How To Attract Customers To Your Coffee Shop

If you want to learn how to attractcustomers to your coffee shop, several strategies work well. Take a look at our suggestions below!

How To Attract Customers To Your Coffee Shop
Enough knowledge on how to reach old and new customers can significantly increase traffic

As a coffee shop owner, there’s almost nothing better than the smell of freshly brewed coffee right? Once you open your doors and the coffee starts brewing, it starts feeling like home. Add a variety of customers and good conversation – now you’ve got a formula for the perfect marketing blend. Did you know more than 49% of coffee drinkers would skip a shower rather than skipping their coffee?

The struggle is real. If you’re a coffee shop owner, knowing how to reach old and new customers can significantly increase traffic. Here are our tips for attracting customers to your coffee shop, and keeping them there!

How Can I Promote My Coffee Shop Business?

Getting your coffee shop noticed by the right people doesn’t have to be difficult. With a sound marketing strategy and social media, you can get the word out to existing and new customers. Once you have a customer base, you can implement strategies that will engage and maintain your audience.

One of the best ways to increase sales in your coffee shop is to start with your existing customer base. Implementing customer loyalty programs like a loyalty card will incentivize their patronage and intrigue potential customers. You can also partner with local businesses, giving discounts to their employees.

Free samples and other perks are another quick way to say thanks and welcome.

Today’s cafés are different. Having free internet and specialty coffees are popular options. Customers also look for coffee shops that use high-quality ingredients, take advantage of seasonal products, and also offer cold brew varieties. These tactics help your coffee shop stand out from the competition.

How Can I Make My Coffee Shop Unique?

an iPad and a coffee on a table inside a coffee shop
There are several ways to make your coffee shop unique from others

In order to make your coffee shop unique, you can do the following:

1. Use Social Media

Making a discounted “coffee of the day” or advertising a contest where customers can participate in creating new names for coffee blends can create a buzz and draw traffic. Offer free sampling on these days. The advantage of having your own coffee shop is that you can offer more varieties than the larger franchises.

3. Advertise Through Food Delivery Apps

Use food delivery apps to get the word out about your coffee shop and add a discount. With over 86% of US adults getting food delivered to their front door at least once a month, this is a great way to connect with new customers.

4. Create A Loyalty Program

Having an incentive for the customers who are already loyal and offering rewards to the new customers can keep the traffic flowing. People often make purchases when there’s something for them in the mix.

5. Build An Amazing Coffee Shop Website

woman making a website
A good coffee website will definitely draw interest of potential customers

Having a good website that highlights your specialty coffees and a blog with tips and recipes draws interest. Creating engaging landing pages that showcase new products or when classes are being held is a great way to advertise to existing and new customers.

Using social media in your coffee shop marketing strategy is key. More people follow brands on social media than celebrities. It not only increases brand awareness but humanizes your brand, keeping what you do top-of-mind. This helps build real connections with your customers.

Offering free Wi-fi also provides an opportunity for people to come and work. With so many people working from home, this provides a great mental reprieve. Effectively using social media is a great way to attract new customers by using hashtags.

Having a specific social media marketing plan helps, especially when you use the top three social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These are used most often to attract and engage multiple demographics.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide to the best coffee shop WordPress themes.

Set A Coffee Shop Up For Happy Customers

Your coffee shop should be ergonomically attractive, with safety protocols visibly in place. Your curbside appeal should be inviting, and the aesthetic when customers enter should be inviting. It’s important to think of the buyer’s journey as an experience from start to finish.

From the first meeting of the barista to clean, chic bathrooms, everything counts. Workspaces should be available, as well as areas where people can just sit and lounge.

Final Word On How To Attract Customers To Your Coffee Shop

The one thing you can be confident about is the fact that coffee is a year-round staple that will always be relevant. Understanding your customer and target audience will help determine your offerings and how you position your coffee shop as one of the best in town.

Using these tactics can increase your foot traffic, engage your audience, build connections, and nurture a loyal following.

FAQs About How To Attract Customers To Your Coffee Shop

Is attracting customers to my coffee shop difficult?

Getting the right customers starts with offerings and customer service, which is a huge selling point. When you deliver excellent customer service through seasoned baristas and a great customer experience, the customers will come.

When should I start marketing my coffee shop?

Marketing starts on Day 1. If you’re already established, creating a detailed plan that addresses in-store specials, social media, and community outreach can bring traffic and position your coffee shop as the to-go place for all things coffee and more.

Does the aesthetic of my coffee shop make a difference?

The look and feel of your coffee shop make an imprint on customers from the first time they see it. It’s important to make sure they see a coffee shop they want to visit again.

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.