, that you stamp each time the customer buys a drink. This shows customers that you appreciate their loyalty and is a nice added touch. You can easily purchase a personalized stamp that can be used with your logo on, ensuring that customers are reminded of your shop each time they look in their wallet.
Personalized Mugs
Having your very own personalized mugs adds a unique look to your coffee shop and is great for the likes of Instagram. Using a company who make and sell wholesale mugs for businesses allows you to create your own unique design. These mugs could also be sold to customers or used as part of a loyalty program. Many coffee shops have set up mug clubs, in which customers can come and re-use their mug each time they visit, which then gives them a discount on the price of their coffee. This also minimizes the use of paper and plastic cups, which is much better for our environment.
Social Media Presence
Having a social media presence is one of the easiest ways to get your coffee shop noticed and best of all, it is completely free unless you want to pay for advertising, of course. There are many ways in which you can reach out to customers including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For a coffee shop, Instagram is one of the most important social media feeds to have, as you can post pictures of your gorgeous creations and use hashtags. You can also put signs up around your shop with your Instagram name and hashtag if your customers think your coffee shop is Insta-worthy.
Themed Events
Themed events are a great way to bring more people in and you do not need to go to the ends of the earth for this. For each event such as Easter or Thanksgiving, think about changing the names of your coffees and snacks to something relevant and add a little décor. If you also serve a variety of food, you could host themed event nights for children or adults. Don’t forget to promote these themed events on your social media!
Making good coffee and having beautiful décor is one thing, but without the right marketing tactics, your coffee shop won’t get the recognition it deserves.
