Instagram for Coffee Shops: Build a Strong Community from the S…

Congratulations! You worked really hard and started your own coffee shop. You should be proud of yourself. Starting a business can be difficult, but you did it. Now, you’re probably thinking about marketing but unsure where to begin. Let me help!

In this article, I will be discussing social media marketing specifically. It is free to take advantage of the power of social media to promote and grow your business. Which platforms should you focus on? As a social media manager of over seven years, I recommend starting with Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This article is about Instagram.

WHY? As of June 2023, Instagram currently sits at 2 billion monthly active users. This is an important social media platform for new coffee shop owners as it is a free way to showcase your products, attract customers, and engage with your local community.

Download the Instagram app on your smart device and click Create New Account

Choose a username that is directly associated with your business. For example, let’s say your business’s name is “Coffee Bean.” Try the username @coffeebean. If that name is taken, try your name again plus the location. This could look like @coffeebean_seattle

Once your account is set up, click the three lines at the top right of your screen.

Now, click Settings and Privacy

Scroll down to For Professionals and click Account Type and Tools

Now, click Switch to Professional Account

Pick a category that best describes your business

Then, select Business.

Review your contact details.

You’re all set. Now you’ve got an Instagram business account.

Now complete your profile using the suggested tips.

Because Instagram is a very visual platform, invest some time in taking high-quality photos and videos. Most up-to-date smartphones take amazing pictures if you do not have a camera easily available.

Pictures are important on Instagram for new coffee shop owners because they allow for visually enticing representations of your coffee, drinks, ambiance, and interior. When you look at a photo of your favorite food, what do you think about? You probably think, “That looks incredible. I wish I could order that right now”. Maybe you think, “I should go out to eat this weekend!”

Create this experience for your customers! All you need is a smartphone.

Here are five of my favorite photo ideas for Instagram:

Latte Art: Capture an aesthetically pleasing photo of latte art or a beautifully presented coffee drink. Focus on the intricate details and colors to showcase the craftsmanship of your baristas.

Cozy and Modern Ambiance: Take a photo of a cozy corner in your coffee shop, featuring comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere. Make sure to emphasize the inviting ambiance that your customers can enjoy while sipping their coffee.

Behind-the-Scenes with your Staff: Share a candid picture of your staff members in action, preparing coffee or engaging with customers. This provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating the perfect cup of coffee and highlights the friendly and dedicated team behind your shop.

Showcase Your Ingredients: Showcase a photo of the locally sourced ingredients you use in your coffee shop. This could include a snapshot of freshly roasted coffee beans, organic milk from nearby farms, or a basket of locally baked pastries. Highlighting your commitment to quality and supporting local producers can be a strong selling point.

Community Engagement: Share an image of a community event or initiative that your coffee shop supports or organizes. This could be a picture of a fundraiser, a coffee tasting event, or a local charity partnership. Highlighting your involvement in the community will attract socially conscious customers who appreciate businesses that give back.