Marketing...for independents - Barista Exchange2024-03-29T01:50:31Zhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1015112&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi Christopher,
I've worked i…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-02-05:1688216:Comment:10221752011-02-05T00:29:04.301ZChase Mannhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MyCoffeePro
<p>Hi Christopher,</p>
<p>I've worked in the coffee industry for 20+ years and I'm reaching out to those in the industry to offer my services for design and marketing, what sort of services and price points would interest you as a coffee business owner? I'd greatly appreciate any feedback you can share :-)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><cite>christopher myers said:…</cite></p>
<p>Hi Christopher,</p>
<p>I've worked in the coffee industry for 20+ years and I'm reaching out to those in the industry to offer my services for design and marketing, what sort of services and price points would interest you as a coffee business owner? I'd greatly appreciate any feedback you can share :-)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><cite>christopher myers said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A18538&page=2#1688216Comment1014477"><div><p>Hey Ken, this is a brilliant idea, and I'm totally behind it. I'll be happy to contribute some pics once I have some that might be useful, and I'll root around my hard drive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I had a similar idea, because there are quite a few specialty coffee shops in my city, but exponentially more "other" shops. Mostly chains like starbucks, peets, tully's, It's a Grind, Bean and Tea Leaf, etc. etc. etc. My point is, if specialty cafes banded together to distinguish themselves from the others, then instead of thinking of each other as competitors, we would be working to turn some of the vast number of chain customers on to real coffee. Sort of a local Specialty Coffee Alliance. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also, don't know if I missed it in another comment, but the biggest demographic you're probably working with are very likely to have facebook accounts or other social networking, and respond most to internet campaigns. These are free to set up, but also, for a pretty modest fee, you can pay for facebook advertising, which can show your ad to people in specific areas (your town). This may seem sneaky, but hey, they'll either see some crappy ad for some online tech school, or your cafe. I'd rather see a cafe ad. Good luck!</p>
</div>
</blockquote> Oh that is awesome! I am usin…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-28:1688216:Comment:10157992011-01-28T17:27:37.901ZChrishttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Chris956
Oh that is awesome! I am using Intuit websites and they charge 10 bucks a month. Mailchimps interface is much better.<br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>Stefan said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A18538&page=2#1688216Comment1015790"><div>I second the MailChimp nod. I'm still using the free version. Since my website sits on the Wordpress platform, Mailchimp has a WP plugin that allows people to join our mailing list directly from…</div>
</blockquote>
Oh that is awesome! I am using Intuit websites and they charge 10 bucks a month. Mailchimps interface is much better.<br/>
<br/>
<cite>Stefan said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A18538&page=2#1688216Comment1015790"><div>I second the MailChimp nod. I'm still using the free version. Since my website sits on the Wordpress platform, Mailchimp has a WP plugin that allows people to join our mailing list directly from our website. Then I can track everything on the road from my iPhone MailChimp app. I'm diggin' it.<br/> <br/>
<cite>Chris said:</cite><br/>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A18538&page=2#1688216Comment1015355"><div>Check out Mail Chimp at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.mailchimp.com">www.mailchimp.com</a>. It's a web based email marketing product and they have a free version. the paid versions are very reasonably priced.</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote> I second the MailChimp nod. I…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-28:1688216:Comment:10157902011-01-28T17:00:37.507ZStefanhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Stefan
I second the MailChimp nod. I'm still using the free version. Since my website sits on the Wordpress platform, Mailchimp has a WP plugin that allows people to join our mailing list directly from our website. Then I can track everything on the road from my iPhone MailChimp app. I'm diggin' it.<br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>Chris said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A18538&page=2#1688216Comment1015355"><div>Check out Mail Chimp…</div>
</blockquote>
I second the MailChimp nod. I'm still using the free version. Since my website sits on the Wordpress platform, Mailchimp has a WP plugin that allows people to join our mailing list directly from our website. Then I can track everything on the road from my iPhone MailChimp app. I'm diggin' it.<br/>
<br/>
<cite>Chris said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A18538&page=2#1688216Comment1015355"><div>Check out Mail Chimp at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.mailchimp.com">www.mailchimp.com</a>. It's a web based email marketing product and they have a free version. the paid versions are very reasonably priced.</div>
</blockquote> Check out Mail Chimp at www.m…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-27:1688216:Comment:10153552011-01-27T22:07:55.391ZChrishttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Chris956
Check out Mail Chimp at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mailchimp.com">www.mailchimp.com</a>. It's a web based email marketing product and they have a free version. the paid versions are very reasonably priced.
Check out Mail Chimp at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mailchimp.com">www.mailchimp.com</a>. It's a web based email marketing product and they have a free version. the paid versions are very reasonably priced. Cool, thanks! I didn't know y…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-27:1688216:Comment:10151122011-01-27T18:46:55.853ZKen Chappellhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Ken72
Cool, thanks! I didn't know you could run ads based on geographical areas. Terrific idea, I'm on it!<br></br><br></br><cite>christopher myers said:</cite>
<blockquote><div><p>Hey Ken, this is a brilliant idea, and I'm totally behind it. I'll be happy to contribute some pics once I have some that might be useful, and I'll root around my hard drive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I had a similar idea, because there are quite a few specialty coffee shops in my city, but exponentially more "other" shops. Mostly chains…</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
Cool, thanks! I didn't know you could run ads based on geographical areas. Terrific idea, I'm on it!<br/><br/><cite>christopher myers said:</cite>
<blockquote><div><p>Hey Ken, this is a brilliant idea, and I'm totally behind it. I'll be happy to contribute some pics once I have some that might be useful, and I'll root around my hard drive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I had a similar idea, because there are quite a few specialty coffee shops in my city, but exponentially more "other" shops. Mostly chains like starbucks, peets, tully's, It's a Grind, Bean and Tea Leaf, etc. etc. etc. My point is, if specialty cafes banded together to distinguish themselves from the others, then instead of thinking of each other as competitors, we would be working to turn some of the vast number of chain customers on to real coffee. Sort of a local Specialty Coffee Alliance. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also, don't know if I missed it in another comment, but the biggest demographic you're probably working with are very likely to have facebook accounts or other social networking, and respond most to internet campaigns. These are free to set up, but also, for a pretty modest fee, you can pay for facebook advertising, which can show your ad to people in specific areas (your town). This may seem sneaky, but hey, they'll either see some crappy ad for some online tech school, or your cafe. I'd rather see a cafe ad. Good luck!</p>
</div>
</blockquote> Hey Ken, this is a brilliant…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-27:1688216:Comment:10144772011-01-27T04:29:21.973Zchristopher myershttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/christophermyers
<p>Hey Ken, this is a brilliant idea, and I'm totally behind it. I'll be happy to contribute some pics once I have some that might be useful, and I'll root around my hard drive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I had a similar idea, because there are quite a few specialty coffee shops in my city, but exponentially more "other" shops. Mostly chains like starbucks, peets, tully's, It's a Grind, Bean and Tea Leaf, etc. etc. etc. My point is, if specialty cafes banded together to distinguish themselves from the…</p>
<p>Hey Ken, this is a brilliant idea, and I'm totally behind it. I'll be happy to contribute some pics once I have some that might be useful, and I'll root around my hard drive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I had a similar idea, because there are quite a few specialty coffee shops in my city, but exponentially more "other" shops. Mostly chains like starbucks, peets, tully's, It's a Grind, Bean and Tea Leaf, etc. etc. etc. My point is, if specialty cafes banded together to distinguish themselves from the others, then instead of thinking of each other as competitors, we would be working to turn some of the vast number of chain customers on to real coffee. Sort of a local Specialty Coffee Alliance. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also, don't know if I missed it in another comment, but the biggest demographic you're probably working with are very likely to have facebook accounts or other social networking, and respond most to internet campaigns. These are free to set up, but also, for a pretty modest fee, you can pay for facebook advertising, which can show your ad to people in specific areas (your town). This may seem sneaky, but hey, they'll either see some crappy ad for some online tech school, or your cafe. I'd rather see a cafe ad. Good luck!</p> I found this marketing advice…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-26:1688216:Comment:10144172011-01-26T21:27:43.616ZKen Chappellhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Ken72
<p>I found this marketing advice a few years ago, absolutely priceless. My favorite thing about this, is this guy has put this out there FREE. Yes, good advice, that's free. I love it!</p>
<p>I was absolutely shocked to receive help with my marketing, & the person helping wasn't trying to make a buck off me. See for yourself, it will change your life.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pyromarketing.com/audio/index.php">http://www.pyromarketing.com/audio/index.php</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I found this marketing advice a few years ago, absolutely priceless. My favorite thing about this, is this guy has put this out there FREE. Yes, good advice, that's free. I love it!</p>
<p>I was absolutely shocked to receive help with my marketing, & the person helping wasn't trying to make a buck off me. See for yourself, it will change your life.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pyromarketing.com/audio/index.php">http://www.pyromarketing.com/audio/index.php</a></p>
<p> </p> I don't know if this would wo…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-22:1688216:Comment:10108932011-01-22T04:02:54.502ZChase Mannhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MyCoffeePro
<p>I don't know if this would work for your venues Sage, but have you ever sent out a Sage the Coffee Hound mascot to hand out coupons, flyers and/or interact with crowds ... perhaps in the parking lot or right at the main entrance?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I wouldn't think it'd be that expensive if you create your own costume ... but I have no idea really, never tried a mascot before...</p>
<p><br></br> <cite>sage said:…</cite></p>
<p>I don't know if this would work for your venues Sage, but have you ever sent out a Sage the Coffee Hound mascot to hand out coupons, flyers and/or interact with crowds ... perhaps in the parking lot or right at the main entrance?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I wouldn't think it'd be that expensive if you create your own costume ... but I have no idea really, never tried a mascot before...</p>
<p><br/> <cite>sage said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538#1688216Comment1010804"><div><p>ken, i think its way cool that you are putting this out there for all of us as bx members to participate in, or share our marketing strats, as well. i sort of have a ready base of customers when i open my window in the morning...i'm set up at equestrian facilities. even though these customers and their crews and competitors and family are gathered in one venue setting (and the only competition for me is the concession coffee heating up on the hotplate warmer), i still know i don't have a captive audience, so to speak. so, i'm always up for creative ideas on how to reach them either before they arrive at the facility, or, while they are there. a couple of these venues are pretty large, and i can get easily overlooked in the crowd. alot of what i depend on is having been set up at many of the equestrian shows for years now, and my repeat customer, and word of mouth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>thanks,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>sage</p>
<p>the coffee hound</p>
</div>
</blockquote> Hi Alex, have you ever sent o…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-22:1688216:Comment:10110272011-01-22T03:54:02.178ZChase Mannhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MyCoffeePro
<p>Hi Alex, have you ever sent out a Coupon Calendar? You can make them anywhere from 3 months to a full year in advance and email/mail them out to customers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do you ever put coupons into your newsletters? And track the response I hope ;-)</p>
<p><br></br><cite>Alex Galt said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538#1688216Comment60224"><div>Email newsletters... Once you set them up, they're practically free. We started a couple…</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Hi Alex, have you ever sent out a Coupon Calendar? You can make them anywhere from 3 months to a full year in advance and email/mail them out to customers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do you ever put coupons into your newsletters? And track the response I hope ;-)</p>
<p><br/><cite>Alex Galt said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538#1688216Comment60224"><div>Email newsletters... Once you set them up, they're practically free. We started a couple of years ago with about 60 names that I got from business cards, and it's now grown to nearly 900 subscribers. I send it out once a month. I do a mix of information about us, our events, and then community information. I try to make it reflect the interests of the community that is our customer base.</div>
</blockquote> I use Aweber.com so I can do…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-22:1688216:Comment:10108902011-01-22T03:50:27.450ZChase Mannhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MyCoffeePro
I use Aweber.com so I can do "drip campaigns" ... but I've been thinking of looking into other systems ... I'd love to hear the feedback on this topic too.<br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>Ken Chappell said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538#1688216Comment60715"><div>Thanks to my good friends at Kavarna, I have a new question: Have any of you used any of the available programs for email marketing such as GroupMail or PoliteMail, or just how do you all…</div>
</blockquote>
I use Aweber.com so I can do "drip campaigns" ... but I've been thinking of looking into other systems ... I'd love to hear the feedback on this topic too.<br/>
<br/>
<cite>Ken Chappell said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/1688216:Topic:18538#1688216Comment60715"><div>Thanks to my good friends at Kavarna, I have a new question: Have any of you used any of the available programs for email marketing such as GroupMail or PoliteMail, or just how do you all handle emarketing?</div>
</blockquote>