Customers needed - Barista Exchange2024-03-29T09:03:57Zhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/customers-needed?feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi Alicia,
There are about a…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2013-02-06:1688216:Comment:14424182013-02-06T14:07:44.873ZJR Mobilehttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JosephRobertson941
<p>Hi Alicia,</p>
<p></p>
<p>There are about a million things that you can do to promote your little café and get people to come in. So I'm just gonna briefly go over what is hopefully quiet easy for you and also hopefully effective.</p>
<p></p>
<p>One of the most common places for people to find a café is when they’re searching café on their phone. So first of all, you need to have a decent website. Just some kind of web presence that gets the experience of your café communicated to your…</p>
<p>Hi Alicia,</p>
<p></p>
<p>There are about a million things that you can do to promote your little café and get people to come in. So I'm just gonna briefly go over what is hopefully quiet easy for you and also hopefully effective.</p>
<p></p>
<p>One of the most common places for people to find a café is when they’re searching café on their phone. So first of all, you need to have a decent website. Just some kind of web presence that gets the experience of your café communicated to your customers, shows where you are, how to contact and find you, and want you to have all those basic kinds of things. Then you should make sure that you have a good listing in YELP which links to your website and a good Google plus local listing. And by good, I mean that you have a description which explains your coffee shop. It is also important if you’re able to do this to have a website which is optimize for the phone so when they visit you on their phones, they find you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now, I’ll give you a good web base at very least to start from. Again, it is not necessary gonna cost people to start slimming in, but people are looking for coffee on their phones. And if they don’t find you when they search online, if they go to YELP and they stop there or if they go to some other search date base that might have coffee shops but they can’t find you, then they aren't gonna know anything about you enough to make a decision whether they wanna visit. I hope that it made sense.</p>
<p></p>
<p>-- transcribed and posted for Joseph @ <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.jrmobile.co/" target="_blank">JRmobile.co</a> by Mark</p> We tried doing a daily promo…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-08:1688216:Comment:13960912012-07-08T12:44:03.988ZSarah Thompsonhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/SarahThompson
<p>We tried doing a daily promo everyday & a coupon in the little local paper & it really didn't bring in anyone. We are very new & with school out & this heat wave it's been slow. We were featured in an article in the larger paper & it brought in a lot of new customers. Our word of mouth is great & that seems to be the best advertisement. We are building our base and thankfully have a lot of customers that come in everyday. It just takes time. Before we opened we took…</p>
<p>We tried doing a daily promo everyday & a coupon in the little local paper & it really didn't bring in anyone. We are very new & with school out & this heat wave it's been slow. We were featured in an article in the larger paper & it brought in a lot of new customers. Our word of mouth is great & that seems to be the best advertisement. We are building our base and thankfully have a lot of customers that come in everyday. It just takes time. Before we opened we took samples of our coffee & pastries to other businesses in town. Also the court house, police station, town hall, banks....those are some of our most loyal customers. You just need to get the word out & you don't have to spend alot to do it. Social media has also been great for us. Sometimes just posting a drink to try on FB brings people in to try something new.</p> Agreed.
The artisan food com…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-07:1688216:Comment:13962482012-07-07T23:49:38.455ZJohn Phttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JohnP49
<p>Agreed.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The artisan food community is small. Get to know chefs, restaurant owners, and all the great people associated with the whole culture. Specialization is what will attract and maintain your customers.</p>
<p></p>
<p><br></br> <cite>zack burnett said:…</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/customers-needed?page=1&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1395893&x=1#1688216Comment1395893"></blockquote>
<p>Agreed.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The artisan food community is small. Get to know chefs, restaurant owners, and all the great people associated with the whole culture. Specialization is what will attract and maintain your customers.</p>
<p></p>
<p><br/> <cite>zack burnett said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/customers-needed?page=1&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1395893&x=1#1688216Comment1395893"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p></p>
<p></p>
<p><cite>Kevin said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/customers-needed?page=1&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1395946&x=1#1688216Comment1395927"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hosting and sponsoring events, and otherwise getting involved with the community, seems to be working for a number of friends that run cafes. It can get folks in the door when they otherwise may not, and helps them get familiar with the shop. The idea of "If you build it, they will come," only works if they know it's there.</p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>100 percent agree with Kevin on this one. Don't think I'd ever get into the coupon game myself. It just cheapens your product and attracts cheap people. </p>
<p>We've found that hosting events, offering cuppings and roasting demos and supporting the community gets people into the shop and keeps them loyal. We support the arts in our community by providing coffee to art openings and hosting local bands at the shop. We support numerous non-profits by providing coffee at events and donating percentages of sales. We support other food and beverage artisans in our community through collaborations. What this has done for us in getting our name out and creating loyal customers who will go out and spread the word about our coffee and our shop is priceless. In order to succeed you've got to be more clever and thoughtful and work harder. You can't just hand out coupons and expect to somehow get rich. Find something in your community that you like and is successful and find some way to tie your business to that. </p>
<p>Ingrain yourself into the community that you expect to support from. Support <em>them</em>. Make your shop a part of the community. You have the chance to enhance the community you are in. Take that chance do something great. You <em>will</em> earn loyal customers and supporting friends. Make great coffee be nice and do the right thing and it'll pay off. </p>
<p>Or you can offer coupons and get some cheapskate in the door once. It's up to you. </p>
<p>Good luck! <br/> <br/><i><br/></i></p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote> Kevin said:
Hosting and spo…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-07:1688216:Comment:13958932012-07-07T21:11:25.148Zzack burnetthttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/zackburnett
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><cite>Kevin said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/customers-needed?page=1&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1395946&x=1#1688216Comment1395927"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hosting and sponsoring events, and otherwise getting involved with the community, seems to be working for a number of friends that run cafes. It can get folks in the door when they otherwise may not, and helps them get familiar with the shop. The idea…</p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><cite>Kevin said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/customers-needed?page=1&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1395946&x=1#1688216Comment1395927"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hosting and sponsoring events, and otherwise getting involved with the community, seems to be working for a number of friends that run cafes. It can get folks in the door when they otherwise may not, and helps them get familiar with the shop. The idea of "If you build it, they will come," only works if they know it's there.</p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>100 percent agree with Kevin on this one. Don't think I'd ever get into the coupon game myself. It just cheapens your product and attracts cheap people. </p>
<p>We've found that hosting events, offering cuppings and roasting demos and supporting the community gets people into the shop and keeps them loyal. We support the arts in our community by providing coffee to art openings and hosting local bands at the shop. We support numerous non-profits by providing coffee at events and donating percentages of sales. We support other food and beverage artisans in our community through collaborations. What this has done for us in getting our name out and creating loyal customers who will go out and spread the word about our coffee and our shop is priceless. In order to succeed you've got to be more clever and thoughtful and work harder. You can't just hand out coupons and expect to somehow get rich. Find something in your community that you like and is successful and find some way to tie your business to that. </p>
<p>Ingrain yourself into the community that you expect to support from. Support <em>them</em>. Make your shop a part of the community. You have the chance to enhance the community you are in. Take that chance do something great. You <em>will</em> earn loyal customers and supporting friends. Make great coffee be nice and do the right thing and it'll pay off. </p>
<p>Or you can offer coupons and get some cheapskate in the door once. It's up to you. </p>
<p>Good luck! <br/> <br/><i><br/></i></p> Just saw this pop up on NPR r…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-06:1688216:Comment:13959462012-07-06T22:39:03.000ZKevinhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/KevinFish
<p>Just saw this pop up on NPR regarding Groupon, thought I'd share. Does a good job explaining the potential influx of customers, but also the possible negative effects.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/07/06/156333505/for-some-businesses-daily-deals-have-a-dark-side?utm_source=fp&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20120706" target="_blank">For Some Businesses, Daily Deals Have A Dark Side</a></p>
<p>Just saw this pop up on NPR regarding Groupon, thought I'd share. Does a good job explaining the potential influx of customers, but also the possible negative effects.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/07/06/156333505/for-some-businesses-daily-deals-have-a-dark-side?utm_source=fp&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20120706" target="_blank">For Some Businesses, Daily Deals Have A Dark Side</a></p> I'm with John on this one. G…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-06:1688216:Comment:13959272012-07-06T05:48:05.351ZKevinhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/KevinFish
<p>I'm with John on this one. Groupon and other coupons like those tend to attract customers just after the deal, aren't looking for a new regular coffee shop, and do the minimum price to get the deal. Not to mention that the company takes 50% of the coupon's price, so the shop itself is only earning 25% as much as a full priced sale. If you were to do it though, the best way I've seen are adding restrictions. Such as, getting $x.xx in pastries with the purchase of a large…</p>
<p>I'm with John on this one. Groupon and other coupons like those tend to attract customers just after the deal, aren't looking for a new regular coffee shop, and do the minimum price to get the deal. Not to mention that the company takes 50% of the coupon's price, so the shop itself is only earning 25% as much as a full priced sale. If you were to do it though, the best way I've seen are adding restrictions. Such as, getting $x.xx in pastries with the purchase of a large drink.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hosting and sponsoring events, and otherwise getting involved with the community, seems to be working for a number of friends that run cafes. It can get folks in the door when they otherwise may not, and helps them get familiar with the shop. The idea of "If you build it, they will come," only works if they know it's there.</p> hm how come? I think alot of…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-04:1688216:Comment:13956292012-07-04T04:25:17.395ZMatt Skiphttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MattSkip
<p>hm how come? I think alot of coffee shops that are good yeah of course come from word of mouth. But why not do it put a cap on it to get some customers. Not sell 1000's limit it to 150-200. The most expensive cost is a empty location. </p>
<p>hm how come? I think alot of coffee shops that are good yeah of course come from word of mouth. But why not do it put a cap on it to get some customers. Not sell 1000's limit it to 150-200. The most expensive cost is a empty location. </p> Matt,
To be brief. No. No!…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-04:1688216:Comment:13954542012-07-04T04:12:10.169ZJohn Phttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JohnP49
Matt, <br />
<br />
To be brief. No. No! And. NO!!<br />
<br />
That is absolutely the worst advice someone could give.<br />
And if someone needs to explain why, all I can say is, "Really?"<br/><br/><cite>Matt Skip said:</cite><blockquote><div><p>Do a groupon or a google.com/offer have a great product and you will get repeat business.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hands down the best way to get people in. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
Matt, <br />
<br />
To be brief. No. No! And. NO!!<br />
<br />
That is absolutely the worst advice someone could give.<br />
And if someone needs to explain why, all I can say is, "Really?"<br/><br/><cite>Matt Skip said:</cite><blockquote><div><p>Do a groupon or a google.com/offer have a great product and you will get repeat business.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hands down the best way to get people in. </p>
</div>
</blockquote> Do a groupon or a google.com/…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-04:1688216:Comment:13955372012-07-04T02:23:30.254ZMatt Skiphttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MattSkip
<p>Do a groupon or a google.com/offer have a great product and you will get repeat business.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hands down the best way to get people in. </p>
<p>Do a groupon or a google.com/offer have a great product and you will get repeat business.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hands down the best way to get people in. </p> Hey Alicia;
Is your coffee s…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-07-03:1688216:Comment:13953082012-07-03T19:06:47.210ZPete Kloppenburghttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/PeteKloppenburg
<p>Hey Alicia;</p>
<p></p>
<p>Is your coffee shop listed in Find Me Coffee? Here's all the <a href="http://www.findmecoffee.com/en/Listings/1?Latitude=34.166121&Longitude=-106.026119&PageSize=10" target="_blank">coffee shop locations we have in NM</a>. We're just getting started, but every little bit helps. At the very least, if you claim your listing and put a link to your web site in the description for your shop, it's a bit of a boost. If you can get some of your regular customers to…</p>
<p>Hey Alicia;</p>
<p></p>
<p>Is your coffee shop listed in Find Me Coffee? Here's all the <a href="http://www.findmecoffee.com/en/Listings/1?Latitude=34.166121&Longitude=-106.026119&PageSize=10" target="_blank">coffee shop locations we have in NM</a>. We're just getting started, but every little bit helps. At the very least, if you claim your listing and put a link to your web site in the description for your shop, it's a bit of a boost. If you can get some of your regular customers to write a review (a nice one, natch) and then share the review on Facebook, you can get the word out that way, with absolutely no cost to you.</p>
<p></p>
<p>And when our app takes off, it may well attract you some business from people browsing for a coffee shop when they want to meet up with friends.</p>