Who am I?

I’m Andy. I’ve been doing marketing for more than 20 years. B2C and B2B.

During that time I found time for only one hobby, specialty coffee. It started in Ethiopia and ended in a social media following of more than 400,000 instagrm followers and an online, independent specialty coffee magazine called FLTR.

I’ve learnt a few lessons along the way. I’m going to share those with you here.

What do I plan to write about?

I’m going to share marketing insights, tips and tricks. In a practical way so that you can easily apply them to your business.

I’ll start by talking about marketing a new business. As an example I’m going to talk about a coffee business. And I’ll unpack the discussion in 7 phases:

Phase 1: Foundation and Planning

Every great coffee journey starts with the beans, and every successful business starts with a solid foundation. In this initial phase, we'll dive into understanding your market, defining your brand's unique essence, and crafting a business plan that serves as your roadmap to success. Expect to cover everything from creating customer personas to setting actionable, strategic goals.

Phase 2: Pre-Launch and Brand Building

Before the aroma of your coffee begins to fill the air, there's the exciting task of building anticipation and laying the groundwork for your brand's identity. Here, we'll explore strategies for developing your visual brand, engaging with your future customers online, and planning your menu to reflect your brand's story and values.

Phase 3: Launch Strategies

The day your doors finally open is just the beginning. In this phase, we'll look at effective launch strategies, from making a splash with your grand opening to optimizing your online presence for local SEO. It's about turning that initial buzz into a lasting impression.

Phase 4: Growth and Customer Retention

With the launch behind us, the focus shifts to growth and nurturing the community around your brand. From creating content that resonates to designing loyalty programs that keep customers coming back, this phase is all about deepening those initial connections and fostering a vibrant, engaged community.

Phase 5: Scaling and Expansion

As your business grows, so do the challenges and opportunities. This phase will guide you through the intricacies of scaling your operation, whether through opening new locations, expanding your online presence, or even considering franchising, all while maintaining the heart and soul of your brand.

Phase 6: Adaptation and Innovation

The coffee market is ever-evolving, and staying ahead means being ready to adapt and innovate. We'll explore how to keep your business agile, from incorporating new technologies to embracing sustainability, ensuring that your coffee shop remains a beloved staple in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Phase 7: Building a Legacy

Finally, we look to the future, focusing on building a legacy that lasts. This phase is about more than just profit; it's about creating a meaningful impact on your community, engaging in social responsibility, and crafting a brand story that will be told for generations to come.

Am I going to spam you?

No. I plan to send you an email once a week. Every Friday.

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I distil more than 20 years of B2C and B2B marketing experience into practical and effective tips for you to market your business.

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I distil more than 20 years of B2C and B2B marketing experience into practical and effective tips for you to market your coffee business.