Looking for Promotional Ideas and Suggestions for Our Business

[javanbyte]

The title of this thread has been edited by a Square Moderator from the original: "We need your support on promotional ideas for cafe and deli inside an office building"

Hello square seller community,

Our very small business is struggling given than many businesses nowadays are still working remotely. In the interim, we are trying to increase foot traffic external of the office building but it is challenging because we have no visibility from the outside (since we are inside the business building). Some of the things we are trying are: Social media marketing, Partnership with doordash, Google ads.

I know that our situation is unique but what are some of the tactics or marketing ideas that have worked well for you or could apply to our office building sandwich and coffee shop.  

Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/javanbyte

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Java-N-Byte-292[Redacted]20/

[HC_Charlie]

Hello @javanbyte thanks for your post. I do not have a food service business, but my retail store is located in a hidden strip mall with no real exposure to a very busy street just outside. It's frustrating because I hear so often "I didn't even know you were here!" I'm still always trying to find new marketing ways to get new customers, but a few ideas...

• create a "Friends" coupon or program, where your current customers can refer or give a coupon to a friend, and they each get a discount or freebie as incentive.
• Do you do any office catering for lunches, meetings, or special occasions? If you have the time/staff to create easy to takeaway boxed lunches for office workers, or coffee/danish/bagel service for morning meetings that are going on in the building, you could market those benefits of workers having an on-site facility like yours.
• Always do your best to capture email address...setup a "fishbowl" where customers can fill out or drop in a biz card and have a weekly drawing for a free lunch. Advertising this on Social Media could be a big draw and encourage visits and page shares.
• Email other nearby offices or businesses so they know you are located and open for business to outside traffic.
• Can you put out a sidewalk sign to show you are open, and what breakfast or lunch specials daily?

I haven't had much luck with Google ad, but I do get some response to Facebook ads, especially when target to the small geographic area right around my store. Good luck to you, finding new customers is the most challenging part of running my business, so I definitely relate. If you find a successful strategy, please post an update so other Square community members and see what worked for you.

[javanbyte]

Wow appreciate the support - will try these tactics and update post for (hopefully) the successes we achieve. 

PS. you have a really cool business will keep in mind for really unique gift ideas to family and friends