MultiHub Forum

I've been noticing that most of my coffee shop customers are on their phones while waiting in line or sitting at tables. It got me thinking about mobile marketing tactics that could work for a local business like mine.

We already have a basic website that's mobile-friendly, but I'm wondering what else we could be doing. SMS marketing? Mobile apps? Location-based offers?

The challenge is that I don't want to be intrusive or spammy, but I do want to reach customers when they're nearby or thinking about coffee. What mobile marketing tactics have worked well for other small businesses trying to reach local customers?

For mobile marketing tactics for local businesses, I've had the most success with:

1. SMS marketing (with explicit opt-in): Send texts about daily specials or limited-time offers. People almost always read texts, so open rates are high. Just be careful not to spam.

2. Mobile-optimized website: This is non-negotiable. If your site doesn't work well on phones, you're losing business.

3. Google Maps optimization: Make sure your business shows up correctly when people search on mobile. Include photos, updated hours, menu.

4. Mobile payment options: Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. The easier you make it to pay, the better.

5. QR codes: Put them on tables, receipts, windows. They can link to your menu, loyalty program signup, special offer, etc.

For a coffee shop, I'd start with QR codes on tables linking to your loyalty program signup. Offer 10% off their next drink for signing up. Then you have their email for future marketing.