Keys to Success: Maximizing Your Coffee Shop’s Potential with Espressly

Congratulations on launching your very own custom-branded order-ahead app with Espressly! This powerful tool gives you everything you need to stay competitive and keep your customers coming back for more. But to make the most of this opportunity, it’s important to actively promote your app and integrate it into your daily operations. Below, we’ve compiled some key strategies that will help ensure your success.

1. Visibility Is Key: Proper Signage Matters

To maximize the success of your mobile app, it’s essential that customers know about it. Having the right signage in place can make all the difference. Consider these options:

  • Countertop Signs: Place signs on your countertop that prominently display a QR code customers can scan to download the app. This makes it easy for customers to see and act immediately while they’re waiting for their coffee.
  • Window Clings: Use window clings with a catchy message like “Skip the Line—Order Ahead with Our App!” This encourages walk-by customers to download the app and gives you an edge over competitors who don’t offer order-ahead.
  • Table Tents and Flyers: Table tents and flyers placed on tables or available at the pickup counter can further remind customers of the app and its benefits.

Proper signage is one of the most effective ways to promote your app and ensure all your customers know about the convenience they can enjoy.

2. Promote Your Loyalty Program

Your app integrates with Square Loyalty, allowing customers to easily earn points every time they order. Loyalty programs have been proven to boost repeat business and improve customer satisfaction. To make the most of your loyalty program, be sure to:

  • Talk About It with Every Customer: Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to mention your loyalty program. Remind customers that they can earn points and rewards by ordering through the app.
  • Push Alerts for Loyalty Updates: Send push notifications to inform customers when they are close to earning a reward or to surprise them with bonus points. This keeps customers engaged and excited about returning.
  • Signage for Loyalty: Use your in-store signage to promote the loyalty program. Adding a message like “Earn Rewards Every Time You Order!” can motivate customers to download the app and become part of your loyalty program.

3. Highlight Easy Reordering and Saved Favorites

One of the major conveniences offered by Espressly’s app is the ability for customers to save their favorite orders and easily reorder with just a few taps. Highlight this feature in your communications with customers to make sure they’re aware of the ease and convenience it brings:

  • Remind Customers at Checkout: If customers are placing orders in-store, let them know they can save their favorite items in the app to make future ordering even easier.
  • Push Alerts: Send notifications reminding customers how quick and easy it is to reorder their favorite items through the app, especially during peak times or when new promotions are live.

4. Encourage Downloads at Every Opportunity

Encouraging customers to download the app needs to be part of your daily routine. Here are a few ways to keep your app top of mind for customers:

  • In-Person Promotion: Train your baristas to mention the app to every customer. Simple phrases like, “Have you tried ordering ahead with our app yet?” or “Did you know you can earn loyalty points by ordering through our app?” can go a long way.
  • Receipts and Packaging: Add a note to your paper receipts or even stickers on your to-go cups with a QR code that directs customers to download the app. Make the process as seamless as possible.
  • Staff Competitions: Motivate your staff by running a competition to see who can encourage the most app downloads. Reward them with a small prize for every milestone reached.

5. Use Push Alerts Effectively

Push alerts are one of the most powerful tools available in your app to drive engagement and sales. Here are some tips for using push alerts effectively:

  • Promote Special Offers: Send alerts to promote time-sensitive offers, like a happy hour or a discount on slow afternoons. This can encourage more frequent visits during off-peak hours.
  • Announce New Menu Items: Keep customers excited by announcing new seasonal drinks or pastries via push alerts. Creating excitement for limited-time offerings can help drive additional sales.
  • Reward Engagement: Send personalized messages to customers who haven’t ordered in a while with a special discount to encourage them to return. A message like, “We miss you! Enjoy 10% off your next order this week!” can be a powerful incentive.

6. Highlight Apple Sign-Up and Apple Pay

The Espressly app integrates with Apple Sign-Up and Apple Pay, making the process of signing up and placing an order as simple as possible. Be sure to communicate these features to your customers:

  • Promote Fast Sign-Up: Let customers know they can sign up using their Apple ID, allowing them to register in just a few taps. The easier the process, the more likely they are to download and start using the app.
  • Highlight Apple Pay: Apple Pay integration allows for fast, secure payments, reducing the friction involved in making a purchase. Mention this feature in your in-store signage and promotional materials to highlight the convenience.

7. Use Social Media to Drive Awareness

Social media is a powerful way to drive awareness of your app, and it can help you reach potential customers beyond your in-store visits. Here’s how:

  • Showcase the App’s Convenience: Post short videos or stories on Instagram and Facebook showing how easy it is to use your app. You could include a customer ordering ahead and picking up their drink without waiting in line.
  • Engage with Your Followers: Host a giveaway or contest where customers need to download the app to enter. Encourage followers to tag friends who also love your coffee.
  • Highlight Reviews: Share testimonials from happy customers who use the app. Social proof can be very effective in encouraging others to join in.

8. Monitor and Use Analytics

Espressly’s dashboard provides you with analytics that can help you understand customer behavior and preferences. Use these insights to make data-driven decisions:

  • Track Popular Items: Use analytics to see which items are most frequently ordered through the app. This can help you determine what to promote in your push alerts or what to feature as a special offer.
  • Identify Inactive Users: Identify customers who haven’t ordered recently and send them a targeted promotion to encourage them to come back.

9. Embrace Your Community

Make your app part of the experience that customers love about your shop. By emphasizing the community aspect of your coffee shop and combining it with the convenience of technology, you can build stronger relationships:

  • Local Promotions: Use push alerts to offer special deals for community events or holidays. For instance, “Celebrate [Local Event] with 15% off your favorite drink when you order through our app!”
  • Customer Spotlights: Highlight loyal customers on social media or in your app with customer spotlights. This kind of personal touch helps create a deeper bond between your customers and your shop.

Conclusion

The success of your custom-branded mobile app relies on how effectively you promote and integrate it into your coffee shop’s daily operations. By using proper signage, promoting your loyalty program, encouraging app downloads, and utilizing push alerts, you’ll be able to build stronger relationships with your customers and keep them coming back.

Your app is more than just a tool—it’s a way to engage, excite, and connect with your customers. Embrace all the features Espressly offers, and watch your coffee shop thrive in this competitive market. If you need any additional promotional materials or support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we’re here to help!