National Coffee Day has been gaining popularity since its inception in 2005. Since then, online searches<\/a> for \u201cNational Coffee Day\u201d have continued to rise, with more and more large national brands taking part in the fun. Brands offering freebies and discounts to coffee lovers across the country can increase foot traffic and online sales, engage staff, and delights customers without a significant marketing budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n California-based Verve Coffee<\/a> has celebrated National Coffee Day since its first shop opened in 2007. What started as giving out a simple cup of free batch brew to patrons on this most caffeinated day has evolved to social media-based coffee subscription giveaways, gifts with purchase for online sales, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Verve\u2019s annual National Coffee Day promotions bring in foot traffic and engagement on social media and cultivate a sense of excitement within the staff. \u201cPromotions that are genuine to the brand are successful for us,\u201d says Lisa Cappelloni, head of communications for Verve. \u201cOur staff gets excited, and we love sharing coffee with our customers. It\u2019s a fun and authentic way for us to engage with customers, and plus, who doesn\u2019t love a free cup of coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Verve\u2019s observance of the holiday has developed over time, celebrating National Coffee Day can be as simple as you\u2019d like. Leveraging this (and other fun holidays) can be as easy as surprising your regular customers with a free cup of coffee when they come in\u2014but it\u2019s also an opportunity for more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A thoughtful promotion can take advantage of your brand and staff strengths. National Coffee Day can build awareness, increase sales, and strengthen your relationships with your customers, contributing to brand loyalty over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So how can you get in on the fun?<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the first people customers interact with, baristas can contribute significantly to the success of a promotion. Enthusiastic employees will be excited to share the promotion and will help your customers feel taken care of and appreciated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe can generally test the temperature of the fun-factor by seeing how our staff responds. If our baristas are excited about a promotion, it\u2019s a pretty clear indicator of its success in our retail channel. Our baristas are our strongest brand ambassadors, and if they\u2019re excited about a holiday or promotion, our customers by extension are excited about it too, making it all worthwhile,\u201d says Cappelloni. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jumping on trends is a great way to cultivate a new audience while delighting your current one. Use the hashtag #NationalCoffeeDay to share photos and videos of your shop, baristas, beverages, and more. The hashtag will push your posts to a new audience and, potentially, a new customer base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your followers and customers want a discount, of course, but they also want to support you. Give them notice and reminders to come in on this day so you can celebrate with them! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Broadcast news channels love celebrating holidays like National Coffee Day and featuring local businesses. Once you\u2019ve decided on a promotion, reach out to see if they\u2019re interested in having you on air to talk more about your offerings and brand on National Coffee Day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s fun to launch a new menu offering. Whether it\u2019s a limited-edition release, or the debut of a new staple, adding a new item to the menu can inspire creativity and excitement among employees and customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, challenge your baristas to develop inventive drink combinations that become staff and customer favorites. Encourage their creativity with a signature beverage contest. Allow customers to vote and announce the winner on National Coffee Day! <\/p>\n\n\n\n An attraction like a DJ, live band, poetry reading, or local art showcase helps demonstrate that National Coffee Day, coffee, and your shop are all things to be truly celebrated. Make it a party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still not convinced you should celebrate National Coffee Day? Here are some deals happening this year to use as inspiration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dunkin\u2019<\/a> is offering a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase to its Perks members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Extending the promotion beyond just National Coffee Day, Atlas Coffee Club<\/a> is offering a free 12-ounce bag of premium single-origin coffee with any new subscription (use code ATLASCOFFEEDAY22, customers pay for shipping). <\/p>\n\n\n\n On September 29th, Verve Coffee Roasters will offer a free cup of batch brew all day at all locations. They\u2019ll also give five lucky winners a year\u2019s worth of coffee via a social media giveaway. The giveaway opens on September 29th and closes by 11:59 p.m. PST on October 1st. Check out Verve\u2019s Instagram account<\/a> to learn more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering a gift with purchase promotion, Sheetz<\/a> customers can get a free cold brew coffee by purchasing any in-store item. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Combining the fun of a giveaway and the perks of customer loyalty programs, Dutch Bros Coffee <\/a>is giving Dutch Rewards members the opportunity to win up to one year of free coffee. By using the Dutch Bros app and scanning their Dutch Pass at the window, customers are automatically entered to win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more National Coffee Day inspiration, check out #NationalCoffeeDay<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n National Coffee Day is a great excuse to infuse more creativity into everyday life and celebrate the small\u2014but mighty\u2014pleasure that coffee brings. \u201cIt\u2019s a fun way to celebrate and show appreciation for your customers,\u201d says Cappelloni. \u201cAt Verve, we\u2019re all about what we call \u2018Making Days\u2019\u2014it\u2019s how we bring joy and appreciation to our customers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cover photo by Nathan Dumlao<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nDelight in Authenticity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Leveraging Excitement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bring In Employees<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Use The #NationalCoffeeDay Hashtag<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Reach Out to Local News Outlets<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Launch A New Drink<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Host An Event<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Get Inspired<\/h2>\n\n\n\n