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selling coffee online?

by kirksmith888
8 replies
guys I'm running an instant coffee business and I'm thinking of going online. I've heard about this viral marketing as the most efficient marketing strategy today.

I've read a blog (just PM me for the link) that talks about viral marketing but I'm really not internet savvy so I guess I need to hire people to do it for me.

How does this work? do you spread virus to every person who's connected to the internet? sorry I'm so ignorant about this I grew up admiring Elvis Presley and not Michael Jackson (R.I.P.).

I'm also thinking of hiring live chat operators to handle online inquiries and order-taking. what do you think?
#coffee #online #selling
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    Viral marketing requires something to make it stand out.

    Maybe a free sample of your instant coffee. Free samplers spread those thing like a virus.
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  • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
    Hi Kirksmith888,

    Many people would love to have something go viral but unless you offer something different and an interesting twist, it is unlikely. Free samples are great but will you sell enough product from these freebies to justify the expense.

    Start off by promoting your product via Twitter and Facebook etc. Get someone experienced with these sites to get you going you so you dont violate TOS.

    Use article marketing, social bookmarking and more to generate interest in your coffee products. Again, this would have to be done in a way so that it promotes you but is not spammy.

    Take a look at the coffee companies that are doing business online and checkout what they are doing (look into their backlinks etc.) There are several online coffee companies using affiliate marketers.

    Work with someone that is experienced so you can keep on top of new social media and stay ahead of what to do next. Or take it step by step and learn it yourself.

    I work with a few select companies on social media. If you want an outline of what you should be doing, PM me and I will send you a general social media plan I use with them that has gotten great results.

    Plant seeds to make your trees
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    Pen Name + 8 eBooks + social media sites 4 SALE - PM me (evergreen beauty niche)

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    • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
      viral marketing doesn't mean that you (or your product or website) spread a virus - it just means that the site (or video or whatever) becomes wildly popular with people telling their friends/family/neighbours/postmen/passing persons about it, who in turn think your site, marketing message or whatever is so amazing that they tell their friends/family.............. etc,etc

      In other words - you need a catchy site or marketing slogan or gimmick that somehow captures people's imagination so they want to pass it on.

      Probably as much luck as judgement!
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  • Profile picture of the author SantiSantana
    I happen to have some experience in the coffee sector. Drop me a pm and we might be able to talk about your needs
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    • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
      I sell a lot of coffee online. It's a great product because of the repeat business. I sell imported gourmet brands you won't find in local stores.

      Here's one thing I've learned from my experience...it's easy to get folks to buy a brand they are familiar with. People are creatures of habit. Getting folks to switch brands or try something new is an uphill battle.

      If they can find it in a local store, you'll find it very hard to compete. The shipping alone will kill you. And if you add a handling charge your market will become smaller still.

      If your brand is not widely known you may need to create massive buzz about it. Press releases, mall intercepts where you give away samples and film people enjoying the product so you can put the videos on YouTube, as examples.

      Send the product to every morning DJ whose name you can find and see if they'll give you quick plug. Same with coffee bloggers. If your product has a catchy name and tastes great you could build up enough buzz that your brand could become a search term. Blogs go viral easier than products. If you marry the two together, you may have some luck.

      KJ
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      • Profile picture of the author jaykoebele
        Just want to say how grateful I am for everyone on the Warrior Forum.

        Just last night I came across a healthy sport drink (from my mother who was on vacation in Montana last week) and I thought about approaching the owners about creating a presence online, since they really don't have one right now.

        I jump on the forum, and without looking for it, some nice info on this thread as well as a friendly confirmationto me that I should pursue this opportunity.

        Happy and Safe Halloween to all!

        Jay
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    Originally Posted by kirksmith888 View Post

    guys I'm running an instant coffee business and I'm thinking of going online. I've heard about this viral marketing as the most efficient marketing strategy today.

    I've read a blog (just PM me for the link) that talks about viral marketing but I'm really not internet savvy so I guess I need to hire people to do it for me.

    How does this work? do you spread virus to every person who's connected to the internet? sorry I'm so ignorant about this I grew up admiring Elvis Presley and not Michael Jackson (R.I.P.).

    I'm also thinking of hiring live chat operators to handle online inquiries and order-taking. what do you think?
    Viral as others have said is basically "Word of Mouth". On the computer this can be done by sharing a link, a video, etc. One person thinks its great and tells friends, who tell other friends, and soon you have a lot of people coming to you. FaceBook was spread this way, Hotmail, and I'm sure many others.

    Last year Burger King had a brilliant viral campaign called Subservient Chicken. It was just a web page with a guy in a chicken suit, but it would do things on command, or so it appeared. That spread across the net like crazy and Burger King got some buzz. Did it sell burgers? Not sure.

    Here it is if you want to see:

    BURGER KING® ? Subservient Chicken
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    Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill

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