How to Use Local Influencers to Promote Your Coffee Shop
Running a coffee shop today isn’t just about serving good coffee. It’s about showing up online too – and that’s where local influencer marketing for coffee shops comes in. And some of the best people to help with that? Local influencers. Not the ones with blue checkmarks and brand deals, but the ones your customers actually follow because they’re from around here.
They know the neighbourhood, post about the same weekend markets, and probably already have your shop tagged in a story or two. When they mention your café, it sounds more like a friend sharing a great find than someone pushing a product. That’s the kind of shoutout that people notice, and trust.
Why Local Influencers Matter More Than You Think
You don’t need a celebrity to put your café on the map. What you need is someone people already listen to – a familiar face who’s part of your neighbourhood’s day-to-day. Their followers don’t just scroll past. They pay attention because it’s relevant.
A casual post saying, “Stopped in for the hazelnut cold brew – 10/10” can carry more weight than a glossy ad campaign. It’s small-scale reach, but it hits closer to home. And that’s exactly what your coffee shop needs.
How to Collaborate (Without It Feeling Forced)
Start with a Real Relationship
Skip the templated DMs. Follow them, engage with their posts, and be present in their feed before you ever pitch anything. If they already like your shop, even better – say thanks and build from there.
Let Them Do Their Thing
You’re not hiring a spokesperson. You’re inviting someone to share something they like in their own way. A story with their go-to drink, a quick clip from your patio, whatever feels natural to them will land better with their audience.
Give Them Something to Talk About
Sure, offer them a drink, but think a little bigger. Maybe it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how your pastries are made. Maybe it’s a seasonal drink named after their pet. Give them something their followers haven’t seen before.
Make the Next Step Obvious
If their followers want to try your café, don’t make them dig for info. Share a link, drop a promo code, or let the influencer run a quick giveaway. Keep it simple.
See What Sticks
Use a code, track a post, or just ask new customers how they heard about you. This helps you understand what’s working, and what’s not – so your next collab is even smoother.
Local influencer marketing for coffee shops isn’t about chasing clout. It’s about showing up in a way that feels natural and community-focused. Pick people who get your vibe, trust them to tell your story, and let the connection grow from there.Done well, it doesn’t feel like marketing. It feels like a friend saying, “You should check this place out.” And that’s exactly what makes it work.
More…
- A Beginner’s Guide To Influencer Marketing For Coffee Shops
- Brewing Success: How Influencer Marketing Can Boost Your Local Coffee Shop
- 17 Coffee Shop Marketing Ideas to Boost Sales in 2025
- Influencer Marketing in Building Coffee Communication.pdf
- Coffee Shop Marketing: The Micro-Influencer Approach – AFLUENCER
