Make Customer Loyalty Your Priority: The Year Ahead for Coffee Shops and Bakeries

TLDR

In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to create a customer loyalty program that works for your business.

First, you need to identify your target audience. Who are your regular customers? What do they like about your coffee shop? What keeps them coming back? Once you know who your target audience is, you can start to create a loyalty program that appeals to them.

Next, you need to decide what kind of loyalty program you want to create. There are many different types of loyalty programs, so it's important to choose one that will work for your business. Do you want to offer discounts, freebies, or something else?

Finally, you need to promote your loyalty program. You can do this by advertising it in your store, on your website, or through social media. You can also encourage your regular customers to spread the word about your loyalty program.

By following these tips, you can create a customer loyalty program that will help you retain your best customers and attract new ones. Read on for a deep dive.

Rise of Mobile-First Strategies

In recent years, there's been a definitive rise of mobile-first strategies in the world of business. More and more brands are recognizing the importance of catering to mobile users, as they now account for the majority of online traffic.

What does this mean for coffee shops, bakeries and cafes? It means that you need to start focusing on creating an effective mobile strategy. This could include a mobile-optimized website, partnering with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, or developing your own mobile app.

The bottom line is that you can't afford to ignore mobile users anymore. They're your most engaged and loyal customers, and you need to do everything you can to cater to them.

An Emphasis on Digital Ordering and Customer Loyalty

It's no secret that digital orders are on the rise. In fact, a study by PMG found that 66 percent of customers say they're more likely to visit a business if it offers digital ordering. This is why it's more important than ever for coffee shops, bakeries and cafes to have a strong online presence.

This means investing in a good digital ordering system and making sure your website is easy to navigate. It also means emphasizing customer loyalty programs. These programs are a great way to keep customers coming back, and they can be as simple as offering a free drink or pastry after a certain number of visits.

Increased Focus on Sustainability

In 2023 coffee shops will continue to place a stronger focus on sustainability. This means sourcing materials and products that have a minimal impact on the environment. We also expect to see an increased demand for transparency in the coffee journey, from bean to cup.

This focus on sustainability is already being seen in many coffee shops. For example, many cafes are now using recyclable cups and biodegradable straws. Some are even getting rid of disposable cups altogether in favor of reusable mugs. And we can expect to see more of this in the year ahead.

Another trend we're seeing is the rise of reusable cups. This is especially popular amongst those who want to get their coffee fix in their own mug. It's also a more sustainable option, as it eliminates the need for take-out containers.

Finally, we predict that ghost kitchens will become increasingly popular in 2023. These are kitchens that are used solely for food delivery or catering orders. This allows coffee shops to expand their offerings without having to open additional storefronts.

Out With the Old, in With the New: Creative Menu Options

2023 is the year to get creative with your menu options, as customers are inviting newer and more exciting tastes into their diets. Diners will be looking for bold flavors and special drink garnishes, making for some fun experimentation.

Coffee shops will want to expand beyond espresso-based drinks and explore things like ready-to-drink coffee, healthy additives, flash brew, and even instant coffee. Bakeries can serve up savory-sweet treats combining fruit with cheese, as well as plant-based dishes for those looking for healthy options.

At the end of the day, it's all about providing unique items that stand out from the rest of competition so that customers keep coming back for something special—and you can make sure they get exactly what they're looking for in 2023!

Embracing Tech to Reduce Contact and Speed Up Service

There's no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way coffee shops, bakeries, and cafes do business. We've seen a surge in mobile ordering, contactless payment methods, and mobile app loyalty programs that make it easier than ever to reduce contact and speed up service.

Popular coffee shop brands are looking to continue these trends in 2023. US coffee chain sales grew a whopping 10% from June 2021 to June 2022, so it’s clear there is an increasing demand for contactless solutions.

From incorporating tablets or kiosks for orders and payments to embracing molecule nitrogenation (using pressurized nitrogen to flash-freeze the ultra-concentrated coffee) and more sustainable sourcing practices, these new technologies enable businesses to provide an even better experience for their customers.

Conclusion

Coffee shops, bakeries, and cafes need to focus on customer loyalty in 2023. Here are three best practices to get you started.

First, it you accept online ordering then it's time for you to adopt a mobile app. Your customers will be able to place more orders, check balances, and receive loyalty rewards through the app.

Second, enable third-party delivery through options like Relay and Nash. More and more customers are ordering food and drinks, so make sure you can enable this in the most cost-effective way.

Third, reward your customers for their loyalty. Offer discounts and special offers to customers who have frequented your shop or have downloaded your app.