![Coffee Shop: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-3_49960ab7-9e73-4a47-8494-c79a9d053492.png?v=1715865681&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best coffee shops in the world use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy running your coffee shop and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new customers to your café.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for coffee shop owners.
Get the content idea list made for coffee shop owners
A lot of coffee shops manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a coffee shop
We have analyzed numerous coffee shops' social media accounts to create our strategy pack for coffee shops - here is what consistently works.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Coffee Shop |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Coffee Photos | Visually appealing images of coffee drinks can make potential customers crave a cup, encouraging them to visit the coffee shop. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the baristas, brewing methods, and preparation processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to try the coffee shop. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and happy hours can attract new customers looking for deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the coffee shop to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, live music, or special theme nights can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal drinks or holiday specials can attract customers looking for unique options during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
| Recipe Shares | Sharing recipes of popular drinks can intrigue coffee enthusiasts and motivate them to try the original drink at the coffee shop. |
| Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps the coffee shop top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the baristas creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Coffee Preparation Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from the baristas can engage followers who are coffee enthusiasts and home brewers. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or locally sourced ingredients appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some coffee shops make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best coffee shops in the world. Replicate them now!
How can coffee shop owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your coffee and pastries are essential.
People savor with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the coffee looks rich, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your coffee shop. Behind-the-scenes photos, barista stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal drinks. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
An example of our marketing pack for coffee shop owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your coffee shop “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your coffee shop, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for coffee shop owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficiently
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your coffee shop. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for coffee shops on social media
Our team has crafted this list featuring very specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for coffee shops, with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your coffee shop.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Coffee Photos | Use natural light by positioning cups near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied customers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free pastry or drink as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their coffee photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your coffee shop on Instagram. |
| DIY Coffee Recipe Videos | Film short, simple recipes of your popular coffee drinks using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily coffee prep or introduce the baristas during slow hours. |
| Daily Special Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a mouth-watering photo. |
| Barista Spotlights | Feature baristas with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the coffee shop. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite coffee drinks or suggestions for new menu items. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite coffee drinks. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your coffee shop. |
| Homemade Coffee Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as composting coffee grounds or using local ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the coffee prep work, such as grinding beans or frothing milk. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free coffee. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free pastry. |
| Seasonal Drink Posts | Highlight seasonal ingredients and drinks using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the drink to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best coffee shops in the world!
There are coffee shops that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for coffee shops
Investing in top-notch social media content for your coffee shop might be worth it because many other places won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal crowd.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Virtual Coffee Brewing Classes | Hosting live or recorded virtual coffee brewing classes where your baristas teach viewers how to make your popular coffee drinks can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Coffee Shop Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your coffee shop, including the brewing area and cozy seating spots, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Coffee Blends | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal coffee blends available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Barista’s Table Experience | Offering an exclusive experience where customers can sit at the barista’s table and interact with the baristas while they brew can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Menu Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your menus where customers can see a 3D representation of coffee drinks can enhance the experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Coffee Events | Hosting themed coffee events, such as a latte art competition or a coffee and book pairing night, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Coffee Challenge Contests | Organizing coffee challenge contests (e.g., creating the best latte art in under 5 minutes) can create viral moments, attracting competitive baristas and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local coffee shops or roasters to host pop-up events can introduce your coffee shop to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your coffee beans, the farmers you source from, or the personal journey of your baristas can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Coffee Blend Selection | Allowing customers to choose ingredients for a custom coffee blend via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste coffee cups or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Coffee Cart Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile coffee cart in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main coffee shop later. |
| Recipe Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly recipes and ingredient kits to brew your coffee shop’s drinks at home can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Coffee Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced brewing techniques from your baristas can attract coffee enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Coffee Experiences | Organizing flash mob coffee events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous coffee lovers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for coffee shops on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many coffee shop owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers to your coffee shop.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Coffee Shops | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the coffee shop appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your coffee, baristas, and shop to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with coffee or the coffee shop confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your coffee, shop events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your coffee shop's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your coffee shop positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on coffee, community, and your shop's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your coffee shop can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your coffee shop seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your coffee shop. |
Make your coffee shop more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best coffee shops in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your coffee shop
We understand that as a coffee shop owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a coffee shop are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for coffee shop owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your coffee shop. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small coffee shops on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your coffee shop's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your coffee shop's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your coffee shop could make more money!
Most coffee shop owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
