No matter what type of business you run, whether it’s a high-end hotel or a cheap and cheerful cafe, attracting customers is key. Once you’ve attracted customers, it’s also important to keep them coming back again and again; returning customers will bring you lots of profit and earn you a fantastic reputation – nothing says satisfaction quite like a loyal customer base.
During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever to attract as many customers as possible to your business. If you run a cafe, you likely have a lot of competition in your area and working out how to attract people to your specific establishment is key.
Lots of people think the only way to attract new customers to your cafe is through marketing. While marketing is extremely important and does play a vital role in attracting people to your cafe, there are plenty of other (smaller) ways you can make your cafe as inviting and welcoming as possible. You may not have the marketing budget of a large branded company, but there are other easy ways to encourage more customers to visit your cafe without breaking the bank.
In this article, we share our top tips for encouraging new customers to visit your cafe and how to keep them coming back again and again.
Offer fantastic customer service
First and foremost, excellent customer service is key. Implementing great customer service isn’t as difficult as it may seem; it’s simply about taking care of your customers, making them feel valued and ensuring their needs are met. If you really want to stand out, you have to do more than the bare minimum. You have to go out of your way to meet the needs of your customers and make their experience as pleasant as possible.
The people you employ represent your brand and therefore it’s important to choose people who have a positive, can-do attitude. Similarly to how you wouldn’t expect an employee to make a show-stopping espresso without the correct training or experience, you shouldn’t expect employees to provide unbeatable customer service without the correct training too.
When you hire someone new, take the time to communicate the expectations you have as a business when it comes to customer service. There are plenty of exercises and training programs you can complete with staff to make sure their customer service is second to none.
Reward customer loyalty
Nothing keeps a customer coming back quite like a loyalty scheme. Loyalty cards are a great way to reward your customers for choosing your café and will make them feel valued and appreciated. Customers who receive a stamp on their loyalty card when they purchase something from your café are far more likely to return and spend more money at your establishment.
Your customer loyalty scheme doesn’t have to cost the earth; instead, a few simple cards and stamps will do the trick. Plus, every time a customer delves into their purse or wallet, they’ll be reminded of your café when they see their loyalty card!
Place treats near the counter
Displaying your most delicious treats right near the counter is a great way to encourage customers to spend more in your café. Even if someone is just popping in to grab a takeaway coffee, they may be tempted by the selection of treats you have on display. Placing your finest selection of treats right near the counter is a great way to remind your customers you serve more than just coffee.
Invest in a high-quality product display refrigerator
With the above in mind, how you display all of your products can make a huge difference. The right displays will promote your business and attract the right customers. First impressions really do count; from the second a customer enters your café, it’s important to keep their attention.
A quality display cabinet is a great way to showcase your food. Investing in a high-quality product display refrigerator is key; a customer shops with their eyes, and therefore it’s crucial your display refrigerator is carefully planned out and free from fingerprints and marks.
Your display cabinet should never be half-empty; instead, you want to offer your customers an abundance of food. A lonely sandwich simply can’t compete with a tray of colourful sandwiches and tasty treats. Your display cabinet should be uncluttered and well-lit, highlighting the amazing products you have on display.
Have a presence on social media
Social media is a free and easy way to give your business more exposure. Every business should have a presence on social media today; it really is one of the best ways to reach customers and attract more people to your café.
High-quality content on social media will generate buzz for your café and get people talking about you. A simple Instagram account with clear, beautifully presented photos of your café and treats will soon build a following. Make sure you engage with social media users and upload creative content to really make you stand out from the crowd.
Offer samples
Who doesn’t love a free sample? Offering food samples is a great way to let your customers know just how good your treats taste – one small nibble could encourage them to buy a whole brownie. Whether you choose to offer some free samples on the counter or you send an employee out with some delicious tasters for people walking by, food samples can increase sales by as much as 2000%, so it’s definitely worth a try.
If someone is popping in to buy a coffee but has a quick taste of one of your delicious treats, they may be tempted to add one to their order. Always offer samples of your most delicious treats and encourage customers to give them a try.
Focus on quality over quantity
While it’s great to have a display cabinet packed full of sandwiches and treats, it’s crucial to focus on quality over quantity. There’s no point offering fifteen different sandwich or baguette fillings if they’re all mediocre; instead, focus on providing customers with a few perfected recipes. The same applies to sweet treats – it’s better to offer a small selection of treats that taste incredible, rather than a huge range that don’t make an impact.
Your menu should be carefully selected and thought out, offering your customers the very best selection of food you have. Remember, it’s the food and drink your customers are there for – so give them something to remember!
Mitchell’s: Commercial Fridges in Gloucestershire
Mitchell’s is a specialist refrigeration company in Gloucester. We work with a number of businesses in a range of different industries, providing them with refrigeration solutions that meet their needs. From catering and restaurant fridges to product display refrigerators and walk-in freezers, we’ve got you covered when it comes to commercial refrigeration.
We have a wide range of experience and knowledge both installing and servicing retail and restaurant fridges in Gloucester. If you require assistance installing, servicing or repairing your facility’s refrigerators, look no further than our experienced and skilled team.
For more information about our many services, visit our website.