Part of marketing coffee, whether for a coffee shop and an online business, involves coffee shop ads. You'll need to coffee shop advertising that's creative and effective in order to stand out from the competition and attract customers.
In this article we'll explore some coffee shop advertising ideas to help you get more customers in the door.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The Difference Between Marketing and Advertising
It's important to understand the difference between marketing and advertising before we dive into coffee shop advertising ideas.
Marketing is the process of creating a strategy that will allow you to reach your target market, whereas advertising is a means of executing that strategy.
In other words, marketing is the bigger picture while advertising is one tool you can use to achieve your marketing goals.
That being said, let's take a look at some coffee shop advertising ideas that can help you reach your target market and grow your business.
Advertising a New Coffee Shop
If you're opening up a new coffee shop, you'll want to start advertising well in advance of your grand opening. You can use a variety of marketing channels to get the word out about your new coffee shop.
Local News Outlets
Reach out to local news outlets and see if they're interested in doing a story on your new coffee shop. This is a great way to generate some buzz and get people talking about your business.
If you're interested in contacting local news outlets, you can find contact information on their websites. Some news outlets have contact information listed on their website, while others require you to search for it.
You can also find contact information for local TV stations and newspapers by doing a Google search for "local TV stations [city name]".
Flyers
Design attractive flyers and post them around town. Be sure to target areas where coffee drinkers are likely to congregate, such as bookstores, cafes, and college campuses.
A flyer could have copy like the following:
"Come to our coffee shop and enjoy a cup of coffee made from the finest beans in the world. Our baristas are passionate about coffee and will be more than happy to make a drink that suits your taste. We also offer pastries, sandwiches, and other light fare to help you stay energized throughout the day."
When writing the flyer copy, be sure to focus on the benefits of coffee from your shop. What makes your coffee shop unique? Why should people come to your coffee shop instead of one of the other coffee shops in town?
Online Ads
Invest in online advertising to reach people who live near your coffee shop. Google AdWords is a great way to get started with online advertising.
Be careful not to overspend on your coffee shop advertising budget. It's important to track your results so that you can see which coffee shop ads are working and which ones aren't.
Online advertising works best when you already have a solid customer base. Once you've established your coffee shop and have regulars, you can use online ads to attract new customers.
Coupons
Include coupons in your coffee shop ads to entice people to come in and try your coffee. You could offer a discount on a customer's first purchase, or you could give away a free cup of coffee with the purchase of a pastry.
Be sure to track how many coupons are redeemed so that you can gauge the effectiveness of this coffee shop advertising tactic.
New customer discounts are helpful in the early stages of the business when you're trying to build a customer base. However, you'll want to eventually phase out discounts and offers like this as your coffee shop becomes more established.
Opening Day Specials
On opening day, offer some special deals and promotions to attract customers. This could include discounts on coffee or free samples of pastries.
Other good examples of coffee shop advertising opening day specials include:
- Free coffee for the first 100 customers
- A buy one, get one free offer on coffee and pastries
- A contest for a free coffee for a month
- Opening day specials should be promoted through all of your coffee shop advertising channels.
This could mean posting about it on social media, handing out flyers, and sending out an email blast to your subscribers.
By promoting your coffee shop opening day specials through a variety of channels, you'll be more likely to attract customers on opening day.
Advertising the Brand
Coffee shop ads should be designed to attract attention and create an emotional connection with the coffee shop.
When people see your coffee shop ads, they should immediately think of your coffee shop as a warm, inviting place where they can relax and enjoy a great cup of coffee.
Your coffee shop ads should be designed to promote the brand and create an emotional connection with coffee drinkers.
Some coffee shop advertising ideas that will help you promote your brand include:
- Using attractive visuals in your coffee shop ads
- Focusing on the benefits of coffee from your shop
- Using a slogan or tagline that is memorable and catches attention
- Your coffee shop's logo should be prominently featured in all of your coffee shop advertising.
Make sure that your coffee shop's branding is consistent across all channels. This includes using the same colors, fonts, and visuals in your coffee shop ads.
By having consistent branding, coffee drinkers will begin to recognize your coffee shop and its ads.
Standing Out From the Competition
In a coffee-saturated market, it's important to make your coffee shop stand out from the competition. There are a few coffee shop advertising tactics you can use to make your coffee shop more attractive to potential customers.
Quality
Differentiate your coffee shop by promoting the quality of your coffee beans. If you use specialty or organic beans, be sure to mention that in your coffee shop advertising.
One great way to communicate superior quality is to get coffee shop reviews from coffee aficionados. You can post these reviews on your coffee shop's website and social media pages.
You can also include quotes from coffee reviewers in your coffee shop advertising materials, such as flyers and posters.
Experience
In addition to promoting the quality of your coffee beans, you should also focus on the experience your coffee shop offers.
What makes your coffee shop unique? Do you have a relaxed atmosphere or a more energetic vibe?
Do you offer live music or other entertainment? Make sure to mention these things in your coffee shop advertising.
You can also use coffee shop advertising to highlight any unique features of your coffee shop.
For example, if you have a coffee shop that is dog-friendly, be sure to mention that in your coffee shop advertising. This will attract coffee lovers who also have dogs.
Baristas
You can also differentiate your coffee shop by promoting the skills of your baristas. If you have baristas who are passionate about coffee and who make great coffee drinks, be sure to let potential customers know.
Highlighting that your baristas are coffee experts is a great coffee shop advertising tactic to attract coffee aficionados.
You can promote your baristas' coffee expertise in a few different ways.
You could write blog posts about your baristas and feature them on your coffee shop's website.
You could also highlight your baristas in coffee shop advertising materials, such as flyers, posters, and social media posts.
By promoting the quality of your coffee beans, the experience your coffee shop offers, and the skills of your baristas, you'll be able to attract coffee lovers who are looking for a superior coffee experience.
The Product
Of course, the coffee itself is the most important part of coffee shop advertising.
For example, if you have a coffee that is light and fruity, be sure to mention that in your coffee shop advertising.
If you have a coffee that is rich and flavorful, be sure to mention that as well.
You should also focus on the unique flavor profiles of your coffee.
For example, if you have a coffee that is floral and fragrant, be sure to mention that in your coffee shop advertising.
By promoting the unique flavors of your coffee, you'll be able to attract coffee lovers who are looking for something different.
Signage
It's important to have coffee shop signage that is visible and inviting. Your coffee shop sign should be eye-catching and easy to read.
Your coffee shop sign should also include your coffee shop's name and logo. If you have a tagline, you can include that on your coffee shop sign as well.
Make sure your coffee shop sign is visible from the street so that potential customers can see it when they're driving or walking by.
You can also use coffee shop signage to promote special offers and events. For example, you could put a sign in your coffee shop window advertising a new coffee flavor or a special event.
By having inviting coffee shop signage, you'll be able to attract potential customers who are passing by.
Word of Mouth
One of the best coffee shop advertising tactics is word of mouth. If you have satisfied customers, they will tell their friends and family about your coffee shop.
You can encourage word of mouth by providing excellent customer service and serving high-quality coffee. You can also offer loyalty programs and discounts to loyal customers.
Customer Service
Good customer service can be established by promoting a coffee shop that is friendly, helpful and efficient.
Some coffee shops have a specific way of promoting their customer service, such as by offering complimentary drinks or pastries.
You can also use coffee shop advertising to promote your customer service. For example, you could include a statement on your coffee shop's website or in your coffee shop advertising materials that says, "Our coffee shop is dedicated to providing excellent customer service."
By promoting your coffee shop as a place with great customer service, you'll be able to attract customers who are looking for a positive coffee shop experience.
Loyalty Programs
Another great coffee shop advertising tactic is to offer loyalty programs.
With a loyalty program, coffee shop customers can earn rewards for frequent visits.
This is a great way to encourage customers to keep coming back to your coffee shop.
You can promote your loyalty program in coffee shop advertising materials, such as flyers, posters, and social media posts.
You could also include information about your loyalty program on your coffee shop's website.
By offering a loyalty program, you'll be able to encourage coffee shop customers to keep coming back.
Discounts
Another coffee shop advertising tactic that can help you attract customers is to offer discounts.
You can offer discounts on coffee, pastries, or other items.
You could also offer discounts for loyalty program members.
You can promote discounts in coffee shop advertising materials, such as flyers, posters, and social media posts.
You could also include information about discounts on your coffee shop's website.
By offering discounts, you'll be able to attract coffee shop customers who are looking for a great deal.
Community
Don't overlook the power of community when it comes to coffee shop advertising.
By being involved in the community, you'll be able to attract coffee shop customers who are looking for a coffee shop that is supportive and engaged.
You can get involved in the community by hosting events, participating in charity drives, and more.
You can promote your coffee shop's involvement in the community in coffee shop advertising materials, such as flyers, posters, and social media posts.
You could also include information about your coffee shop's community involvement on your coffee shop's website.
By being involved in the community, you'll be able to attract coffee shop customers who are looking for a coffee shop that is supportive and engaged.
Website
Your website should be used to promote your coffee shop and coffee shop advertising.
Location and Hours
Your website should include information about your coffee shop, such as your coffee shop's location and hours of operation.
This is key as coffee shop customers will want to know where your coffee shop is located and when they can visit.
You can also use your coffee shop website to promote coffee shop specials, events, and more.
Menu
Your website should also include your coffee shop's menu.
This is important as coffee shop customers will want to know what type of coffee and other drinks you offer.
Your coffee shop website should also include information about any food items you offer.
The menu should be used to attract coffee shop customers who are looking for a specific type of coffee or drink.
Tip:
When publishing your menu online, be sure to use keywords that coffee shop customers are likely to search for.
This will help you attract coffee shop customers who are searching for a specific type of coffee or drink.
Images
Your coffee shop website should also include images.
Images can help coffee shop customers get a feel for your coffee shop and what it's like to visit.
Make sure to include images that show off your coffee shop's interior, exterior, and coffee.
By including images on your coffee shop website, you'll be able to attract coffee shop customers who are looking for a coffee shop that looks inviting and has great coffee.
Contact Info
Your coffee shop website should also include your coffee shop's contact information.
This is important as coffee shop customers will want to know how to get in touch with you.
Your coffee shop's contact information should include your coffee shop's phone number, email address, and social media information.
By including contact information on your coffee shop website, you'll be able to attract coffee shop customers who are looking for a coffee shop that is easy to get in touch with.
Evaluating Results
It's important to track the results of your coffee shop advertising so that you can see what's working and what isn't.
There are a few key metrics that you should track, including:
- Number of coffee drinkers who come into the shop
- Number of new coffee drinkers
- Number of coffee drinkers who return
Tracking Sales
The best way to track these coffee shop advertising metrics is to use a coffee shop POS system.
A POS system will help you keep track of your coffee shop sales and the number of coffee drinkers who come in and out of the shop.
You can also use a POS system to track other important coffee shop advertising metrics, such as the number of coffee drinkers who return and the number of new coffee drinkers.
By tracking these coffee shop advertising metrics, you'll be able to see what's working and what isn't.
This will help you make adjustments to your coffee shop advertising so that you can attract more coffee drinkers and increase sales.
Summary
To summarize, advertising a coffee shop consists of things like coffee shop ads, discounts, community, and website.
There's no shortage of different tactics that can be put in market to promote a coffee shop, so what is important is that coffee shop owners identify what will work best for them and their coffee shop.
FAQ
Do coffee shops use discounts to attract customers?
Yes, coffee shops often use discounts to attract customers. This is because coffee shop customers are always looking for a great deal. By offering discounts, coffee shops are able to attract coffee shop customers who are looking for a bargain.
What is the best way to advertise a coffee shop?
The best way to advertise a coffee shop will vary depending on the coffee shop and its target market. However, some coffee shops use community involvement, website marketing, and discounts to attract coffee shop customers.
How can I use my coffee shop website to attract customers?
Your coffee shop website can be used to attract customers by including information about your coffee shop, such as your coffee shop's location and hours of operation. You can also use your coffee shop website to promote coffee shop specials, events, and more. Additionally, make sure to include images and contact information on your coffee shop website.
Further Information
On alternative to paid advertising, is to leverage SEO.
If you have a website and want to learn more about how you can SEO to market your coffee business, review our guide on SEO for Cafes.