Social Media Is Everywhere.

Ever since taking COMM 101, I’ve become more aware of marketing through social media. This past weekend, when I was up at Whistler for a “relaxing girls getaway weekend” at a bed and breakfast, we went to the Village for an afternoon and had coffee at a café called The Lift Coffee Company, an independent coffee/espresso bar that serves breakfasts, as well as paninis, sandwiches and pastries. As a small company, word-of-mouth is the best way to promote the company; and being available to consumers on the web through Facebook and Twitter (targeting younger crowds who go to Whistler to ski) should be a great marketing strategy for them.

"We are now on Facebook + Twitter. Follow, comment, give feedback, get involved!"

Unlike Shoestring’s Diner, which we wrote our group business plan on, social media marketing should work for The Lift Coffee Company. Shoestring’s, on the other hand, targets families and already has marketing programs using email and coupons.

Why is it, then, that Lift Coffee Company only has 64 fans on their Facebook page, and 29 followers on Facebook? Their Facebook page includes information about their opening hours, address, phone number, payment options, price range, specialties and services. Their last tweet was last September and mostly consist of local shout-outs.

In order to improve this marketing strategy, the company should perhaps provide more promotions as incentives for their Twitter followers and Facebook fans. Without this, there is no reason for consumers to utilize these web tools. On Twitter, each tweet should include a #whistler hashtag so that it’s more specifically targeting Twitter users who’re searching for tweets about Whistler. Their Facebook should also more actively communicate with their fans to ask for feedback or ask what the consumers want, so that they’re better able to cater to their customers.

With the holiday season coming up and with Whistler as a popular destination spot during the winter, The Lift Coffee Company should be able to draw in more customers if they implement these marketing changes quickly.