What are the best ways of driving people to my café? I’m a little off the beaten track, so should I put up street signage and ads wherever I can?
If you’re off the beaten track, signage directing potential customers to you will always be helpful.
However, there are many ways in which you can attract new customers and develop regular customers.
The first thing to focus on and understand is that your store is a destination, so ensure that you give customers good reason to visit, and return. One of the best ways to build a loyal following of regular customers is to offer a unique in-store customer experience by way of outstanding customer service, cleanliness and ambience.
A major reason people travel to a destination is to find something they can’t get anywhere else. Find something that your store excels in and make that your signature i.e. signature sandwich.
Develop strong community ties with key stakeholders such as real estate agents, police officers, ambulance officers, council members, your local chamber of commerce, etc and offer the cafe venue for free after-hours for community groups and clubs to hold meetings and fundraising events.
Becoming such an integral part of the community builds awareness of your store, offerings, signature products and, therefore, attracts new customers. However, even more importantly, your community participation builds loyalty and rapport, which will keep customers coming back time and again.
