Marketing for Frozen Yogurt Shops: Fun Froyo Events! (Part 6 of 10)

Marketing for Frozen Yogurt Shops: Planning your Frozen Yogurt Shop’s Summer Events

Summer is in full swing, which means your community is probably craving a cool break more than ever! So how can you capitalize and more importantly share your brand effectively, especially if you’re just starting out as a frozen yogurt shop during these busy summer months? Throw an event for your community!

Why Should I Throw an Event When Sales are the Highest During the Year?

Investment in your future Yes, frozen yogurt does well in the summer but does it do as well when the months start to cool down. Throwing an event gets the word of mouth going all year round.

Community Studies have shown that the tides are turning, people are frequenting more community based small businesses in order to feel more connected and support locally. Throwing an event not only shows your buisness’ support of your community but also gives you the opportunity to become more embedded into the local landscape. This could be a stepping stone to becoming the “local watering hole”.

Get to know your customers in a FUN atmosphere Throwing an event for your community gives you an opportunity to know your regulars and convert some newbies. Also, the summer months tend to be the months with the most foot traffic meaning more people in attendance to your event= SUCCESS!

What Kind of Summer Event Should My Frozen Yogurt Shop Have?

Okay, now that I’ve convinced you it’s time to start thinking about what type of event you want to celebrate. Start thinking about your community are there any local fairs or farmers markets going on? Is there a holiday coming up? What day of the week could use a little revenue boost? Here are some ideas:
Frozen FarMar:
- Offer discounts on days that coincide with a local farmer’s market (If the farmer’s market is in walking distance)
- Distribute coupons at the farmer’s market
- Feature local flavors of what’s in season (bonus: use farmer’s market ingredients in your frozen yogurt)

Holiday Celebrations
- Labor Day (September 2nd)
- Patriot Day (September 11th): Red, White, and Blueberries theme, Give discounts to service members i.e firefighters, military, medical personnel.
- Last Day of Summer (September 22): Feature summer flavors, play fun summer games.

My Favorite Summer Event: Summer FroYo Social!

This is a really flexible and fun idea for a frozen yogurt store event. It goes off the community-based Ice Cream Social idea. You can start by putting it on your summer calendar once or twice a month and then maybe weekly depending on attendance and demand.

1.) Start by planning a date for your Frozen Yogurt Social, if you want it to eventually become a recurring event plan on a date when your Frozen Yogurt Shop typically gets less customers to boost the potential amount of revenue or on a date coinciding with another community event to join forces and attract maximum amount of customers.

2.) Plan your discounts. Figure out what your profit margin can afford and then have fun with the discounts. When I was a college student I really appreciated dollar a cup night at my local frozen yogurt shop. Go the charity route; If they bring in a canned good they get a sizeable discount. Or just be funky with it, if they wear a fun hat, discount. Dress like the featured flavor, discount. Remember, discounts get people in the door.

3.) Plan a family friendly game or activity. Some summer friendly ideas are: hula hoop contests, outdoor movies, chalk art, bubble blowing, get a local bluegrass band to join in on the fun, or offer fun twists to your frozen yogurt such as FroYo floats, FroYo cookie sandwiches, FroYo pops. The possibilities are endless.

4.) Now go promoting crazy! Take advantage of all those social networking accounts you opened with your company’s name. Hit up Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, your customer email list and Facebook at least a week before your event. Use a countdown counter to bolster excitement. Also, hashtag your store and event!

Example: #FroYoSocial #TwirlyTuesdays #ChillyWilly’s. (bonus: remember to have people check-in on social media when they get to your social.) Also, go pre-tech and print out flyers, post them on community bulletin boards and get permission to promote at local elementary and high schools.

5.) Remember to Decorate and Have Fun at your Summer Frozen Yogurt Social!



Written by: Sierra Adkins

BEST POINT OF SALE SYSTEM FOR FROZEN YOGURT SHOPS

Marketing your Frozen Yogurt Shop: Using Instagram

Using Instagram in your social media marketing for your frozen yogurt shop is not only a free way in which you can market your delicious frozen yogurt but also really easy once it’s all set up.

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a photo and video sharing social networking service. Instagram is one of the biggest and fastest growing social media sites out there seeing a growth of 100 billion active users within it’s first two years.

Setting up your Frozen Yogurt Shop’s Instagram

1.) What you’ll need to set up your frozen yogurt shop’s Instagram is some sort of mobile device: ipad, iphone, ipod android smartphone or a tablet that is app compatible. Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer it’s service through the regular old internet it functions as an app.

2.) Download the app from your app store.

3.) Now open the app and create a profile. Update Instagram with your frozen yogurt shop’s website address too. Remember to use your frozen yogurt shops name as the username!

4.) And now your frozen yogurt shop has an Instagram!

Now what...

Connecting your Frozen Yogurt Shop’s Facebook Business Page to Instagram

By doing this you can quickly click the share to facebook button and your post will share to your facebook business page AND your Instagram.

1.) Log into your facebook account on your mobile device. Make sure it’s the account that is that administrator for your facebook business page. 
2.) Open Instagram. The picture below shows the navigation buttons for your instagram.

    3.) Click on the profile button on the bottom right corner. This should take you to your

main Instagram profile page. Next, Click on the settings cog in the top right corner.

4.) You should now be at this page:

Click the Share Settings button under preferences and then click the Facebook button.

Let Instagram access your Facebook profile and pages.  

    *bonus: here is also where you can link your twitter account.

5.) You should now see this menu:

    Now, Click the Share to button, right now it should say next to it “Timeline (Default)” as it does in the image above. Switch that to your business page which is under the “Choose

a Page” header.

6.) Now all the pictures you share from instagram with facebook will be posted on your

business page not your personal profile page!

Now it’s time to have fun and start posting! make sure to search and add your clients and share your instagram username with them.

    *All Instagram usernames begin with an @

    example: @CafeCartelSystems, @yoloyogurt

Here are some of our favorite Instagram posts of some of our frozen yogurt clients:

               

Best Point of Sale for Frozen Yogurt

Popular Frozen Yogurt Flavors for Summer Time!

Summer is here! also known as the frozen yogurt season. While frozen yogurt is popular year round, it is especially popular in the summer. What other treat offers the cold and refreshing flavors at half the calories? Speaking of flavors, we have noticed some fun new flavors that have been a real hit this summer along with some traditional flavors.

If you are a frozen yogurt store owner, these flavors may be the answer to beating out your competitors. It’s all about “Refreshing” this season, and these 6 flavors will ensure flocks of people are flooding through your doors.

1. Strawberry - Summer’s favorite fruit is a mainstay classic to the Frozen Yogurt industry. People love strawberry’s in the summer as it is their season. And, the perfect mixture of big savory sweetness, with just a hint of tart, means customer satisfaction. Strawberry may seem obvious, but the idea is to have everyone’s favorite along with the exciting new flavors. Plus you can always mix the two!

2. Pomegranate - This antioxidant powerhouse is beloved by many a health-nut and for good reason. Pomegranate is proven to reduce the risk of heart problems and it’s antioxidant properties are great for naturally lowering high blood pressure and is considered to be one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. A great organic pomegranate yogurt with some blueberries and granola is just what the health-conscience summertime treat-seeker will order.

3. Greek - The best thing about Greek yogurt, is that it is a broad and healthy style of yogurt which can be found in multiple styles and flavors. Greek FroYo can also be paired with just about any topping for a refreshing, healthy or indulgent feel. Stocking your store with any Honey, Vanilla, Fruit or Mixed flavor Greek yogurt is sure to peak more than a few people’s interest this Summer.

4. Sorbet - Nothing says refreshing quite like a powerful sorbet in the Summer. With dozens of options ranging from Orange to Mango, Watermelon to Lemonade there are no shortage of great sorbet styled Frozen Yogurts out there for you to choose from. A sorbet’s rich and tart tinge leaves customers wanting more and will have them lined up around the corner.

5. Passion Fruit - When it comes to a refreshing tropical flavor, the passionfruit is second to none. The Brazilian fruit is a must-have for those seeking a light, but exciting alternative to the typically indulgent year-round flavors. With a strong tart flavor and citrus overtones, the passionfruit is the perfect summertime treat.

6. Piña Colada - If you like Piña Coladas, let’s face it who doesn’t, then you will love the  Piña Colada flavored frozen yogurt. The best part is that Piña Colada is not only indulgent and refreshing it also has a very luxurious feel to it, plus it goes great with chocolate. If your customers are looking for something exceptional, might you suggest adding coconut shavings and pineapple slices to their summer treat?

Having a wide selection of Summer specific flavors as well as the classics is a great game plan for the Summer time. You can then track what they are going after, that way you can be well prepared for you busiest season.

Best Frozen Yogurt Point of Sale System

 

Frozen Yogurt Cup Dividers

Has anyone heard of these frozen yogurt cup dividers?

The idea is so simple and yet revolutionary to frozen yogurt consumption: Frozen Yogurt Cup Dividers! Just imagine getting those two flavors that don't mix well like pineapple sherbert and coffee and peanut butter twist. You can add fruit to one side and chocolate candy bars to the other. It's the best of both worlds!

Divide and Conquer the Frozen Yogurt Business!

Here is the kicker for all you frozen yogurt owners out there, the dividers don't add any weight to the cup! You don't have to think about calibrating your scale or adjusting the price at all. Just add this little addition and your yogurt shop and with eh right marketing you are sure to generate more foot traffic!

Boost Your Frozen Yogurt Sales This Winter

Hot ideas to diversify your frozen yogurt shop this winter

Frozen yogurt shops are a thriving business, especially during the warmer seasons. Business booms in the summer time as everyone wants to find a way to beat the heat, satisfy their sweet tooth, and stay in shape for the bathing suit season. But when it comes to winter, you may notice your business slowing down as people are looking for treats that can warm them up. Here are some fun ideas that other shops have tried out that have been successful in keeping their frozen yogurt shop relevant during the cold seasons.

Adding a “Hot Twist” to your Current Product:

“Last December, the chain started its Froth beverage bar, which makes flavored hot chocolate by melting the chocolate toppings available as options for frozen-yogurt customers. Popular varieties include the P.B. Confidential, made from melted Reese’s peanut butter cups and steamed milk, or the Cliffhanger, made from melted Andes chocolate mints.”
Mark Brandau
http://nrn.com


Bring the Heat:

You can generate more foot traffic and increase sales by adding hot drinks to the menu. Check out how Forever Yogurt did this with some unique yummy ideas.

“This year Forever Yogurt extended its Froth line by offering espresso, which could turn any of the flavored hot chocolates into a latte. Other flavor offerings include Hershey’s milk chocolate and dark chocolate, Nutella, and Nestle Abuelita.”
Mark Brandau
http://nrn.com


This has been a very successful addition and ultimately increases frozen yogurt sales. Heck, I’ve even seen some shops sell sushi and miso soup in their frozen yogurt shop! Talk about an interesting menu.

Get Traditional:

Tis the season during these winter months. The season for pumpkin pie and peppermint candy canes. It’s great to get into the spirit as people are looking to find fun ways to celebrate with their families. That’s why having some traditional Christmas flavors and toppings can be of great benefit to your frozen yogurt store. The other day I had strawberry frozen yogurt with
cheesecake chunks and it was amazing. It got me thinking how yummy would vanilla bean frozen yogurt and pumpkin pie chunks be. Or peppermint and brownie chunks. Use your imagination, the sky's the limit!

Give a little bit:

Everyone is in the giving mood and love having creative ways to do so. Check out how Orange Leaf helps their customers "kill two birds with one stone" by giving back and getting a treat.

“In addition to those offerings, Orange Leaf is running a philanthropic promotion that rewards customers with three free ounces of yogurt for every new pair of pajamas they bring in to donate to families in need. A pajama drive stands out from other promotions because it is not a common clothing item like coats that businesses ask for, but nonetheless would be appreciated by needy families, Travis said. He added that the cause-marketing angle is very important to each Orange Leaf store’s goal of becoming entwined in the local community.”
Mark Brandau
http://nrn.com

How can Cafe Cartel Systems help you?

Be sure to check out the best point of sale system for frozen yogurt shops, cafe cartel systems!

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Learn more information on the Frozen Yogurt Industry

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Get a quote to find the best option for your business

Frozen Yogurt Machines -Buying from Overseas

Is it worth buying overseas? The Frozen Yogurt machine is at the epicenter of the frozen yogurt shop. It determines quality and quantity output of your yogurt as well as operation and service costs which can be a bit mysterious until you have actually purchased the machines in which case you are a bit stuck.

To help carry the load we are examining a few yogurt machines every week and different important aspects of the upkeep of these machines so you can compare them to the ROI of the machine.

There are a few major players in the US that most people looking to open a shop come across; Taylor, Forte, Stoelting and Sani Serve. From recent pricing investigations these machines run from $8,000 - $13,000 with Taylor being the most expensive.

I also came across Alpine which gets their machines from a manufacturer in China. Now some of the warnings I have come across about buying overseas were that if you buy overseas you have to order any broken parts from overseas, many machines not being NSF or UL certified, and high risk of scams. The site seems to address all three issues on the home page stating “free spare parts, 3 year warranty on motors and compressors, and the man behind these machines is a frozen yogurt shop owner in AZ.”

Whether or not you think the Alpine is the machine for you they had some interesting points about what to look at when shopping for a commercial frozen yogurt machine. for example; they compared their machines to taylor and reasoned about how the energy bill alone is outrageous compared to how much yogurt you are actually putting out and suggests that for most places it is not necessary. Here are some of their key points when comparing to Taylor, one of the top brands when it comes to commercial frozen yogurt machines.

1. Each machine has two separate, independent motors and compressors so they require much more energy to operate. That is fine if you are running a very high volume business with 1 or 2 machines. What I found with most self serve yogurt store is they have from 6 to 8 machines to provide a variety of flavors so they carry a lot less load. . What I think people are looking for is machines that are energy efficient since they are only being used a few times a day each during peak hours.

2. Taylor uses two motors and two compressors means: More energy consumption – My store had 4 machines and cost me about $1,600 in electricity monthly. Now I have 8 Alpine and the utilities dropped considerably to only $900 monthly! More moving parts that could break down – Since the new machines were too expensive, I bought some used ones as an alternative and they cost me on an average $800 per month for repair and maintenance for four of them.

3. Expensive cost to build out - Since most commercial rental spaces have about 200amp electrical panel and because of the load that Taylor needs, a new operator has to add an additional panel and that can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $25,000 depending where the main electrical line they have to bring it from. With our machines, existing 200 amp panel should be enough.

Keep in mind it wasn’t easy finding additional information on these machines, but that seems to be the trend with commercial yogurt machines. I do appreciate the free manual and the specifications page on the site. There are some important aspects to think about when considering buying from this company, they offer a warranty but don’t say much about service. Sure you have a manual but how much will it cost you in the long run? It depends on how long it takes to fix.

There are some opinions out there that service through the yogurt machine supplier is expensive and unnecessary. A simple refrigerator repair man could do the job. If you have a refrigerator repair company that you have an on going service plan or relationship with, it may be worth it to buy a machine such as the Alpine 360. I would suggest bringing in the specifications to the refrigerator repair company and collaborating with an expert on parts and functionality. That way you have a local go to guy that knows what to expect and where to find the parts if necessary.

Be sure to check out the best point of sale system for frozen yogurt shops, cafe cartel systems!

Click On a Link Below To:

Learn more information on the Frozen Yogurt Industry

View Case Studies 
Get a quote to find the best option for your business

Frozen Yogurt - Must Have Toppings

Frozen yogurt shop, must have toppings for classic combos

Do you aimlessly add toppings with no goal in mind only to find that these don't taste that great together. Here are some delicious savory combos to remember next time you treat yourself to some fro yo so you don't miss the mark.

1. Strawberry cheesecake - cheese cake froyo, strawberries, strawberry syrup, whip cream

2. Tropical Treat - Tart Flavored Froyo, Mango slices, pineapple, coconut

3. Morning Glory - Vanilla froyo, blueberry, almond, granola

4. Chunky Monkey - Swirl 2 -3 of the following - vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter; walnuts, chocolate chips, bananas

5. S'more Please - vanilla chocolate or swirl froyo; graham cracker, chocolate chip, marshmallow

6. Classic Crunch - Vanilla froyo, toffee, fudge


These are great combos for frozen yogurt shops to know and boast. And of course make sure you have all the ingredients before doing so. there is nothing worse than having a customer come in for something specific and walk out without it. You may never see them again!

Be sure to check out the best point of sale system for frozen yogurt shops, cafe cartel systems!

Click On a Link Below To:

Learn more information on the Frozen Yogurt Industry

View Case Studies 
Get a quote to find the best option for your business