10 Secrets to Getting Your First 100 Customers for Your Coffee Shop

Opening a coffee shop can be tough. You need to find the right location, get the perfect coffee beans and equipment, and hire talented baristas. But one of the biggest challenges is getting your first 100 customers. These 10 secrets will help you do just that!

1. Start by targeting your local community

There’s no better way to get immediate exposure for your new coffee shop than by getting involved in your local community. Sponsoring a local Little League team or 5K race is a great way to get your brand in front of potential customers, and participating in community events is a great way to build goodwill and generate word-of-mouth buzz.

Of course, actually getting people into your shop is the ultimate goal, so be sure to offer a discount or freebies to those who come check out your new business. With a little effort, you should be able to convince at least 100 local residents to give your coffee shop a try – and that’s just the start of your success story.

2. Develop a strong social media presence

A strong social media presence is vital for any new business, and coffee shops are no exception. In fact, given the popularity of coffee culture, it is especially important for new coffee shops to have an active social media presence.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when developing a social media strategy for a new coffee shop. First, it is important to post regularly. This means creating compelling content that will encourage customers to visit your shop and try your coffee.

Second, it is important to be responsive to comments and questions. This shows potential customers that you are attentive and care about providing a good customer experience.

Finally, it is important to use strong visuals. Coffee is an inherently visual product, so make sure to post photos and videos that showcase your coffees in all their glory. By following these tips, you can develop a strong social media presence that will help you get your first 100 customers.

3. Make it easy for customers to order their coffee online or through an app

One of the best ways to get customers for your new coffee shop is to make it easy for them to order their coffee online or through an app. There are several advantages to this approach.

First, it saves customers the hassle of having to come into the store to place their order. Second, it allows you to keep track of orders more easily, which can help you manage inventory and keep track of customer preferences.

Finally, it gives you an opportunity to upsell customers on other products or services. For example, you could offer a discount for customers who order through the app. If you take these steps, you’ll be well on your way to getting your first 100 customers!

4. Offer incentives to encourage customers to keep coming back

When opening a new coffee shop, it is important to consider what will bring customers back for more. One way to encourage repeat business is to offer incentives.

For example, many coffee shops offer loyalty cards that give customers a free drink after a certain number of purchases. Others offer free Wi-Fi as an incentive for customers to stay and work or study. By offering these incentives, coffee shops can build a loyal customer base and ensure a steady stream of business.

Of course, it is also important to offer high-quality coffee and excellent customer service. But by offering an extra incentive, coffee shops can give themselves a competitive edge and ensure that their business gets off to a strong start.

5. Provide excellent customer service

Starting a new business is always a challenge, but with the right approach it can be a successful venture. One of the key components to consider when starting a new coffee shop is how to provide excellent customer service. This means creating an inviting environment, being attentive to customers’ needs, and going the extra mile to make each person feel special.

By providing this level of service, you will be more likely to attract new customers and build a loyal following. Keep in mind that it takes time and effort to create a thriving business, but if you focus on providing outstanding service, you will be well on your way to success.

6. Make your coffee shop a cozy, welcoming place to relax in

Want to get people in your new coffee shop? Make it cozy and welcoming! People love finding a place where they can relax and take a break from their day-to-day lives. By creating a cozy atmosphere, you’ll be more likely to attract the first 100 customers you need to get your business off the ground. Here are a few tips to create a cozy coffee shop:

  1. Use comfortable furniture: Sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables should all be inviting so that people want to stay awhile.
  2. Create a warm color palette: Use earth tones and rich colors to give your coffee shop a cozy feeling.
  3. Add some greenery: Plants help to purify the air and add a touch of nature to your space.
  4. Consider Ambient lighting: Soft lighting is more inviting than bright overhead lights. Candles, lamps, and string lights can all create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  5. Add some cozy details: Throw blankets, pillows, and magazines will make your coffee shop feel like a home away from home.

The good thing is, if you’re a frugal shopper, you can create a welcoming atmosphere evening if you’re opening your coffee shop on a low budget. By following these tips, you can create a cozy atmosphere that will attract the first 100 customers you need to get your business off the ground!

7. Word-of-mouth is key

When you’re opening a new coffee shop, the most important thing is to get people in the door – and the best way to do that is through word-of-mouth. Make sure your coffee is delicious, and your service is excellent. If you can wow the first 100 customers that come through your door, they’ll spread the word and bring in even more business. It’s not always easy to make a great first impression, but it’s essential for the success of your new coffee shop.

So don’t cut corners on quality – give your all to make sure those first 100 customers are impressed, and you’ll be well on your way to success.

8. Make yourself available for catering gigs

Starting a new business is always a challenge, but with careful planning and hard work, it can be a successful endeavor. One important aspect of opening a new coffee shop is to get the word out about your business and to attract customers.

One way to do this is by catering special events and making yourself available for gigs. This will allow people to taste your coffee and see what your shop has to offer. It is also a good way to build relationships with potential customers.

In order to get the most out of catering gigs, be sure to promote your business well in advance and have a professional presentation. With a little effort, you can successfully attract new customers and get your coffee shop off the ground.

9. Have a clear and concise menu that showcases your coffee shop’s unique selling points

When you’re opening a new coffee shop, it’s important to have a clear and concise menu that showcases your unique selling points. This will help you attract the first 100 customers to your business.

First, take a look at your competition and see what they’re offering. Then, determine what makes your coffee shop different and highlight that on your menu. For example, if you’re using fair trade coffee beans, make sure that’s listed prominently. Other selling points could include organic ingredients, locally roasted coffee, hard-to-find products at your coffee shop or unique flavor combinations.

Once you’ve determined what sets your coffee shop apart, craft a coffee shop menu that is easy to read and highlights those selling points. Don’t forget to also list your prices clearly so potential customers know what to expect. With a well-designed menu, you’ll be able to attract the first 100 customers to your new coffee shop in no time.

10. Invest in high-quality coffee beans and brewing equipment & train your baristas

Investing in high-quality coffee beans and brewing equipment is essential for any new coffee shop. But in order to get the first 100 customers through the door, you’ll also need to train your baristas to make the perfect cup of coffee. The best way to do this is to send them to a barista school where they can learn from the experts. There are many different barista schools out there, so make sure to do your research before enrolling.

Once your baristas have been trained, put up some signs advertising your new coffee shop. Make sure to mention your baristas’ training in your advertising, as this will help attract customers who are looking for a great cup of coffee. With a little effort, you should be able to get the first 100 customers through your door in no time.

Each of these secrets is important, and if you can implement them all, you’ll be well on your way to a successful coffee shop. But even if you can only use a few of them, they will still help increase customer traffic and get your business off the ground. So what are you waiting for? Start putting these secrets into action and watch your coffee shop thrive!

More Coffee Shop Articles

5 Mistakes Coffee Shop Entrepreneurs Make

Starting a coffee shop can be a daunting but rewarding task. But without the proper preparation, entrepreneurs can easily make mistakes that could prevent them from achieving success. This post covers five common pitfalls coffee shop owners should look out for to ensure they do not fall victim to them.

About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.