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Coffee Shop Marketing Plan: Strategies for Your Business

Revel Systems | July 15, 2022 |

Owning an independent coffee shop has many benefits. Some of which include the ability to be your own boss, be a part of your community, and be creative. In fact, consumers prefer to visit and stay longer at local coffee shops vs. major chains . 

When you own a small local shop, focusing on the customer experience and differentiating yourself from the big guys is how you set yourself apart. So, how do you do that? All you need is a solid coffee shop marketing plan to convince everyone from the neighborhood to choose you over the big chains. 

What is Coffee Shop Marketing?

Barista Magazine’s research found that 70 percent of coffee shops invest less than $100 in their marketing efforts each month. However, this amount isn’t due to the fact that coffee shop businesses don’t advertise. They just do so differently than the average business. 

In many ways, coffee shops are a hybrid of yesterday and today. At their core, coffee shops are an old-school business. However, to succeed in today’s business climate, a coffee shop owner must combine modern business approaches.

How to Create a Coffee Shop Marketing Plan

Developing a coffee marketing plan is not an easy process. After all, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As a result, when reviewing a coffee shop marketing plan sample, keep in mind that it is just that—a sample. However, it is important to note that each coffee business needs to base its plan on its maturity, specific market, and target consumer.

Your coffee business plan should be unique and tailored to the specific requirements of your business.

Follow this basic outline to boost sales. It’s easy to follow and can be implemented for both new coffee shops and established shops. Every marketing plan should include the following actions:

• Establishing marketing and financial goals
• Researching the market
• Analyzing the customer
• Creating a calendar of marketing-related steps and activities
• Retaining returning customers
• Securing your finances

8 Coffee Marketing Strategies

When developing a coffee marketing strategy, cafes must keep customers top of mind. Give your customers what they want, and they’ll fall in love with your business. But, how do you create an effective coffee shop marketing strategy?

Here are eight excellent coffee marketing ideas you can use to create your own coffee marketing strategy:

1.Make Your Coffee Shop More Attractive

As self-evident as it may sound, the entrance to your shop must be visible and attractive. Many bars and coffee shops have dark entries hidden from busy crowds. Don't make that mistake, ensure your shop has an eye-catching appeal.

Ideally, your shop should look good enough to lure people into stopping by for a cup of coffee, even if they hadn't intended to originally.

2.Level Up Your Branding in Your Coffee Shop

Branding is an essential part of every coffee shop marketing plan, especially for coffee shops. It sets you apart from all other similar businesses. A defined presence is absolutely necessary.

Your store shouldn't be just another coffee shop. Instead, it should have a story behind it, and it should promote specific values. Representing a strong brand all customers recognize and respect is essential. If you can’t define the brand of your coffee shop, how will your customers know it? They won’t gravitate towards you if they don't see (and like) who you are, what you believe in, and what you stand for as an organization.

3.Free Wi-Fi at a Pet-Friendly Coffee Shop

In the era of remote jobs and digital nomads looking for cozy places where they can work in peace, a charming coffee shop can quickly become everyone's favorite spot. All you need is a stable internet connection, good coffee, and free Wi-Fi.

Include a pet-friendly policy and allow your coffee drinkers to bring their furry friends. Just wait—they may never leave!

If a consumer has more than one option in the area, he'll prefer the one where he can bring a pet, get some free Wi-Fi, and plug in a laptop if needed.

4.Digital and Social Media for Coffee Businesses

If you aren't on social media by now, you’re missing out. Finish this article, then immediately create pages for your coffee shop across all popular channels. (We recommend prioritizing Facebook and Instagram.) Coffee shops should focus on creating a community of customers. Make your drink offerings unique, advertise them on social media, and speak to your followers about your craft.

Increase your brand's reach by bringing your store's vibe to your content and share it with the community. You can post promotions on social media or organize photo contests geared towards user-generated content.

5.Join Food Delivery Apps

According to the latest statistics, the average person has two delivery apps on their phone and makes an order twice a week.

Joining food delivery apps is the easiest way to expand your reach beyond the neighborhood. It will make your coffee available to people who want the convenience of delivery .

6.Coffee Social Media Advertising

Social ads work well for a coffee business on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Showcase images of your drinks and use these channels to promote any special deals and discounts you may be offering the public.

7.Coffee Shop Reviews

Sites like Yelp are incredibly beneficial to coffee shops. They provide feedback about your establishment that can bring new patrons to your business. They’re also an excellent platform for you to showcase your brand and speak to your customers directly. Simply asking for reviews is a great way to create word of mouth about your coffee shop business.

8.Coffee Market Loyalty Programs

Many coffee shops implement loyalty programs or member discounts that entice customers to return again and again. These programs drive revenue and increase customer loyalty.

A proper strategy includes creating a solid coffee shop marketing plan based on thorough market research, making smart investments, and taking action. This strategy needs to be maintained on a regular basis.

Bring Your Coffee Business to Revel Systems 

Grabbing a cup of coffee in the morning is a ritual for many people. Use these coffee marketing ideas to make sure they choose your coffee shop over the competition. 

Outside of traditional marketing efforts, consider a cloud-based POS platform built specifically for cafés. Revel’s coffee shop POS is built to maximize ease-of-use, convenience, and operational speed, allowing you to focus on what you do best: make great coffee.

Some software solutions that would help your coffee business thrive include: 

• Customer Display System (CDS) A CDS allows you to increase order accuracy, tips for your employees, and trust with your customers. A CDS is also a key feature for any coffee shop register and gives your customers visibility into their order in real time.
• Inventory Management A true café POS system needs ingredient-level inventory insights. Having the right ingredients in the right quantities at the right times is essential in wowing your customers with an exceptional experience. Make sure you always have what you need on hand.
• Kitchen Display System (KDS) Improve your speed of service, order accuracy, and kitchen efficiency all through one tool: a kitchen display system (KDS). When integrated directly with your point of sale, a KDS updates orders (and modifications) in real time for your kitchen staff.
• Mobile Order Takers (MOT’s) With MOT’s you can move lines quickly to delight customers while maximizing your profits. During peak hours, bust lines with Revel’s mobile order takers and make sure no customers leave frustrated with long wait times. 

You’ll want a café POS that can keep up with the morning rush, helping your team deftly handle orders, no matter how complex, with ease and efficiency. With Revel, you’ll enjoy a platform that is not just easy to use, but also easy to teach. Its clean interface simplifies each order, helping to increase order accuracy and service speed. Contact us to learn more or to request a free demo.

Featured Articles

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Coffee shop marketing plan.

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a coffee shop business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of coffee house that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to regular coffee, will you offer items such as café latte, cappuccino, espresso or macchiato?

Also document any food or non-coffee drinks you sell.

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the menu items you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your coffee shop. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your coffee shop located next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. Also, if you operate or plan to operate kiosks, detail the locations where the kiosks will be placed.

Promotions : the final part of your coffee shop marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your coffee shop’s front store extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Distributing coffee samples outside the coffee shop
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., gym members get a free cup of coffee with each pastry they purchase)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

COFFEE SHOP BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

• Coffee Shop Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan
• 10. Appendix

Start Your Coffee Shop Plan Here

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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Coffee Shop Marketing Strategies

We know how much it takes to open a coffee shop . Our students pour their hearts, sweat, time, and savings into bringing their coffee shop visions to life. After so much work, there’s nothing more satisfying than turning on the “Open” sign on your brand new business. Unless nobody comes in, that is. 

Before you can successfully open a coffee shop (and every day after), you’ll rely on effective marketing tactics to help you bring customers through your door. There are many effective strategies for marketing your business. What works for a mom and pop shop in a small town might be different than a multi-location coffee shop business in a larger city. Wherever you fall, this list of coffee shop marketing strategies can help you start connecting with your ideal customers. 

Source: Instagram @windowseatcoffee

Coffee Shop Marketing Strategies 

Build your brand.

Your brand is the way people perceive and experience your business–the look, feel, values, and personality your loyal customers connect to. 

Many elements of your business influence your brand: 

• Core values 
• Unique point of view
• Customer experience
• Website and other digital platforms
• Coffee shop design and aesthetic
• Tone of voice in written content

Wayward, Dallas, TX

Before a cohesive brand can exist, you must understand the demographics, psychographics, values, and interests of your ideal customer . Then, create a coffee shop concept (and brand) that intersects with your own passions. With a concept in place, you’re ready to start thinking about the name, personality, and visual brand identity.

Because good branding is key to marketing success, we recommend investing in a real branding agency to help you build the foundations. (A bad logo could be the difference that causes a potential customer to drive right by.) Share your concept and business plan with the agency. They will utilize a brand strategist, a creative director, and multiple designers to build branding materials. They’ll help you effectively communicate your brand values and positioning visually to potential customers.

Of course, a branding agency will cost more up front than a graphic designer friend or a logo website. Don’t spare expenses in this department. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. It can make a huge difference in your coffee shop marketing success. 

Connect to Your Customers on Social Media

Social media is one of the most effective places coffee shops can meet their audiences. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and others are great places for coffee shops to: 

• Share pictures of your coffee shop and menu items
• Promote new products
• Announce coffee shop events and news
• Engage with customers directly
• Entertain and engage customers with videos, tutorials, humor, and photos
• Share a behind the scenes look at your employees and culture
• Reinforce your brand

One of our former students, Nelson Lewis from Coffee on the Red , credits social media for helping build his loyal following. Coffee on the Red opened in the middle of the pandemic. They had to create an identity, reach new clients, and share constant updates at a time when many people were staying home. 

Just months later, the Coffee on the Red Facebook page has nearly 7,000 followers (and counting). They grew their following by posting funny employee videos, delicious drink photos, memes, and even “sock updates” from one of the baristas. Here’s a taste of their posts: 

Source: Facebook

We can learn from Coffee on the Red’s social media success. 

Social media tips: 

• Post consistently to grow faster. Coffee on the Red posts on Facebook every day, sometimes multiple times a day. 
• Choose the right platform. You don’t need to have a huge presence on every social media platform to be successful. Coffee on the Red knows who their ideal customers are, and determined Facebook was the best place to reach them. 
• Develop a voice consistent to your brand. Coffee on the Red’s posts are goofy and fun. What voice captures your brand? Sophisticated? Health-focused? Family-friendly? Make sure your posts help showcase who you are. 
• Be responsive. Coffee on the Red responds directly to nearly every comment they receive. They send commenters funny memes, answer direct questions, and tag customers they know. Engagement helps to build community and connection among your followers. 
• Mix it up. Coffee on the Red alternates between high quality coffee photos and videos, customer features, memes, events, and casual, funny videos of the staff and founders. It keeps the Facebook page fresh and followers engaged. 

Influencer Marketing

Now that your social media platforms are established, grow your reach through influencer marketing. Influencers are people in your industry, geography, or niche demographic with large online followings. For a coffee shop, influencers could come in all forms: food bloggers, local leaders, news anchors, even a well-known student athlete. 

Give influencers a reason to visit your coffee shop and share how much they love it. You can do this by inviting them to an event, sending them merchandise, or simply giving them all-star treatment whenever they come. The most important thing to know about this strategy is that influencers are people. Just like your loyal customers, they are much more likely to promote brands they genuinely love. To be successful with influencer marketing, you’ve got to have a product and a brand people are excited to share. 

Source: Instagram @beanstalkcoffeesno

Online Reviews

If someone is looking for great coffee nearby, you know right where they’ll go: Google. Beyond your social media platforms and website, there are other strategic places coffee shops can market themselves online. Google My Business and Yelp are two important platforms to claim. These platforms allow you to: 

• Be found online
• Post hours and schedule
• Share your location
• Share your menu
• Showcase photos
• Collect and manage user reviews

It’s free to claim your Google My Business account, and it will vastly increase your online visibility. Business owners can also manage a free listing on Yelp, or boost their presence through paid ads and page upgrades. 

Word of Mouth and Networking

It might feel like all marketing is digital now, but there is no substitution for good, old fashioned networking. Whether you’re opening your coffee shop in a small town or large city, get to know your community. Not only will it help you spread the word about your business, but it will also grant you access to small business resources like great contractors, local events, or skilled employees. 

We recommend joining your local Chamber of Commerce, entrepreneur groups, or small business groups. Get to know your “neighbors” in nearby businesses. Do you share likeminded customers? There may be opportunities to partner to bring more traffic into your shop. Engage with local groups, organizations, or schools to better understand and serve the people around you. While you’re out networking, bring flyers, business cards, or other merchandise that promotes your coffee shop. 

Events and Experiences

You’re not just selling a cup of coffee, you’re creating an experience every time a new customer walks into your business. Understand that lifestyle you’re selling to your customers, and create events and experiences that tie seamlessly into their day. Depending on your coffee shop brand and concept, events could include: 

• Art installations from local artists or groups
• Yoga classes
• Library book readings for kids
• Study sessions for college students
• Coffee and wine pairings
• Corporate networking events
• Trivia and game nights
• Coffee Cuppings or Latte Art throw downs
• Fundraisers for local nonprofits

The events you host can bring new customers in your door. And, events are a great way to reinforce your brand to your loyal customers. Here are some events from Carve Surf and Coffee in alignment to the local surf lifestyle brand they’ve created: 

Source: Instagram @carvesurfandcoffee

Continue Your Coffee Shop Marketing Education

Learn more about coffee shop marketing, creating a viable concept, writing a business plan, choosing a location, and more in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class . We teach you how to open a coffee shop, step-by-step. Already own or manage a coffee shop? Check out our barista training classes , coffee shop manager training course , and more. Or, reach out directly to learn about our coffee business consulting services.

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Coffee Shop Business Plan

Coffee shop marketing plan.

Look around, and you’ll find coffee shops on nearly every corner, each with its unique blend and style. In this world of coffee choices, a great marketing plan is your recipe for standing out.

Coffee shop marketing isn’t just about aesthetic images or offers; it’s about making people notice you consistently. Whether it’s through fun ads, or tempting offers, a well-crafted marketing plan is your trusted guide.

We know you’ve got a lot on your plate as a coffee shop owner, but don’t worry; we’re here to simplify the process. Welcome to our guide on creating a winning coffee shop marketing plan , the key to making your coffee shop shine. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• The coffee shop marketing plan will help you increase brand awareness by promoting your products and services.
• Defining the target market will help you personalize marketing efforts and make customized marketing tactics.
• SWOT & competitor analysis will guide your marketing strategy and help you know your USPs.
• Establish SMART goals for your coffee shop, as they will offer a roadmap for tracking progress and making necessary adjustments to your strategies.
• Leverage social media pages and post tailored content according to the target market to increase the visibility of your coffee shop business.
• Set your budget in sync with your goals. Generally, coffee shop owners allocate 9.6% of projected sales for marketing.
• Do not skip monitoring, as it enables you to track whether you’re meeting your goals or need to alter the strategies.

What is Coffee Shop Marketing?

A marketing plan for coffee shop helps you stay on track, use your resources wisely, and compete effectively. By setting clear goals and understanding your market, you can stand out.

Plus, it lets you measure your progress and adjust as needed. It also keeps your marketing efforts consistent, builds trust, and keeps your team on the same page. In short, it’s a roadmap for the success of your coffee business.

So, we have brought this step-by-step guide on writing a marketing plan for a coffee shop:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Coffee Shop Marketing Plan

1. identify your target audience.

Understanding your target audience is like getting the best coffee beans for new coffee shops.

So, think about all the aspects like age, gender, location, interests, and even spending habits of your potential customers to understand your target audience.

Consider these questions to identify your target audience:

• Are you catering to families, young professionals, or students?
• Are they health-conscious or drawn to fried siders with coffee?
• In which location are they located?
• Do they prefer dine-in experiences or take-out deliveries?
• Do you have various customer segments for days and nights?
• Are they active on social media, where you can engage with them?

By answering all these questions you can create a consumer persona that guides your marketing strategies and decisions.

For example, your ideal customer could be:

• Coffee enthusiasts who love to try different types of coffee
• University students who like to study or complete assignments in group

Therefore, consider every aspect of your coffee shop customers, and then try to reach them. 

2. Set Measurable Marketing Goals

Before you start marketing, you need to set your SMART marketing goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).

Here are some common primary goals for coffee shops:

Increase brand awareness

Set a goal to increase brand awareness, you can make a goal of increasing awareness in the local community by 20% through social media pages or other marketing channels.

Boost customer loyalty

After attracting new customers, encourage them to visit your coffee shop frequently to build a loyal customer base.

For example: target 15% growth in loyal customers through loyalty programs, discounts & coupons.

Enhance customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is the center of the coffee business, isn’t it? Then, you can aim for a customer satisfaction rating of 90% or higher on online review platforms within the next six months through improved service quality and customer feedback.

Improve online presence

On average people are using social media platforms for 2.5 hours a day, so make sure you do not miss out on that. You can set a goal like increasing social media followers by 20% over the next six months through regular posting and engaging content.

3. Conduct a SWOT & Competitor Analysis

Performing competitor and SWOT analysis is necessary, as it provides a clear understanding of your brand’s strong points.

SWOT analysis will help you understand your internal landscape, for example, go through this SWOT analysis table by Upmetrics:

On the external front, if you know the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of your competitors, then it is easy to identify your USP and then work on marketing tactics accordingly.

Some of the questions to ask while conducting competitive analysis for coffee shops are:

• Who are your main competitors in the local area/local coffee shops?
• What is the market share of each competitor?
• What is their target market?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• What is their pricing strategy?
• What is their menu?

By answering these questions, you can understand your business better and get valuable insights on your USPs.

Want to create a SWOT analysis for your business?

Craft a powerful SWOT Analysis in just minutes using our user-friendly and free online SWOT Analysis Generator Tool!

4. Position Your Coffee Shop in the Market

Brand positioning for a coffee shop is like deciding what makes your company special in the market. It is mostly to know why customers should choose you over other local coffee shops.

First, understand who your main customers are, like university students or professionals. Then, create a clear and memorable message or slogan that tells people why they should pick your company using your USP. Post this message on all the platforms including your website and social media.

Remember to share good reviews and show the quality of your coffee shop on all the marketing channels.

Thus, brand positioning in the industry is about knowing how your business stands out from just another coffee shop.

5. Develop a Coffee Shop Marketing Strategy

In the dynamic coffee shop industry, increasing your market share needs well-thought-out strategies. So, the next step is to mention your marketing strategies in the marketing plan. Some of the coffee shop marketing ideas can be:

Make your coffee shop attractive

Design your coffee shop in a way that feels cozy and welcoming. Use comfortable chairs and nice decorations to create a friendly and warm atmosphere. When your coffee shop feels like a comfortable and inviting place, it will make people want to come in and stay for a while.

• Influencer marketing

Look for influencers in your area who are popular on social media or really love coffee. They can be a big help in telling others about your coffee shop online. When they say good things about your shop, their followers are more likely to listen and come visit.

• Social media marketing

Many coffee shops overlook the strength of social media marketing, but you don’t ignore it. Make sure your coffee shop has a strong presence on famous social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Share nice pictures of your coffee and your comfy place. Share pictures your customers take and use hashtags that make sense for your coffee shop. This way, more people will find you online.

Community involvement

Take part in events with other local businesses and help sponsor them. It shows that you care about your neighborhood, and it also makes more people notice your coffee shop.

Optimize your website and online listings for local search. This ensures that when people in your area search for “coffee near me,” your independent coffee shop comes up in the results. Make sure your address, phone number, and hours are consistent across all online platforms.

Direct mail

Consider sending out physical mail, like postcards or flyers, to people in your area. Direct mail can be a great way to inform locals about your coffee shop’s offerings and special promotions.

6. Determine Your Coffee Shop Marketing Budget

Before making any budget, determine all the marketing tools you are going to use.

Also, look at the projected sales for the year and then allocate 9.6% for marketing. This average marketing budget will differ based on factors like location, size, marketing campaigns, etc.

Think about your goals; do you want a buzz for your new coffee shop or want to increase sales? Because your goals will be the deciding factor for the marketing budget.

Apart from goals, the type of marketing also affects the budget. For example, email marketing and social media marketing are cheaper than print marketing.

7. Implement Coffee Shop Marketing Strategies

Whether it is marketing online or traditionally, proper implementation of all the tactics is necessary for launching a coffee shop.

As a coffee shop owner, firstly, break down the plan into smaller tasks, like first publishing print advertisements, then posting on social media platforms, etc. Then implement everything according to the marketing calendar you make.

By putting your marketing plan into action, you can make sure that your efforts aren’t wasted and reach your target coffee drinkers.

Additionally, this stage facilitates customer engagement, buzz-building, and excitement-building for your business.

In conclusion, the implementation phase brings your brand to life in the eyes of consumers, making it an essential step toward achieving your marketing goals.

8. Monitor the Success of Your Marketing Plan

Monitoring the success of your marketing tactics ensures that all your efforts are going to the right place and you are getting the correct response.

It allows you to measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts and lets you know the effects in terms of sales, brand awareness, customer engagement, or customer loyalty.

Also, it helps you pinpoint which strategies are working and which are not. By tracking social media engagement, brand awareness, and sales, you will get to know which strategy is working and where to invest more.

For example, if you find that social media coffee shop advertising is giving more results than direct mail, then you can shift your focus and resources accordingly.

Some of the key metrics to measure success are sales revenue, social media engagement rate, customer acquisition cost (CAC), performance of ads, etc. You can also get an idea of your business’s progress through Google Analytics.

Regularly assessing your marketing plan’s performance enables you to spot trends or shifts in customer behavior early on. This, in turn, empowers you to make timely adjustments to your strategies, ensuring your coffee shop business remains competitive.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

In a nutshell, the secret to making your coffee shop successful is to have a solid marketing and business plan.

You can simplify your planning process by using the best business plan software ; it’s a hassle-free way to streamline the process.

So, don’t miss the chance to set your business up for success. Spend the time and effort to create a strong marketing and business plan today because the future of your coffee shop depends on it.

Related Posts

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Market Analysis Guide for Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, how often should i update my coffee shop marketing plan.

Reviewing and updating your plan can differ from business to business, but keep in mind that it is an ongoing process. Thus, you should review and update your plan for a coffee shop at least once in 3 months.

Should I invest in paid advertising for my coffee shop?

Paid marketing is good for reaching the targeted demographics in your local area, and spreading brand awareness. If you are opening a new coffee shop, then do paid marketing in the initial base.

What are some effective marketing strategies for a new coffee shop?

Some of the effective marketing tactics for a new coffee shop are:

• Content marketing
• Local partnerships
• Host coffee related events

What are some common mistakes to avoid in a coffee shop marketing plan?

Here are some common mistakes you should avoid while writing your coffee shop marketing plan:

• Ignoring your target audience
• Choosing a poor location
• Not doing enough market research
• Not attractive menu
• Neglecting online presence
• Inconsistent branding
• Ignoring local SEO
• Not defining USP

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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December 1, 2021 | By Bobby Hoyt

A Step by Step Guide to Creating a Coffee Shop Marketing Plan

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.

Posted in Facebook , Info Marketing

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” These wise words from Benjamin Franklin still ring true today, and small businesses like coffee shops need to understand the importance of proper planning. 

This is why we are looking at how to create a coffee shop marketing plan so your small business can bring in new customers and operate like a well-oiled marketing machine. 

When it comes to developing a marketing strategy for a coffee shop, it can get overwhelming and frustrating since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your coffee shop and market are as unique as the people you serve, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly what to do. 

The good news is that with guidance and a basic outline, you can create an effective cafe marketing plan — and it’s probably not as hard as you might expect. 

How to Create a Marketing Plan for Your Coffee Shop

Do you want to create an effective marketing plan for your coffee shop? Follow these steps to have new customers walking through your door.

1. Establish Clearly Defined Goals for Marketing

Before you create any marketing plan, you have to know what your coffee shop and marketing goals are. Sure, you probably want to have the most successful cafe in town, but what is your coffee shop’s story? Have you established its mission?

Once you have these down, you can define your brand identity.

The next aspect of goal planning is to focus on marketing goals. Marketing is such a broad term, and it can do a multitude of things. 

Before launching any plans, lay out your exact marketing goals and keep your brand identity at the top of your mind while you’re creating these goals. Your goals might include:

• Increasing overall sales
• Boosting brand awareness
• Improving profit in specific areas
• Creating higher engagement in social media

Once you have your brand identity and goals, you’ll have something to always circle back to when creating future marketing plans. 

2. Get to Know Your Target Customer

It may feel counterintuitive to apply a blanket statement to the people who walk through your door. After all, each customer has different tastes. 

But, in general, you need to have a deeper understanding of your customer base so you can develop more effective marketing strategies. 

Information about your target customer might include:

• Age group (teenagers, middle-age, seniors)
• Interests 

Once your target audience is defined, then you can select the best advertising and promotional choices that will resonate with your potential customers. You can also use this information when designing your drink and food menus. 

3. Understand Your Market Position

Knowing your position in the local market is a key part of your marketing strategy. We all know it’s impossible to be all things to all people, so what is it specifically your coffee shop is known for? What do you hope it will be the best at?

Part of this might be developing a slogan or a phrase you use with your marketing plans that represents your place in the market. For example, you might choose something that emphasizes how you get to know your customers on a personal level.

This could also trickle down to your menu choices, furniture placement, music, and overall ambience. 

For example, if your market position is the best local coffee shop offering the largest selection of locally-made artisan breads, you would think about how your cafe supports this. You might also want your furniture to be arranged so people can grab their coffee and a bread loaf to go.

4. Articulate Your Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy piece of the puzzle is a big one. This is where your goals, target audience, and how you want to be defined within the market all start to come together. It’s what drives your marketing decisions on a day-to-day basis.

Now it’s time to put real strategies on paper and then into action. Here are some strategies to implement.

Strategy #1: Create a Competitive Analysis

It’s important to know what your competition is doing. Are they introducing a special product each month or offering a subscription service? This may help with your own marketing ideas.

You might not need to copy everything they’re doing, but you should at least understand what is going on in your local market, including price points and drink selections. 

Strategy #2: Launch a Company Website and Social Media

At the most basic level, your cafe needs a website and a strong social media presence. This will change over time, but you have to prioritize these items to keep up with the demand of today’s consumers. 

If you feel like this is too hard to focus on, outsourcing it by hiring someone else or getting one of your employees to help is one way to tackle it.

Strategy #3: Get Online Reviews

Reviews are more important than ever, with locals and people who are traveling relying on ratings to make their drink decisions. Focusing — and even prioritizing — reviews on Yelp and Google can lead to people coming through your door.

Your website, in-store, and social media accounts are natural places to ask for reviews. You could even create fun contests and customer incentives for reviews.

Strategy #4: Develop Solid Advertising Campaign

It’s going to take more than word-of-mouth marketing, especially in the early stages of the business. You need to create a marketing budget to support your marketing efforts.

One suggestion I highly recommend is to consider adding Facebook ads to your cafe marketing plan. Here at Laptop Empires, Mike Yanda and I have built an entire community based on the effectiveness of Facebook ad campaigns. 

Facebook has the ability to target local customers in a way that most other marketing strategies aren’t able to do. If you want to fast-track the idea of running ads the right way, we cover everything related to Facebook ads in our Facebook Side Hustle Course . 

5. Create a Marketing Calendar

Your customers will want coffee almost 365 days of the year, which means you need to be ready to go with a calendar. 

Taking time to plan and strategize months ahead (if possible) will keep you from scrambling at the last minute and help you avoid possibly spending money on marketing you don’t need or that doesn’t support your goals.

What kind of calendar do you need? Think about everything related to marketing to your customers that needs planning ahead of time. 

This can include:

• Promotional activities, including menu specials, events, sales, and offers
• Social media planning
• Updates to the website, including blog posts, pictures, events calendar
• Advertising dates for the various marketing campaigns

While it may look like an overwhelming amount of information to keep track of, pre-planning on a regular basis will keep all the important details on track and in line with your overall marketing strategy. 

6. Focus on Customer Retention

Once you obtain a new customer, part of your coffee shop marketing plan needs to focus on getting the customer to come back. 

There are a number of ways to create customer loyalty. Of course, it starts with great customer service and a delicious cup of coffee. But how can you ensure your marketing plans support your focus on customer retention?

A few ideas might include:

• A rewards program. This could consist of a stamp or app where the customer builds up points to earn a reward. 
• Offering online orders or through an app . Once someone has been to your coffee shop, they might be more comfortable ordering online or using an app. This makes it easier for them to stop by on a regular basis. 
• Social sharing. Ask your customers to tag your coffee shop in a social media post and share on their account for a chance to win free coffee for a month.

The Final Word on Creating a Coffee Shop Marketing Plan

With all of the marketing strategies mentioned above, it’s a good idea to be flexible and willing to adapt as your own local market goes through changes. 

Don’t be afraid to update your coffee shop marketing plan whenever you feel like your ideas are not gaining traction or might be getting stale. Your plan is as unique as your customers, which means you will constantly need to revisit it and strategize.

About Bobby Hoyt

Bobby Hoyt is a former band director turned professional blogger and digital marketer. He founded the personal finance blog, Millennial Money Man, in 2015, and co-founded Laptop Empires in 2018 in addition to running a digital marketing agency.

He specializes in content creation, email marketing, affiliate marketing, paid traffic, and running websites.

He has been featured in many major publications, including CNBC, Yahoo, Forbes, and more. He is also a Forbes contributor.

View all posts by Bobby Hoyt »

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Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Business Plan Outline

• Coffee Shop Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Coffee Shop Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Java Bros Coffee Shop will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Convenient locations located in technology hubs and business parks in Austin.
• Technology-friendly shops that accompany its exceptional customer service.
• Delicious and well-crafted coffee beverages and baked goods.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Java Bros Coffee Shop are as follows:

Social Media

Java Bros will focus on social media platforms and will dedicate an employee to be its social media manager. That person will develop unique and inviting posts and post its daily specials, upcoming events, and updates on the coming locations.

Local Partnerships

Java Bros will partner with local businesses and offer its employees VIP pricing for its coffee and food items. The goal is for those local businesses to either display or advertise Java Bros in their office space or retail shop.

SEO Website Marketing

Java Bros plans to invest funds into maintaining a strong SEO presence on search engines like Google and Bing. When a person types in “local coffee shop”, “coffee shop near me” or “Austin coffee shop”, Java Bros will appear in the top three choices. Java Bros will also invest in their website also to ensure that it is user friendly, always up to date, and displays professional photographs of its menu items and location.

Java Bros’ pricing will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when patronizing it.

Coffee Shop Marketing Plan: Strategies for Your Business

Our marketing strategy will focus on building a strong brand identity that resonates with our target audience.

We will utilize a combination of online and offline marketing channels to reach our customers effectively. This includes creating an engaging website and leveraging social media platforms to showcase our coffee offerings, promotions, and events.

Additionally, we will collaborate with local influencers and organize community events to increase brand visibility and establish meaningful connections.

By emphasizing exceptional customer service, providing a memorable coffee experience, and consistently delivering on our brand promises, our coffee shop marketing plan aims to position us as the go-to destination for coffee enthusiasts in our area

Table of Contents

What is Coffee Shop Marketing?

Coffee shop marketing refers to the strategic efforts undertaken by coffee shop owners and managers to promote their business, attract customers, and increase sales. It involves developing and implementing various marketing strategies and tactics tailored specifically to the coffee industry. Coffee shop marketing encompasses a range of activities, including market research, brand development, advertising, customer relationship management, social media marketing, and community engagement.

The goal is to create awareness about the coffee shop, build a strong brand image, attract a target audience, and foster customer loyalty. Effective coffee shop marketing involves understanding customer preferences, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and offering unique value propositions to stand out in a competitive market.

By employing a well-crafted coffee shop marketing strategy, businesses can effectively communicate their offerings, create a positive brand perception, and drive customer traffic to their coffee sho

How to Create a Coffee Shop Marketing Plan

Crafting a coffee marketing plan is a complex undertaking, as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. When examining a sample coffee shop marketing plan, it’s important to remember that it serves as just an example. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that each coffee business must develop its plan based on its unique stage of development, target market, and consumer preferences.

Your coffee business plan ought to be distinctive and customized to meet the specific needs of your enterprise.

Follow this fundamental framework to elevate your sales. It’s straightforward to implement and applicable to both newly established coffee shops and long-standing establishments. Every marketing plan should encompass the following key actions:

• Setting clear marketing and financial objectives
• Conducting thorough market research
• Analyzing the target customer base
• Creating a timeline of marketing activities and initiatives
• Fostering loyalty among repeat customers
• Ensuring financial stability

8 Coffee Marketing Strategies

In the process of formulating a coffee marketing strategy, it is vital for cafes to prioritize their customers. By catering to customers’ desires, cafes can foster a deep connection and affinity towards their business. However, the question remains: How can one devise a compelling and successful coffee shop marketing strategy?

Outlined below are eight exceptional coffee marketing concepts that you can employ to construct your own unique coffee marketing strategy

Make Your Coffee Shop More Attractive

It goes without saying that your coffee shop’s entrance should be both visible and captivating. Avoid the common mistake of concealing your shop behind dark and inconspicuous entrances. Instead, ensure that your establishment has an appealing exterior that catches the attention of passersby. Ideally, your shop should exude an irresistible charm, enticing people to stop by for a cup of coffee, even if it wasn’t part of their initial plan.

Elevate Your Branding Within Your Coffee Shop

Effective branding is a vital component of any coffee shop marketing plan, particularly for coffee-focused establishments. It distinguishes you from other similar businesses and gives you a unique identity. A strong brand presence is essential. Your coffee shop should be more than just another generic establishment. It should tell a story, promote specific values, and represent a recognizable and respected brand that resonates with customers. Without a clear brand identity, customers may struggle to connect with your coffee shop, resulting in missed opportunities for customer loyalty and engagement.

Create a Pet-Friendly Coffee Shop with Free Wi-Fi

In an era where remote work and digital nomads seek cozy spaces to work peacefully, a charming coffee shop can easily become a favorite destination. Ensure your shop offers a stable internet connection, excellent coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Implement a pet-friendly policy, allowing customers to bring their furry companions along. You’ll be surprised how this combination can attract and retain customers. If customers have multiple locations nearby , they are more likely to choose the coffee shop that accommodates their pets and offers free Wi-Fi, providing them with a comfortable workspace when needed.

Leverage Digital and Social Media Platforms

If you haven’t already, it’s crucial to establish a strong presence on social media. Create dedicated pages for your coffee shop across popular channels, with a focus on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Build a community of customers by showcasing your unique drink offerings, advertising them on social media, and engaging with your followers. Use your online presence to convey the essence of your coffee shop’s atmosphere and share it with the community. Consider running promotions, organizing user-generated content contests, and leveraging the power of social media to expand your brand’s reach.

Partner with Food Delivery Apps

Food delivery apps have become an integral part of many people’s lives, with the average person having at least two of these apps on their phone and placing orders regularly. By joining food delivery platforms, you can extend your coffee shop’s reach beyond the immediate neighborhood and cater to customers who prefer the convenience of delivery. This step allows you to tap into a larger customer base and make your coffee available to a wider audience.

Harness the Potential of Coffee Social Media Advertising

Social media advertising, particularly on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, can be highly effective for coffee businesses. Use visually appealing images of your drinks and leverage these channels to promote any special deals or discounts you offer to the public. Craft compelling ad campaigns that showcase your coffee’s quality and unique aspects, driving engagement and attracting new customers.

Embrace Coffee Shop Reviews

Online review platforms like Yelp can be incredibly valuable for coffee shops. They provide an avenue for customers to leave feedback about their experiences, which can attract new patrons to your business. Leverage these platforms to actively engage with customers, respond to reviews, and highlight your brand’s values. Encourage customers to leave reviews, as positive word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for promoting your coffee shop business

Coffee Market Loyalty Programs

Numerous coffee shops employ loyalty programs or member discounts to incentivize customers to return repeatedly, ultimately driving revenue and fostering customer loyalty.

An effective approach entails crafting a robust coffee shop marketing plan, rooted in comprehensive market research, wise investments, and proactive measures. It’s crucial to consistently maintain and update this strategy.

• Elevate Your Coffee Business with POS system

For many individuals, grabbing a morning cup of coffee is a cherished ritual. Utilize these coffee marketing ideas to ensure that customers choose your coffee shop over the competition.

Beyond conventional marketing efforts, consider embracing a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform tailored specifically for cafes. Coffee shop POS is designed to optimize user-friendliness, convenience, and operational speed, enabling you to focus on your expertise: crafting exceptional coffee.

• Some software solutions that can propel your coffee business to success include

Customer Display System (CDS): A CDS enhances order accuracy, facilitates employee tips, and fosters customer trust. It is an indispensable feature for any coffee shop register, providing real-time visibility of orders to customers.

• Inventory Management

A comprehensive café POS system necessitates ingredient-level inventory insights. Ensuring the availability of the right ingredients in optimal quantities at the right times is vital for delivering an exceptional customer experience. Stay stocked with what you need.

• Kitchen Display System (KDS)

Streamline your speed of service, order accuracy, and kitchen efficiency with a kitchen display system (KDS). When seamlessly integrated with your point-of-sale system, a KDS updates orders and modifications in real-time for your kitchen staff.

• Mobile Order Takers (MOTs)

With MOTs, you can swiftly move through lines, delighting customers while maximizing profits. During peak hours, use Revel’s mobile order takers to eliminate frustration caused by long wait times and ensure no customer leaves dissatisfied.

You need a café POS that can keep up with the morning rush, empowering your team to handle even the most complex orders with ease and efficiency. Revel offers a platform that is not only user-friendly but also easily trainable. Its clean interface simplifies each order, leading to increased order accuracy and service speed.

As a coffee shop business owner, having a coffee shop marketing plan is essential for several reasons. Firstly, a well-crafted marketing plan helps define your business goals and objectives, providing a clear direction for your marketing efforts. It allows you to identify your target market, understand their preferences, and tailor your strategies accordingly.

A comprehensive marketing plan enables you to effectively position your coffee shop in the competitive market, differentiating it from other establishments. It outlines the key marketing tactics and channels you will utilize to reach your target audience, whether it’s through online platforms, social media, local events, or collaborations.

Moreover, a coffee shop marketing plan helps maximize your return on investment by allocating your marketing budget strategically and measuring the effectiveness of your campaigns. It also facilitates the creation of a cohesive brand identity, fostering customer loyalty and generating repeat business.

Ultimately, a well-executed coffee shop marketing plan enhances visibility, drives customer engagement, and contributes to the long-term success and growth of your coffee shop business.

Lee Jones is a seasoned Business Finance Specialist with over two decades of invaluable experience in the financial sector. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for helping businesses thrive, Lee has become a trusted advisor to countless organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of finance.

• Lee Jones https://pdq-funding.co.uk/author/lee-jones/ Shopify loans
• Lee Jones https://pdq-funding.co.uk/author/lee-jones/ eCommerce Business Loan
• Lee Jones https://pdq-funding.co.uk/author/lee-jones/ How to grow your eCommerce business
• Lee Jones https://pdq-funding.co.uk/author/lee-jones/ Pest control legal issues

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17 Powerful Coffee Shop Marketing Strategies for 2024

Many leaders in the coffee shop industry are breathing a collective sigh of relief as 2024 strategizing begins. While it has been a tough few years, many coffee shops and cafe marketing professionals will come out stronger than their larger competitors.

Competing with larger organizations is easier with these low-cost and budget-friendly coffee shop marketing tactics that any location can utilize.

1. Manage and Improve Online Ratings and Reviews

Online ratings and reviews are crucial for coffee shop success in today’s highly competitive marketplace.

Did you know that 70% of consumers look for more than four reviews before they can trust a business?

No trust means no business. It’s essential to focus on brand reviews by:

• Replying to every single review that your coffee shop receives. Responding shows review-viewers that the brand cares.
• Asking every guest to log into WiFi to leave a review on the location’s WiFi landing page.
• Placing notes in collateral that encourages reviews.
• Increasing positive reviews with WiFi marketing’s automated email campaigns.

If you are worried about the time and effort necessary to consistently solicit and respond to reviews on various websites, consider using Bloom Intelligence.

With the Facebook, Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor integrations, all of your ratings and reviews will be in one place where you can quickly respond to them in real-time, all in one place.

Bloom uses AI to generate unique responses to all of your online reviews and can even be completely automated. This ensures a brand-centric and original response to each and every review, saving you a great deal of time to focus on other aspects of running your coffee shop.

With powerful reporting features, you can easily identify trends and understand your authentic customer sentiment.

Learn more about Bloom here .

2. Make Delivery an Initiative

Digital ordering and delivery have grown 300% faster than dine-in traffic since 2014.

At least 31% of consumers say they use these third-party delivery services at least twice a week.

Adding a delivery model can be a massive undertaking, but brands can start offering delivery by working with third-party delivery services.

Plus, after the pandemic lockdowns lift, more consumers are using delivery than ever before.

3. Consider Subscription Services for Your Coffee Shop

Of those who drink coffee in the U.S., the average coffee drinker enjoys 3.1 cups per day .

Coffee drinkers are also willing to pay more for products from local coffee roasters. Consumers will spend up to $25 per pound, compared to a maximum of about $20 per pound from a non-local high-end roaster.

Many cafes and coffee shops are turning to monthly subscription services for a variety of reasons.

Subscriptions improve relationships because brands connect with customers more often.

• They introduce more up-sell opportunities.
• They provide recurring revenue.

This can be a great way to improve guest loyalty and increase overall customer lifetime values.

4. Increase Marketing Outreach with Email and SMS Marketing

More than 90% of adults in the United States use email.

According to an eBook from Gourmet Marketing, 70% of customers want restaurants to send them coupons, and they are prepared to use them.

During COVID-19, many coffee shop owners struggled to reach their customers from their homes. The coffee shops with a collection of email addresses were able to reach out to their loyal base increasing sales. Remember, it is 7x more expensive to acquire a new customer than to keep one.

Bloom Intelligence builds your coffee shop customer database for you. Moreover, it collects important contact information, such as email and phone number, so that when disaster strikes, you will have an easy and effective way to stay in touch with your guests.

5. Evaluate Core Demographics to Ensure Branding Success

Many managers in the food & beverage industry are unaware of the average age of their guests. Likewise, they don’t know whether or not most of their guests are male or female. Coffee shop owners should know the answer to all of these to have a strong brand presence.

These answers can determine a brand’s look, a location’s environment, the music playing, and overall culture. After all, a brand is about the consumer.

With Bloom Intelligence, food & beverage leaders can create customer profiles to understand better who guests are and what they would like from cafes. You’ll have a large and growing customer database with clean, verified data.

You’ll not only know demographics, but you can also spot trends in guest behavior. This will allow you to optimize your coffee shop marketing and operations over time to create a more engaging and memorable guest experience.

6. Collect and Analyze Coffee Shop Guest Data

Customer data is the lifeblood of successful marketing. It is crucial to know who your guests are and how they behave at your locations.

With no real guest data, it becomes impossible to generate the right messaging and target specific messages to specific groups of guests. This is done using a restaurant CRM database .

A restaurant CRM database is a collection of customer profiles that can include online and offline behavior, demographics, email, phone numbers, income, ZIP Codes, transactions, and even visit history.

Building a restaurant CRM is the first step to unlocking unknown customer insights like how loyal a customer is, their likelihood to churn, their frequency to your locations, and much more.

The best part is that you can automate the entire process of collecting customer data, unlocking customer insights, and driving tangible results through marketing automation for less than the cost of 1 hour of your time in a month, with Bloom Intelligence.

These lists, or segmentation, of your restaurant CRM database allow you to identify and define your customers categorically. Then you can group them into segments for personalized marketing, advertising, and other demand-generation activities.

To make it easier, it can all be automated using marketing automation tools.

7. Take Advantage of Marketing Automation

Nucleus Research found that sales productivity grew by 14.5% when marketing automation software was used.

Business.com explains that investing in marketing automation has many benefits, including efficient and centralized data management, automation of tasks, and more specific, targeted, and segmented marketing campaigns.

Marketing automation refers to creating marketing messages that are configured once and then run automatically, giving you back valuable time to run your business.

Our WiFi marketing automation platform leverages artificial intelligence and guest insights to automate marketing to find new customers, win back lost customers, improve online ratings, measure customer sentiment, and increase your guests’ frequency.

Learn more about Bloom’s marketing automation software here.

8. Use First-Party Data for Your Coffee Shop Online Advertising

In 2023, Google has done away with cookie-based ad targeting. This means that you cannot target ads toward specific guests – or lookalikes – with a cookie on the user’s device.

Unless you have your own coffee shop first-party data .

With a quality restaurant CRM database, you’ll be able to passively collect a limitless supply of first-party customer data. Then you simply export your guest database and upload it to Google and/or Facebook.

Google and Facebook will analyze the guest data you upload and send your targeted ads only to those in your list. This is guest remarketing.

According to Signifi Media , the average click-through rate (CTR) for remarketing ads is 10 times higher than regular display ads.

The average CTR for retargeted ads is 0.7% compared to 0.07% for regular display ads.

A CTR of 0.7% is a significantly better conversion rate compared to other digital advertising strategies, which could make a meaningful difference in restaurant and retail ROI.

To further increase effectiveness, you can segment your list and create targeted ads for various groupings of your guests.

Google and Facebook also allow you to create lookalike campaigns. After analyzing your guest data, they will serve your ads only to those who have similar demographics as those in your list.

9. Live Video is a Must

Live video plays a massive role in building awareness and relationships on social media. For instance, tools such as Facebook Live and Instagram Stories capture attention and encourage followers to connect more with cafe brands. Likewise, it helps build customer loyalty.

In fact, according to   Forrester , people watch live videos 10 to 20 times longer than on-demand content, making live streaming a compelling way to deliver interactive content to consumers. Incorporating live video into your coffee shop marketing strategy is a must if you want to engage your followers more and increase brand awareness.

The good news is, there are several ways coffee shop owners can use live video in social media marketing. Here are a few ideas:

• Take your social media followers behind the scenes to show what it’s like preparing a cup of coffee and other foods in your shop.
• Highlight your coffee shop team on live video so that customers can get to know them. Implement an employee of the month contest and feature your winners.
• You can promote your new flavors and share the reasons why people will love them. You can also communicate why you decided to add them to your coffee menu.

10. Hone Your Email List

Growing your email subscribers is the lifeblood of your business and is essential for your marketing efforts. The more potential customers that you have coming into your funnel, the more opportunities you create to build relationships and share promotions.

Your email strategy keeps your coffee shop at the forefront of your customers’ minds, fosters relationships with new and  loyal customers , and keeps your brand top of mind in your local community.

Therefore, focus on honing your email marketing in 2024. You can achieve an excellent strategy for gaining new subscribers by providing free WiFi for your customers. Send users to a captive portal or landing page  before they go online to collect their email addresses. You’ll quickly gather valuable information that can fuel your entire digital strategy.

Rather than just sending sales and promotional content, nurture your leads by offering value your audience can use. Think about your target market and the common problems they experience, whether it relates to your industry or not. Share resources or give tips on how they can overcome them. Answer their questions.

They will see your coffee shop in a whole new light!

11. Ramp up Your Coffee Shop’s Instagram Strategy

Instagram remains one of the fastest-growing social networks, currently boasting over one billion users.

It’s an ideal platform for attracting new followers and customers to your coffee brand while showcasing  your creative side. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on the best social media marketing campaigns for your coffee shop.

Therefore, you can use these tips to amplify your Instagram strategy in your coffee shop social media marketing:

• Hashtags are king on Instagram! If you’re not already using them, be sure to include popular and industry-related hashtags in your content. You can use tools like  Hashtagify.me  to find relevant ones and drive new followers to your page.
• Be responsive. Remember, this is a social  media platform .  Replying to comments and online reviews and reposting others’ content is a sure way to maintain engagement on Instagram. It also humanizes your brand, making you more relatable and personable.
• Share useful content. How-to videos and motivational posts are a hit on social media. Leverage them to your advantage while offering value to your audience.
• Make sure your visuals are high-quality as they perform better on Instagram. Here are some  Tips to Take.

• Be consistent. If you can only post twice a day, maintain that cadence for improved engagement.

12. Leverage Digital Marketing & Interactive Content in your Coffee Shop Marketing

In 2024, remember that consumers do not interact the same way with content as they had in the past. Techniques like blogging and social posts still work, yet followers are seeking more engaging experiences.

Additionally, offering multiple ways for people to consume your content allows you to reach a bigger audience.

Content for your coffee shop is crucial. That’s where interactive content and digital marketing for your coffee shop comes to play. Formats such as quizzes, assessments, surveys, and polls are excellent ways to entertain and engage your followers. Even as a coffee shop, you can think of creative ideas to leverage interactive content in your digital marketing strategy.

For example, create a quiz using  interactive content tools  like Apester, where users discover their “Coffee Personality Type.” Or, build a poll asking social media followers about their favorite coffee or specialty tea. Finally, you could develop a survey to discover more about your consumers and what they want to improve your customer initiatives.

The options are endless with interactive content.

13. User-Generated Content Sells

User-generated content is one of the most effective forms of content in marketing. Your customers’ comments, selfies with your products, testimonials, and videos provide you with valuable content to implement in your coffee shop marketing. Social proof and reviews sell.

The Nielsen Consumer Trust Index shares that   92% of consumers trust organic, user-generated content more than they believe in traditional advertising. This trust plays a massive role in generating buzz on social media and getting more people into your coffee shop!

With that prefaced, encourage your customers to leave positive reviews on your Facebook Page, Yelp, and Google. Make it easy by sending a direct link where they can click and write. Consider hosting a contest where each participant shares a social media post about their experience with your brand.

14. Create a Coffee Subscription Service

COVID-19 has transformed the way that cafes and local coffee shops operate. Customers are more comfortable staying at home, and coffee shops struggle to attract their business. That’s why many coffee shops are turning to subscription-based coffee services for their customers.

One type of cafe subscription service involves providing an unlimited amount of coffee for a set monthly cost. The other coffee shop subscription service entails providing customers with packaged coffee beans delivered to their homes.

More than half of online shoppers   (54%) say they subscribe to a subscription box service. The subscription box industry appeals to consumers’ desire for convenient, novel experiences.

15. Online Ordering Marketing

Coffee Shop online ordering has become very popular over the last several years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The pandemic has only fueled this immense growth.

If your coffee shop is offering online ordering to your guests, then you are collecting valuable guest data that you could be using for your coffee shop marketing campaigns.

By integrating your online ordering system with a CRM database platform like Bloom Intelligence, you can collect and store the data you collect in individual guest profiles.

Then, you can segment your profiles into similar personas and send laser-targeted marketing messages to each group that will engage them much more effectively.

You can also automate these messages based upon “triggers” such as when they place an online order, when they leave a rating if they appear to have stopped ordering online, and more.

Since 2014, online food ordering has grown 300% faster than dine-in. If you’re not offering it to your guests, now is the time. Capture and collect guest data to supercharge your coffee shop marketing.

16. Aggregate Ratings into One Platform and Offer Social Proof

With Bloom’s integration with Google and Facebook, you can have access to see both the individual ratings or the aggregate total of all ratings collected, all in one place.

Even better, you can respond to all of the ratings directly from the Bloom restaurant and coffee shop marketing platform.

17. Use Artificial Intelligence as a Force Multiplier

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly made its presence known in the hospitality industry, and it is revolutionizing the way coffee shops create and execute their marketing strategies.

Using AI, marketers can utilize guest data to gather both quantitative and qualitative information to better execute their marketing to improve ROI and engage their guests.

With AI, coffee shops can identify their guests who have churned, or stopped visiting or ordering online. Then, using marketing automation, a message can be triggered automatically and sent to the guest to lure them back to your place of business.

You can also use AI to discover true customer sentiment. Using online ratings and reviews, AI can determine your voice-of-guest and know what your guests enjoy about your establishment, and what could use more work.

AI can also be used for things like advanced guest segmentation for more personalized and targeted automated marketing campaigns for better marketing ROI.

AI can also be used to quickly suggest responses to online reviews, saving you time and resources to spend on other more important areas of running your business.

Overall, the use of AI in restaurant marketing has the potential to improve the guest experience by helping coffee shops better understand their patrons’ needs and preferences.

As AI technology continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, its role in coffee shop marketing is likely to expand even further, enabling them to deliver even more personalized and effective marketing messages.

Other Key Coffee Shop Statistics to Keep in Mind

• Coffee statistics  show that the average consumption in the United States is  3 cups of coffee per day  among coffee drinkers.
• The typical and most committed coffee drinkers are  25 to 45 year old, affluent, educated adults .
• According to Business Valuation Marketing, the top 50 coffee shop companies have captured around  70% of the U.S. market.

Implementing smart digital marketing tactics in your coffee shop marketing plan will position you well in 2022 as a business owner. It’s essential to continuously test your efforts to keep what’s working and modify what isn’t. With consistency, you’ll create a winning strategy that keeps people connected to your brand online and drives new customers through your doors.

Now is the time to plan for a healthier 2024 with a level, competitive playing field.

To learn more about how Bloom Intelligence can help with your coffee shop marketing, call us today at 727-877-8181 or click to schedule a free online demo .

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Restaurant Marketing FAQs

What is Restaurant Marketing?

Restaurant marketing is the process of getting people to visit your restaurants. Restaurant marketing creates loyalty, provides data to research, analytics, and allows restaurants to gain a better understanding of their ideal customer profile. It utilizes all customer channels: guest WiFi, website, social, rating sites, mobile apps, email, text, and advertising.

What is WiFi Marketing?

WiFi marketing is a marketing technique that uses guest WiFi to collect & clean customer data such as names, emails, phone numbers, customer behavior, and demographics. This data is used to personalize marketing campaigns to increase customer loyalty, build online reviews, and save at-risk customers. The performance of every campaign can be tracked down to the tangible ROI of a customer walking back in your door.

Restaurant reputation management is the process for restaurants to manage customer feedback and creating systems to improve customer experiences, passively build positive online reviews, and save at-risk customers. It is a very important aspect of running a successful restaurant business.

How Does Bloom Identify and Bring Back Lost Customers?

Bloom Intelligence uses machine learning to identify at-risk customers. When one is recognized, the system will send them a message with an incentive to get them to return and re-establish their visit pattern. Bloom users are seeing up to 37% of churning customers return.

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